Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood Board No. 11

August 2020 Minutes

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020
MISSION MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM 
550 S. KING STREET
(NOTE: The Mission Memorial Auditorium was NOT available
for Tuesday, August 25, 2020, so it was re-scheduled to tonight.)

ALSO, VIA VIDEO-TELECONFERENCE (ZOOM)

CALL TO ORDER - Chair Pro Tem Ryan Tam called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. Chair Tam welcomed attendees to the Thursday, August 20, 2020 regular monthly meeting of the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 at the Mission Memorial Auditorium (MMA) at 550 S. King Street and on ZOOM.

ROLL CALL OF BOARD MEMBERS - Board Members Present - (In Person) - Lynn Mariano and Ryan Tam. 
(Video-Teleconference [ZOOM]) - Rodney Chang, Chris Chung, Robert Clayton, Kathleen Lee, and Bryan Mick. Quorum was established with seven (7) members present. Note - This 11-member Board requires six (6) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Absent - Jayne Cloutier (resigned), Braunsen Kalaikai, Ron Komine, and Michael Zehner.

Guests - (In Person) - House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say, Councilmember Tommy Waters; Dave and Kari Watase, Mr. Toba (Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 resident), Ronald Higa (Liliha/Pu unui/ lewa/Kamehameha Heights Neighborhood Board No. 14 resident), Janelle Saole (Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts, Mission Memorial Auditorium Manager); David Jones and partner, videographers (Integrated Multimedia Consultants), and Marcie Kamei, Public Relations Assistant and K. Russell Ho Neighborhood Assistant (Neighborhood Commission Office).
Guests - (Partial online list of 54 participants) - Deputy Director Ian Santee (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative, Honolulu Emergency Services Department); Harrison Rue (Department of Planning and Permitting [DPP]), Todd Apo (The Howard Hughes Corporation), R.T. Yoda, Race Randle, Keith Kurahashi (R.M. Towill Corporation), J.M., Art Gladstone, Isaiah S., AELEE, Meredith Soniat, bf048, Marilyn Kahn, Valerie Umeda, Warren Chaiko, F. Josof, Selena Pang, Shawn Hamamoto (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation), Cord Anderson, Tom Schnell, Andrea Galvin, Nicola, Adrian Tam, Sandy, Francine Murray (Hawaii Community Development Authority), Catherine Coleman, William Nhieu, Laura Nagasawa, David Yamane, Michael's iPad, Renee, Marlene Coach, Kai McDurmin, Mike Robinson, Brad Anderson, House Speaker Scott Saiki, Councilmember Carol Fukunaga, (408) 3XX-XX69, (808) 2XX-XX75, (808) 2XX-XX72, (808) 4XX-XX72, Kathleen Mikles, and Audrey Lee (M lama Moana),

Reminders - Chair Tam reminded Board members that after they ask a question, then let others participate, and if time permits, you may ask a second question. Please hold comments to when the Board considers resolutions. For others, identify oneself when speaking and if on ZOOM, signal Chair Tam if wishing to make brief comments by raising your hand, or using the chat box. For presenters, there will be a five (5)-minute time limit for the presentation and five (5) minutes for questions. Elected Officials and all others have a three (3)-minute limit. Chair Tam thanked Janelle Saole from the Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA) for letting the Board use the Mission Memorial Auditorium.

COVID-19 - Chair Tam noted that since the last meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, that 22,789 Americans have died from COVID-19, raising the total to 176,962 American deaths, since the pandemic started. On average, every 84 seconds an American dies, over 1,000 a day. World-wide 100,791 have died, raising the total to 787,000 lives lost. Chair Tam continued that the purpose of the Neighborhood Board system is to ensure effective citizen participation in the government's decision-making process.

Mariano proposed to modify the order of the agenda. After the Public Safety Reports, he proposed Community Neighborhood Watches, Announcements, Permits, Board Business, Unfinished Business, New Business, Residents' and Community Concerns, Elected Officials, Agency Reports, and Presentations later.
Chang moved and Clayton seconded to modify the order of the agenda. Discussion followed. Marilyn Khan pointed out that at the last meeting, the formation of a Candidates Forum Committee was supposed to be added to the next agenda, but it was not listed tonight. Chair Tam wanted to add this agenda item under Unfinished Business as 7.4. Mariano moved and Clayton seconded to amend the motion to add 7.4 Creation of a Candidates Forum Committee to the agenda, under Unfinished Business. As there were no objections, the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 ADOPTED the amendment by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 7-0-0 (AYE: Chang, Chung, Clayton, Lee, Mariano, Mick, and Tam; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

As there were no objections, the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 ADOPTED the main motion to modify the order of the agenda as amended, by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 7-0-0 (AYE: Chang, Chung, Clayton, Lee, Mariano, Mick, and Tam; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - P wa a Station - There was no representative present and no report was available.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD), District 1 - There was no representative present and no report was available.

COMMUNITY NEIGHBORHOOD WATCHES - Chair Tam announced the following:

• Mother Waldron Park (525 Cooke Street) - Mondays, 6:00 p.m.; 
• Sheridan Park (833 Pi ikoi Street) - Monday/Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m.; 
• Keola La i Condominium (600 Queen Street) - Tuesdays, 5:15 p.m.; 
• Kolowalu Park (1177 Queen Street) - 1st and 2nd Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. 
• Kalakaua Homes (1545 Kal kaua Avenue) - Fridays, 5:00 p.m.
• Atkinson Towers (419A Atkinson Drive) - Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m.

Chair Tam hoped to have monthly reports from the Community Neighborhood Watches (CNW) in the future.

ANNOUNCEMENTS - Chair Tam mentioned that they were listed on the last page of the agenda as follows:

• Next Meeting - The date/time/location of the next regular meeting of the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 is to be determined.
• lelo Broadcasts - Broadcasts of the Ala Moana-Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 meetings are on lelo 49 on the first and third Thursdays at 8:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m., and every second Sunday at 6:00 p.m. The full schedule is at https://olelo.org/tv-schedule/) or full archive at https://www.honolulu.gov/cms-nco-menu/site-nco-sitearticles/1657-board-meeting-video-archive.html.
• No Loitering - Please exit the meeting venue promptly after adjournment. Mahalo.
• Bus Changes - Chair Tam noted that he received an e-mail from the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) about Bus Changes and he will forward it to Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative.

PERMIT REVIEWS, HEARINGS, AND APPLICATIONS

• Development proposals that require Neighborhood Board neighborhood input are being posted at: http://www.honoluludpp.org/ApplicationsForms/ZoningandLandUsePermits/NeighborhoodBoardMaterials.aspx.
• Comments on the Interim Plan Development - Transit - Chair Tam noted that this item is on the agenda and will be discussed later.

BOARD MEMBER REPORTS

Attendance at Other Meetings - Chang, Chung, Clayton, Lee, Mariano, Mick, and Tam had no reports. For Kalaikai, Komine, and Zehner, there was no response.

Chair's Report - Chair Tam reported that the proposed Ala Wai Promenade Lighting Ceremony demonstration will be discussed by others next week and may be postponed to November 2020.

BOARD BUSINESS

Approval of the Tuesday, July 28, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes - They were not available at the mailout time, but were e-mailed out to Board members. Voting will be at the next meeting.

Treasurer's Report - As Treasurer Bryan Mick was online, Chair Tam reported the following: The original allocation for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 was $2,983, Annual Facility Contract - $0.00, and Annual Video Contract - $2,400. With July 2020 expenditures of $55.02 for printing and postage, the remaining balance was $527.98.

Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OahuMPO) CAC (Citizen Advisory Committee) - As the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 had not appointed a delegate as yet, there is no report.

Neighborhood Plan (NP) 2008 - Revised December 2019 - Second Vice Chair Mariano mentioned that Neighborhood Assistant Ho had distributed the Neighborhood Plan 2008 - Revised December 2019 and it was posted on the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) website. Mariano highly recommended that Board members review its 30 pages.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Consider Resolution to Provide Comments on the Ala Moana Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Developments - Chair Tam did not have a draft resolution ready yet, but Harrison Rue of the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) had indicated that they will have a virtual public workshop in the next couple of weeks. The proposed resolution can be discussed after the workshop(s). Chair Tam noted that the resolution previously submitted to the Board will be discussed later.

Consider Resolution, Regarding Bill 2 (2020), Relating to Off-Street Parking and Loading - Mick noted that this was noted at the last meeting and there were two (2) main points that Bill 2 would address, regarding off-street parking in Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) areas. Bill 2 would eliminate the minimum number of required off-street parking spaces for residential developments, and leaving it up to the developer as to how many parking spaces they wish to build and that it would prohibit deeding an off-street parking space to a specific residential unit by requiring a Homeowners Association or property management company to own any spaces, giving them the flexibility to rent to nonresidents. This would lower the cost of the unit, if the buyer did not want to own a car. Mick submitted the following resolution:

RESOLUTION REGARDING BILL 2 (2020) - OFF STREET PARKING

WHEREAS, one (1) of the main objectives of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is to provide people alternatives to the personal automobile, when it comes to mobility and transportation, and
WHEREAS, personal automobiles contribute to greenhouse gas and our nation's oil dependency; and
WHEREAS, the Ulupono Initiative has calculated that there are eight (8) off-street parking spaces for every car on OÔahu; and
WHEREAS, various studies have indicated that the cost to build an off-street parking space is about $40,000, which is passed on to the buyer in a residential development; and
WHEREAS, Bill 2 (2020) proposes a comprehensive revision of off-street parking space requirements; and
WHEREAS, Bill 2 (2020) would eliminate the minimum number of required off-street parking spaces for residential developments in TOD areas, and leave it up to the developer as to how many parking spaces they wish to build; and
WHEREAS, Bill 2 (2020) would prohibit deeding an off-street parking space to a specific residential unit by requiring a Homeowners Association or property management company to own any spaces, giving them the flexibility to rent to nonresidents; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Ala Moana-KakaÔako Neighborhood Board No.11 supports the concepts in Bill 2 of no minimum required number of street parking spaces; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Ala Moana-KakaÔako Neighborhood Board No. 11 supports the concepts in Bill 2 of prohibiting deeding off-street parking spaces to individual units, and
FINALLY, BE IT RESOLVED that copies of this resolution are transmitted to the appropriate City agencies and elected officials.

Chair Tam asked for discussion.

Comments followed:
1. Variable Situations - While Chang agreed to most of Bill 2, Chang agreed that the developer should decide the number of parking stalls and there may be different needs in different parts of the island. He did not support "deeding of the parking stalls."
2. Security - Clayton wanted clarification on security, if the resident wants to sell their parking spaces. Mick responded that residents are allowed to sell/rent their spaces and it up to the Homeowners Association (HOA) to provide security. Mick continued that these proposals would be only in the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) areas and not in the rural areas.

Mariano reminded everyone to move closer to the microphone, so everyone can hear better. Khan agreed with Mariano.

Chair Tam asked for a motion for Bill 2. Mariano asked if the resolutions are posted on the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) website. Chair Tam noted that there is a folder for resolutions. In fact, if Board members can write up the draft resolutions before the mailout, then everyone will get them before the meeting.

3. Resident's Concern - Nicola (online) asked if residents could comment now. Chair Tam replied, "Yes." Nicola lives here and in San Diego, California. She appreciates that residents are able to choose not to have a parking space, which would lower their cost and free the space for someone else.
4. Ward Villages - Todd Apo of Ward Villages noted the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) is working very hard with developers and large landowner groups and non-profits on amendments, but the Bill 2 is for the entire island.
5. Final "Be it Resolved" Clause - Clayton asked if the final "Be it resolved" was added. Chair Tam answered in the affirmative.

Chang moved to remove the part about "deeding the off-street parking spaces" in the second from the final "Be it Resolved" clause. The motion died for lack of a second. Chang moved and Mariano seconded that the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 supports Bill 2. Discussion followed. Mick wanted to add "in TOD areas."

Chang moved and Mariano seconded to amend the motion to add "in TOD areas" to the second "Be it Resolved" clause to read É"prohibiting deeding off-street parking spaces in residential developments to individual units 'in TOD areas.'" Chang was not opposed to adding "in TOD areas" to the previous "no minimum required number of street parking spaces." The amendment was ADOPTED, 6-1-0 (AYE: Chang, Chung, Lee, Mariano, Mick, and Tam; NAY: Clayton; ABSTAIN: None). The motion to amend was ADOPTED.

The main motion was ADOPTED, 6-1-0 (AYE: Chang, Chung, Lee, Mariano, Mick, and Tam; NAY: Clayton; ABSTAIN: None).

Consider Resolution, Regarding Ala Moana Plaza - As Chair Tam announced that a presentation by Keith Kurahashi was presented last month, this was an opportunity for the Board to comment on the Ala Moana Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and the Interim Planned Development-Transit (IPD-T) Permit. Mick submitted the following resolution:

RESOLUTION REGARDING PROPOSED ALA MOANA PLAZA

WHEREAS, the Ala Moana-Kaka'ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 does not entirely dispute Brookfield Properties, a Canada-based real estate investment and development firm that acquired the majority ownership of Ala Moana Mall in or about 2018, and the right to develop their properties, including placing affordable housing within the existing height and density limitations between 100 to 250 feet; and
WHEREAS, Brookfield Properties' latest development proposal of the Ala Moana Plaza that seeks to increase (by more than four (4) times) the current height limits (100 feet) to allow for the building of a 400-foot tower with 595 rental units - 119 units (about 20%) of which would have an 80 percent Area Median Income (AMI) restriction for 30 years, and 225 parking spaces, does not take into thoughtful consideration the local property owners within the vicinity who are already living and invested in their respective luxury properties; and
WHEREAS, concerns have been raised about the project's impacts on existing residences, its impact on public infrastructure, the low number of affordable units and short time restrictions, and the proposed community benefits; and
WHEREAS, the proposed development seeking to obtain the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) exception of raising of the existing height requirements to allow for a 400-foot tower, would obstruct the ocean and mountain plane views for existing units in the local area such as Uraku Tower Hawaii that was built in 1990, and Moana Pacific that was built in 2007; and
WHEREAS, current property owners and investors at the Uraku Tower Hawaii, Moana Pacific, and other residential buildings in the area that were granted what appeared to be the last exemption of the TOD height limitation of up to 400 feet, enjoy and appreciate the ocean views towards Magic Island and Ala Moana Park, as well as the height limits on the neighborhood-side of Ala Moana Mall that were zoned for buildings at 100 feet; and
WHEREAS, since the one (1)-time exemption was granted for Moana Pacific to be built at 400 feet, the Honolulu City Council has proposed limitations to TOD height restrictions to 100 feet (note: although the Honolulu City Council has not formally adopted the TOD plan, it is used as a guideline to restrict obstructive views for existing properties). As a result, since 2007 to present, current Moana Pacific and Uraku Tower Hawaii owners, residents and investors have enjoyed some security that their scenic views of the surrounding natural environment and property value would be protected and appreciate in value overtime; and
WHEREAS, Moana Pacific and Uraku Tower Hawaii owners, residents, and investors, along with the local residents in the Ala Moana-Kaka ako community have voiced their concerns and dissatisfaction with the proposed Brookfield Properties development, since it is being built without regard for the impact on the interest of the neighborhood or other existing property owners and is designed to be built with regard only for its own interest; and
WHEREAS, the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH) Section 21-2.110-2 provide the City Council with the discretion to approve the conceptual plans for Interim Planned Development-Transit projects, in whole or in part, with or without conditions or modifications, by resolution; and
WHEREAS, these conditions may require demonstrable contributions towards community benefits in exchange for flexibility on allowable project uses, density, height, setbacks, and other requirements; and
WHEREAS, development proposals are evaluated for impacts on existing public and private infrastructure such as sewer, traffic, first responder services; the Honolulu Rail Project; and
WHEREAS, development proposals are evaluated for impacts on existing private infrastructure such as view planes, shadows, and wind circulation patterns; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Ala Moana Plaza development project's internal traffic management study centered only on its property and failed to take into account the existing residential properties and the newer developmental properties currently being built in and around the dense location surrounding Kona Street, Pi ikoi Street, and Kapi olani Boulevard, and how the Honolulu Rail will add additional burden to the existing infrastructure in the neighborhood (additional traffic congestion, schools, sanitation, first responders such as law enforcement/emergency medical services, etc.); and
WHEREAS, the Honolulu City Council's adopted TOD-base zoning is currently at 100 feet; and now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ala Moana-Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 urges that the Honolulu City Council consider the following items prior to issuance of the Interim Planned Development-Transit (IPD-T) Permit:
• The Ala Moana-Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 supports the local community in limiting the building structure to its existing base zone of 100 to 250 feet with an 80 percent Area Median Income (AMI) restriction for a minimum of 30 to a maximum of up to 99 years; and
• Brookfield Properties should demonstrate that their internal transportation study and infrastructure is sufficient to accommodate the proposed development; and
• Brookfield Properties' iconic glass shape towers that span wall-to-wall to provide floor to ceiling views of the surroundings from within the units will not impact the views and visibility of traffic or surrounding facilities during the peak hours of sunlight; and Brookfield Properties should demonstrate, as good neighbors, that their proposed development will enhance community benefits such as a greater percentage of affordable units with a longer time restriction, and not devalue existing properties such as Moana Pacific, Uraku Tower Hawaii, and other residences due to their TOD height exemption of up to 400 feet; and the project should incorporate a tree canopy along the street edges, as possible; and
BE IT RESOLVED that copies of this resolution are transmitted to the appropriate City agencies and elected officials.

Comments followed:

1. Mick summarized the concerns expressed from last month about traffic, community benefits, view planes, the 400-foot height limit, that the affordable housing (rentals) would be for only 30 years before turning into market value, and the stress on infrastructure.
2. Resident Marilyn Kahn had a stronger view. She opposed the 400-foot height limit, which is four (4) times the current 100 to 250 feet height limit. As an owner in one (1) of the existing condos, she would lose her view plane to Ala Moana Beach Park and would lose value on her property. She questioned the 30-year time limit and the community benefits. Kahn preferred that the resolution be rewritten or not voted on.
3. Keith Kurahashi (R.M. Towill Corporation, agent for Brookfield), responded that regarding Community benefits, the 400-foot limit is in line with other TOD projects in the area, the 30-year time limit is in line with private funding, not government programs, the over 100 units are all rentals, and that they are incorporating the traffic study and a tree canopy along the street edges. Kurahashi was concerned about increasing the percentage of affordable housing, as they are already at the high end.
4. Audrey Lee of M lama Moana, agreed with Kahn and opposed the 400-foot height limit for the whole area.
5. Mick asked for clarification for the 30-year limit. Kurahashi noted it was the City's recommendation for rentals, using private funds. Some projects go for 60 years, using tax credits and government funding.
6. Harrison Rue, from Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), has studied the issue and came up with 30-years from 10 years.
7. Second Vice Chair Mariano pointed out that due to time, this resolution can be tabled and rewritten for another time. He emphasized the infrastructure cannot accommodate all the development.
8. Chair Tam asked Rue for a timeline. Rue responded that the submitted documents stated that a public hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2020 and testimony be submitted by Tuesday, September 29, 2020.

Mariano moved and Chang seconded that the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 table this resolution to the next meeting. As there was no further discussion and no objection, the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 ADOPTED the motion to table the resolution by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 7-0-0 (AYE: Chang, Chung, Clayton, Lee, Mariano, Mick, and Tam; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Candidates Forum Committee - Chair Tam gave some background information. Back in June 2020, the M noa Neighborhood Board No. 7 mentioned the idea of having a joint Candidates Forum, so Chair Tam talked with the McCully-M ili ili Neighborhood Board No. 8. In the past, the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 did not hold Candidates Forums. Now, that the Primary Election is over, there is still the General Election coming up. Mariano volunteered to Chair the Committee. Chair Tam asked for a motion to form the Candidates Forum Committee. Mariano moved that the Board form a Candidates Forum Committee for the upcoming General Election. Chair Tam noted that a two-thirds (2/3) vote of eight (8) was needed to add an item to the agenda, but there were only seven (7) Board members present. Kahn protested the move to table and that this was put on the agenda from the last meeting. Mariano was not clear on the 2/3 vote and the difference between Robert's Rules of Order and the Neighborhood Plan (NP). Neighborhood Assistant Ho explained that in the NP, all votes are quorum votes - six (6) out of the total number of seats (11) and that Office of Information Practices (OIP) discourages adding items to the agenda. "The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (HRS 92), specific issues not noted on this agenda cannot be voted on, unless added to the agenda. A two-thirds (2/3) vote (8) of this eleven (11)-member Board is needed to add an item to the agenda. Adding an item to the agenda, however, is not permitted if (1) the item to be added is of reasonably major importance and (2) action on the item by the Board will affect a significant number of persons." Mariano moved to table the agenda item to form the Candidates Forum Committee. Kahn noted that moving this to the September meeting would decrease the time for people to organize and present a Candidates Forum. Chair Tam apologized for the oversight and welcomed any ideas that individuals had to organize a Candidates Forum.

At 7:40 p.m. Chair Tam passed the gavel (virtually) to Second Vice Chair Mariano.

Consider Resolution, Regarding Bill 47 (2020), Relating to Crosswalks - Chair Tam gave a brief background. The City has been removing marked crosswalks to comply with the City's Complete Streets Policy (ROH Section 14-33). This resolution would request that the City improve pedestrian accessibility and safety and provide a presentation to the Neighborhood Board viable options and rationale for the changes.

At 7:45 p.m. Second Vice Chair Mariano returned the gavel to Chair Tam.

Mick added that the Federal guidelines were based on studies that recommended that marked crosswalks be removed or the City could look at less expensive pedestrian safety measures, like pedestrian-activated lights. Chung agreed to protect seniors and children. Chung added that victims included the inebriated male running across the road. Lee pointed out that "Ala Moana" was misspelled in the fourth (4th) WHEREAS clause.

RESOLUTION REGARDING CROSSWALKS

WHEREAS, the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH) Section 15-171, provides for the establishment, removal, or relocation of marked crosswalks; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) has been removing marked crosswalks as it implements the City's Complete Streets Policy (ROH Section 14-33) and which aims to improve and balance mobility for all users of the public right-of-way, including pedestrians; and
WHEREAS, Bill 47 (2020) proposes to establish a requirement for the DTS to provide a presentation to the affected neighborhood board, if desired, and include at least discussion of the rationale for the proposed change, viable options for the public to cross the roadway, and steps incorporated to increase public safety; and
WHEREAS, the Ala Moana-KakaÔako Neighborhood Board No. 11 ("the Board") in 2018 requested that DTS maintain and add new crosswalks along King Street; and
WHEREAS, the Board also previously suggested that the Complete Streets standards be revised to consider neighborhood pedestrian accessibility as well as safety when evaluating crosswalk locations; and now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board supports the intent of Bill 47; and
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board suggests that DTS consider physical or other safety improvements in lieu of removing crosswalks; and
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board also suggests that DTS undertake a comprehensive study to identify crosswalk issues and the costs of potential safety improvements; and finally, 
BE IT RESOLVED that copies of this resolution are transmitted to the appropriate City agencies and elected officials.

Chair Tam asked for a motion. Clayton moved and Chung seconded that the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 adopt the resolution. There was no further discussion. Kahn withdrew her comments. The Board ADOPTED the resolution by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 7-0-0 (AYE: Chang, Chung, Clayton, Lee, Mariano, Mick, and Tam; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Consider Resolution, Regarding Bill 61 (2020), Relating to Affordable Housing - Mick noted that this bill was just introduced by Councilmember Ron Menor and it mentioned exempting new and existing hotels from the affordable housing requirements. As it pertains to affordable housing, rather than to TOD, Rue added that he did not have time to study the bill to make comments. Kahn urged support for this bill as she favors exempting condo/hotel projects.

RESOLUTION REGARDING BILL 61, RELATING TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING

WHEREAS, there is a shortage of affordable housing units in the City and County of Honolulu; and
WHEREAS, the number of visitors is unlikely to return to pre-COVID-19 levels due to external factors and a desire by residents to have less visitors on an average day; and
WHEREAS, the government should incentivize the creation of affordable residential units; and
WHEREAS, Bill 61 would run counter to these ideas as it exempts new hotels and existing hotels seeking to convert into residential from the affordable housing requirements; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ala Moana-KakaÔako Neighborhood Board No. 11 opposes Bill 61, as currently drafted.

As this bill was just introduced, Mariano moved to table this resolution to the next meeting. Mick suggested that Councilmember Menor come to the Board meeting and explain the bill. Mariano noted that affordable housing is important to the district.

As there were no objections, Chair Tam tabled this item to the next meeting.

Consider Resolution, Regarding Ala Moana Plaza - This item was previously tabled.

RESIDENTS' AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS

Ant Infestation And Restroom Closures At Ala Moana Regional Park (AMRP) - A resident had contacted Chair Tam about the ant infestation at Ala Moana Regional Park at the lifeguard station at the Diamond Head end and also was concerned about opening the parking lot later. Chair Tam will forward the concern to Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative.

Homeless Encampment On Pensacola Street Between Hopaka Street And Kona Street - Chair Tam will forward the concern to the Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative.

Ala Wai Flood Mitigation Project (AWFMP) - Dave Watase updated the project. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) eliminated the six (6) upstream detention basins due the fact that, based on the new 1D/2D modeling and new data, the USACE revised their flood mitigation plan in which "detention" was changed to "conveyance" (moving the water downstream). After meeting with farmers, canoe paddlers, and schools, the USACE did not fully incorporate community-generated alternate proposals, like the City Council's Permitted Interaction Group (PIG)'s Oceanit proposals. For the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 they propose higher flood walls (up to eight (8) feet) along parts of the Ala Wai Canal (near the Ala Wai Promenade (?), and locks. Watase was satisfied that changes were due to seven (7) Neighborhood Boards rallying around this issue and he will continue the fight. Chair Tam acknowledged that Watase had first brought this issue to the Neighborhood Boards. Chair Tam noted that previously, Councilmember Carol Fukunaga had mentioned that the City Council formed a PIG and had Oceanit as a consultant, which proposed 14-foot underground tunnels, directing the flood waters out to sea. Chair Tam noted that a presentation by Oceanit may be in the future.

ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative - Ian Santee, Deputy Director, Honolulu Emergency Services Department reported the following:
• Protected Bike Lane on Pensacola Street - The Pensacola Street Bikeway project has been in construction since January 2020 and will be completed in the next few weeks. Due to contract limitations and safety considerations, we are not able to delay construction at this time. There are minimal impacts to parking in the area within the boundaries of Neighborhood Board #11, and significant traffic impacts are not anticipated. Pensacola Street will be repaved in the next several years, providing the opportunity to adjust the facility's design, if there are ongoing operational issues. 
• Ala Moana Beach Park Master Plan - When will the parking lot at Magic Island be completed? Department of Design and Construction (DDC) anticipates completion of the repaving of the Magic Island parking lot by mid-October. The construction of the Keyhole parking lot will start after the Magic Island parking lot is opened.
• Ala Moana Plaza - The Board members were very concerned about the traffic study, and the 400-foot height limit. Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) reported that Brookfield's application for an IPD-T permit for Ala Moana Plaza was received by the DPP, and has been accepted as complete. The application materials are being posted on the DPP website. A public hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at 10:30 a.m., at Mission Memorial Auditorium and/or online. Testimony/comments are due to the DPP by Tuesday, September 29, 2020; and opportunity to comment will also be available at the City Council hearings. DPP's analysis of the application (including the Neighborhood Board's concerns noted about traffic, infrastructure, views, etc.) will be available in the Director's report sent to the City Council after the public hearing.
• Ala Moana Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Plan Amendments - Any word from the City Council? The Board is concerned about the infrastructure and traffic study. Speaking of infrastructure, there were two (2) electrical fires on Sunday, July 26, 2020, during Hurricane Douglas at 909 Kapi olani Boulevard and at the Pacifica. A Board member was concerned that they were caused by an overload of the power grid in the area. HFD responded: Electrical power grid specifics are not within the Honolulu Fire Department's jurisdiction. Please refer this inquiry to the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO). DPP has responded to Councilmember questions about the proposed TOD plan amendments, and we are working with the City Council to plan a community workshop (likely virtual) to walk through the proposed amendments and get additional neighborhood input.
• Ala Moana Center Terminus - Any update on when the Public/Private Partnership (PPP) contract will be signed? Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) responded: The P3 Project, City Center Guideway and Stations/ Pearl Highlands Design-Build Finance Operate and Maintain Contract, is still in the procurement process and information is currently confidential until notice of award. The public input during the design phase and the start of construction will depend on the selected contractor's project schedule. HART at this time cannot provide dates for the requested activities but will update the community when the dates become available. The Ala Moana Station is located on TMK 2-3-039-017 that will include passenger loading platforms located over Kona Street with a mauka passenger entrance. 
• COVID-19 - A Board member pointed out that strong sunshine (like in Florida) killed the virus and asked what Mayor Kirk Caldwell was doing to promote outdoor activities. (Unfortunately, the news reported there were "spikes" in the number of new COVID-19 cases in Florida, Texas, and Hawai i, due to the bars not practicing social distancing and wearing masks. The Mayor closed the bars for a three-week period and set a 10-people limit on gatherings. Mayor Caldwell responded: While outside is certainly better than inside, we have had numerous clusters associated with outside gatherings on beaches. Bars were identified by the scientists and our doctor panel as a high-risk business alongside sporting events and concerts. As COVID-19 cases increased in the state, we started scaling back what were deemed to be high risk activities, and unfortunately, bars were included in that category. As mentioned previously, numerous clusters were identified from beach gatherings, and we had to respond accordingly. We now have a ban on gatherings of no more than five (5) people, and we hope this brings our case numbers to more manageable levels.
• Office of Economic Recovery - What is the Mayor doing to help the economy recover from the COVID-19 shutdown? Mayor Caldwell has created the Office of Economic Revitalization to help the economy recover from this unprecedented global pandemic. Our top priority is limiting loss of life, but we are doing everything we can to ensure that the impacts to the economy are as minimal as practical.
• Statue of President Barack Obama at the Kaka ako Waterfront Park - This item will be followed up.

Comments followed:
1. Bike Lane on Pensacola Street - Mariano requested that the DTS look again at the Bike Lane on Pensacola Street. Chair Tam noted that this item is listed on tonight's agenda. Deputy Director Santee added that the City's Complete Streets Administrator will attend the next meeting to respond to any of the Board's outstanding concerns.
2. Ala Moana Plaza - Mariano requested that the public hearing, scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at 10:30 a.m., at Mission Memorial Auditorium, be postponed for more in-person public input. Deputy Director Santee will follow up.
3. Inconsistent Logic in Emergency Orders - Mick and Chung pointed out inconsistencies in orders, like not having five (5) people gather in a home, but they are allowed to go to a restaurant and using HPD, to monitor large gatherings on the beaches for exercising and closing the parks, forcing the people into indoor gyms, where they are not monitored. Deputy Director Santee suggested calling 768-CITY (2489) and he will follow up.

City Councilmember Carol Fukunaga - (Via telephone) Councilmember Fukunaga reported the following:
• Resolution 20-194 and Resolution 20-195 - (For Condemnation) Acquisition of Land for Public Use). Providing for the acquisition of land for public use, situated in Kewalo, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, and determining and declaring the necessity of the acquisition thereof by Eminent Domain. 
• Lawsuit Filed Against Kaka ako Land Company in 2014 - City and State attorneys have joined forces to demonstrate that Kaka ako Land Company's ownership claims are unjustified. The court date is set for Thursday, September 3, 2020. Councilmember Fukunaga added that this issue may be resolved soon. 
• $43.6 Million Appropriation (Neal Blaisdell Center (NBC) Redevelopment Funds - The newsletter expanded on this budget item.

Comments followed:
1. Private Ownership of Streets in Kaka ako - Chair Tam had worked on this issue for months and Councilmember Fukunaga added that the State Attorney General has argued that the roads have been abandoned and "Prescriptive Use" by the public.
2. Clarification of Council Resolution (CR) 20-185 - A community member wanted an explanation of a resolution, which was passed, urging the Governor David Ige and the Mayor Kirk Caldwell to close certain beaches and beach parks to most non-active uses in order to mitigate high levels of transmission of COVID-19. Councilmember Fukunaga responded that she was one (1) of three (3) Councilmembers, who voted against CR 20-185. While the original resolution was well-intended, Councilmember Fukunaga and the other Councilmembers have received several complaints from park and beach users, with other proposals. Mick added that he agreed with the three (3) minority votes and he always offered consistent policy and enforcement.

City Councilmember Ann Kobayashi - No representative was present. However, a newsletter was available.

City Councilmember Tommy Waters - Councilmember Waters distributed his newsletter and reported the following:
• Bill 2, Relating to Off-Street Parking and Bill 61, Relating to Affordable Housing - Councilmember Waters appreciated the timely discussion on these two (2) bills, as they will be on the Planning and Zoning Committee agenda next Wednesday, August 26, 2020.
• Public Safety Committee - As Councilmember Waters is the Chair of the Public Safety and Welfare Committee and its meeting will be on Thursday, August 27, 2020. Councilmember Waters was concerned about the recent release of the inmates at OÔahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) and if they had proper housing and follow up.
• Ala Wai Canal Flood Mitigation Project (AWCFMP) - Councilmember Waters requested a presentation by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), as there were new proposals about building large walls around the Ala Wai and a four (4) to five (5)-story pump station in front of the Ala Wai Golf Course. Even the City Council's Oceanit could be invited, too.
• Homeowner's Handbook - Councilmember Waters had a case of the Homeowner's Handbook - To Prepare for Natural Hazards by Dennis J. Hwang and Darren K. Okimoto. If anyone wanted a copy, please contact him.
• Bill 2 - Councilmember Waters requested copies of the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 resolution on Bill 2 be forwarded to the members of the City Council. There was some clarification on the two-thirds vote to add the Candidates Forum to the agenda tonight. It will be deferred to the next meeting.
Marilyn Khan requested which bill Councilmember Waters was talking about. It was Bill 2, relating to off-street parking.
• Economic Recovery - Chung asked about economic relief for elderly owners of condos at the Ala Moana Hotel. Councilmember Waters suggested contacting - oneoahu.org for the small business relief and recovery fund.

State Representative Tom Brower - Representative Brower was not present and no newsletter was available.

State House Speaker Scott Saiki - House Speaker Saiki distributed his newsletter and reported the following:
• Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) Report - He and Senator Sharon Moriwaki had followed up with HECO on the fires at 909 Kapi olani Boulevard and at the Pacifica and asked if the fires were due to the insufficient infrastructure. HECO informed us that the outages were not due to insufficient infrastructure. The electrical grid covering the Kaka ako - Ala Moana area was built in the 1990s and designed to accommodate the increased demand that we are now experiencing in Kaka ako. Pacifica and 909 Kapi olani receive power from separate electrical distribution systems and are not tied together. The outages occurred for separate reasons that were both customer-based.

State Senator Sharon Moriwaki - No representative was present and no report was available.

Governor David Ige's Representative - Cindy McMillan, Director of Communications was not present. However, the Capitol Connection August 2020 was available.

U.S. Congressman Ed Case - No representative was present and no report was available.

AGENCY REPORTS

Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) - Francine Murray (online) had submitted a newsletter and reported the following: 
• Meetings - On Wednesday, August 26, 2020, they will hold a continuance of a meeting, originally convened on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 and the next regular Board meeting will be on Saturday, September 2, 2020.

State of Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT), Highways Division - George Abcede was not present. However, he had submitted a report last month, but it went to Chair Tam's SPAM inbox. Chair Tam will forward the report.

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) - Shawn Hamamoto distributed his report and highlighted the following:
• HART Welcomes Stephen Cayetano - Stephen Cayetano comes to HART from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Stephen holds a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Hawaii and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Hawaii.
• Construction Update - The full 20-mile, 21 station rail system is over 57% complete. Work also continues in the Chinatown/Downtown area along Nimitz Highway, as well as work through Kaka ako and Ala Moana along portions of Halekauwila, Queen and Kona Streets.

For more information, please visit the HART website at www.honolulutransit.org. You can also call the 24-hour project hotline at (808) 566-2299, or email a question to info@honolulutransit.org. If the Board wishes more project information. Please call the Project hotline to request scheduling of a presentation. Mahalo.

Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) - Chair Tam read the following report:
• Main Break Report - There was no main breaks.

PRESENTATIONS

Ala Wai Bridge - Meredith Soniat, Department of Transportation Services, is the Project Manager of Ala Pono. The last time she presented the Alternative Analysis was in March 20219. Now, they have different alternatives. Previously, they had three (3) locations, three (3) non-bridge alternatives, and the no-build alternative. The highest-scoring alternative was a bridge near the end of University Avenue. They also selected a bridge design, based on environmental concerns, cost, and multi-modal transportation concerns. The timeline would be - Winter 2020-2021 - A Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) by the end of the year; Spring 2021 - Finding of Significant Impact; Winter 2021-2022 Final Design Complete/ Begin Construction Authorization, pending Federal/ State funding. With the DEA there will be addition public hearings for input. Chair Tam suggest in the interest of time, people can contact Soniat directly with the contact information listed. Chair Tam requested a copy of the PowerPoint presentation.

Ward Village 2020 Master Plan Update - Todd Apo, The Howard Hughes Corporation, reported that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ward Villages has been focusing on community outreach from a "help" perspective. In May 2020 and June 2020 they lit up the buildings with different colors to honor different groups of people, like front-line workers, emergency workers, teachers, and volunteers. They worked with different organizations and social media to get the messages out. On Auahi Street a banner at the top of a construction site was used to get the message out and they found other creative ways to say, "Thank you."

Ward Villages partnered with Kamehameha Schools and the Hawai i Food and Wine Festival to give out food boxes to workers in Kaka ako and other urban employees. With the Hawai i Foodbank and local contractors, they helped distribute food to the rural areas and to the urban core. To celebrate topping off a project, they made a donation to the City and County of Honolulu (C&C) Summer Fun Program. Apo showed pictures at the Makiki District Park of them donating Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Summer Fun and showed pictures of the developments. While retail and restaurants have been struggling, construction has continued working.

The next phase will be the reserved housing building, near the Victoria Ward Park, formerly known as (fka), the Central Plaza and improvements to connectivity. The East-West roads need connectors. More developments are in the works.

Ward Villages is working on Block F and Block H and will present to Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) by the end of this year. For Block H they hope to expand connection to Kamakee Street and at a project retail will go around the whole building. Block F will be where the reserve housing will be. There will be a separate parking structure from the residential part. They want to keep industrial jobs in the area.

Apo mentioned the Elevated Walkway across Ala Moana Boulevard from the makai of Victoria Ward Park. This will be built by the Ward Villages with Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) funds and a Federal grant from last year. Design and construction to start by the middle of next year.

Chair Tam noted that in the interest of time, questions may be forwarded to Apo directly at - Todd.Apo@Howardhughes.com or to Chair Tam, who asked for a copy of the PowerPoint presentation. Todd will follow up.

Comments followed - Public Hearings - Mariano asked about public input at the HCDA public hearings. Apo will notify the Board of the public hearings.

Straub Hospital Plan Review Use Permit - Keith Kurahashi, R.M. Towill Corporation, with three (3) members of the development team presented a PowerPoint update. The last time Straub submitted a Five (5) Year Plan was in August 1978. They were founded in 1921 at another location and has been at the present location since 1933 at King Street, Ward Avenue, Hotel Street, and Kealamakai Street. Kurahashi showed site drawings (renditions) of the expansion for equipment, patient services, and parking. They plan to add 2,092 parking stalls from 498. The proposed parking structure is planned from 2021 to 2024, Phase 2 will be for the hospital from 2025 to 2030, Phase 3 from 2031 to 2032, and Phase 4 from 2033 to 2035.

Questions and comments followed:
1. Heights - Mariano was concerned about the heights of the buildings. The hospital will be 268 feet high and the parking structure will be 294 feet high.
2. Next Steps - Chair Tam asked about the permit process. The permit application will be submitted to DPP within 90 days (mid-September 2020), then it goes to the City Council Zoning Committee for two (2) public hearings.
3. Wind Study - Someone was concerned about a wind study for the air in the parking lot. 
4. Number of Hospital Beds - It will remain as now - 159 hospital beds.
5. Availability of Presentation - Chair Tam asked Kurahashi to return for future meetings and requested a copy of the PowerPoint presentation. Kurahashi mentioned that the presentation will be shared.

Pensacola Street Protected Bicycle Lane - Renee Espiau, Department of Design and Construction, noted that Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative said most of her report, but she will touch on the parking along Pensacola below King Street/ Elm Street. 
1. Pedestrian Safety - Accidents were cut in half on King Street.
2. Installation - The installation is done and repaving will be done in two (2) years. The staff is out there daily to observe. Mariano reported four (4) near misses. He was concerned about when traffic increases after the COVID-19 shutdown. Espiau mentioned that the traffic signals will be modified at King and Pensacola Streets to allow everyone to use the crosswalks safely. At Pensacola Street and Kapi olani Boulevard, a resident thought the new traffic modifications favored the bikes. She hoped that drivers would be more aware of pedestrians and strollers. Valerie Umeda asked when the bike lane would be opened, as she witnessed a few bikers using it already. Espiau noted that the bike lane was not open yet, that parking meters would remain, like on King Street, interested people could view the bike lane on the Complete Streets website. The temporary green bike box will be monitored for some adjustments. Also, there will be two (2) left-turn lanes from Pensacola Street to King Street and restricted parking at peak times.

Thank you, Russell - Chair Tam mentioned that Neighborhood Assistant K. Russell Ho will be re-assigned to the Kalihi/Palama Neighborhood Board No. 15, starting September 1, 2020, thanked him for his years of service, and presented a lei. Ho wanted his Neighborhood Boards to be the most-informed of the 30+ Neighborhood Boards. His replacement will be Marcie Kamei, Public Relation Assistant, who was present tonight.

Consider Resolution, Regarding Ala Moana Plaza - Kahn asked about the Ala Moana Plaza Resolution. Chair Tam explained that it was tabled to the next meeting.

ADJOURNMENT - Chair Tam thanked everyone for attending. As there was no further business before the Board, Chair Tam adjourned the meeting at 9:02 p.m.

Submitted by: K. Russell Ho, Neighborhood Assistant 
Reviewed by: Marcie Kamei, Public Relations Assistant 
Reviewed by: Kathleen Lee, Secretary 
Reviewed by: Ryan Tam, Chair

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