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

Ala Moana / Kakaako Neighborhood Board No. 11

 

February 2022 Minutes

 

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2022, 6:00 P.M.

VIA ZOOM

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Ryan Tam called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Quorum was established with nine (9) members present. (Note: This 11-member Board requires six (6) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action. Chair Tam welcomed attendees to the Tuesday, February 22, 2022 regular monthly meeting of the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 via Zoom only.

Board Members Present: Rodney Chang, Dyson Chee, Kim Coco Iwamoto, Ryan Tam, Melissa Wong, Kathleen Lee, Michael Zehner, Joshua Nam, Ron Komine Jr, and Lori Farinas (appointed at this meeting).

Board Members Absent: Jason Wong.

Guests: Captain Dave Yoshita (Honolulu Fire Department); Kieleku Amundson (Mayor Blangiardi's Representative); Kimberly Ribellia (Councilmember Carol Fukunaga's Office); Council Member Calvin Say; Craig Nakamoto (HCDA); State Representative Adrian Tam, David Ho (Uraku Tower), State House Speaker Scott Saiki and Dylan Leigh, Gail Tagashira, Janel Denny, Judy Hernandez, Maheshi, Melvia Kawashima, Michael Mauzey, Rona, Toba, Todd Boulanger (Bikeshare Hawaii) (Residents and Guests); and Spencer Johnson (Neighborhood Commission Office). There were 32 total attendees. Note: Names are not included if not legible on guest sheet or is a phone number on zoom.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain Dave Yoshita reported the fire statistics and location response safety tips, which can be found at https://fire.honolulu.gov/.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): No representative present.

FILLING OF VACANCIES: There is a vacancy in Sub District 4 (SD04).

Resident Chris volunteered to fill the Sub District 4 vacancy. Resident Farinas volunteered to fill the Sub District 4 vacancy. Chair Tam noted former member Cullison's interest in filling the vacancy, but his unable to attend tonight's meeting. NA (Neighborhood Assistant) Johnson responded that residents must be present at the meeting to fill a vacancy.

This item was deferred until proof of residency was confirmed.

PRESENTATIONS

Biki Update Todd Boulanger, Bikeshare Hawaii, presented the following. Bikeshare Hawaii is a non-profit established in 2014 to launch and manage Honolulu's bikeshare program. There are 130 Biki Stops and over 1,000 bikes that are spread across 9 of Honolulu's densest neighborhoods. Since the launch in June of 2017, there have been over 4 million Biki rides. There has been a decline of use during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, but numbers have begun to rise once again. Diagrams of usage in each district, age, and demographics were provided. 2021 challenges include decreased visitor arrivals, transition to work from home resulting in less local bikers, uptick in vandalism, equipment shortages, cost increases, and labor shortages. In 2022, Biki will be getting more bikes, a new mobile app, returning all stations to use, and relocating stations for road and utility work. In the long-term, Biki will be looking into station electrification, integration with the Holo Card, and expansion planning. Website: GoBiki.org or Info@bikesharehawaii.org.

Kewalo Basin Pier Improvements - Craig Nakamoto, HCDA, presented the following. The $25 million capital improvement project (CIP) to repair a major part of the pier at the Kewalo Basin near the old Fisherman's Wharf Restaurant. The pier has been deteriorating over the past few years. Nakamoto has drafted a resolution to be presented later at this meeting, and requested the Board's support of this repair project. Under the pier, there is a lot of concrete deterioration, and most of the damages are under the water.

Questions comments and concerns followed.

1. Urgency: M. Wong asked why this project should be completed now instead of waiting for the project cost to go down. Nakamoto responded that this project has always been viewed as an important health and safety repair, and the project has not been included in the budget.

2. Photos: Chang requested photos or a more detailed explanation as to where the location of the damages are.

3. Management: Lee inquired about who is responsible for the management of the area. Nakamoto responded that HCDA has agreed to take care of the repairs on this area of the harbor.

BOARD BUSINESS

Approval of the Tuesday, January 25, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes.

The Board approved the January 25, 2022 regular meeting minutes as written by UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Attendance at other meetings:

• Point in Time Count: Iwamoto commented on the need for volunteers to reach out and identify the number of houseless individuals.

• Conference of Chairs: Chair Tam reported he attended the Conference of Chair's meeting.

Neighborhood Subdistrict Updates: Formation of Kaka ako Neighborhood Watch: Chair Tam reported the need for Neighborhood Watch programs in the Sub District 3 area. Lee commented on the increase of criminal activities, and the need for these Neighborhood Watches.

Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization Citizen's Advisory Committee (CAC): None.

Chair's Report: Chair Tam reported the Conference of Chair's meeting was held on Saturday, February 5, 2022. All of the Neighborhood Board Chair's or Vice Chair's were present along with Mayor Blangiardi and Council Chair Waters.

Treasurer's Report: Iwamoto reported the January expenditures were $7.80. The remaining balance was $383.92.

Selection of Secretary: None.

Selection of future meeting location/venues to comply with Act 220: NA Johnson commented that virtual meetings were extended through Friday, March 25, 2022.

OLD BUSINESS (DISCUSSION/ACTION)

Discuss COVID-19 pandemic and response: Chair Tam provided the current numbers of statewide and nationwide Covid-19 deaths and infections.

FILLING OF VACANCIES (continued): Resident Farinas provided a brief background of her dedication to the community.

Lori Farinas was elected to fill the Sub District 4 (SD04) vacancy by a Roll Call Vote; (8-1-0). (Aye: Chang, Chee, Iwamoto, Komine, Lee, Nam, Tam, M. Wong; Nay: Zehner; Abstain: None).

Farinas joined the meeting at 7:02 p.m., 10 members present.

Consider resolution regarding Youth E-Cigarette Use:

Iwamoto MOVED and Chee SECONDED the Motion to adopt the resolution regarding Youth E-Cigarette Use.

Discussion followed. Iwamoto commented the removal of the section related to flavored products in the resolution. Iwamoto requested the addition to urge the legislature to amend HRS Chapter 28-328J to allow counties to create policies and develop ordinances that regulate the sale of tobacco products including electronic smoking devices. Discussion continued.

The Motion PASSED; (9-1-0). (Aye: Chang, Chee, Iwamoto, Komine, Lee, Nam, Tam, M. Wong, Farinas; Nay: Zehner; Abstain: None).

NEW BUSINESS (DISCUSSION/ACTION)

Consider resolution regarding Kewalo Basin Pier Improvements: Chair Tam shared the proposed resolution. Discussion followed.

Iwamoto MOVED and Chang SECONDED the Motion to adopt the Resolution supporting the repair of the Fisherman's Wharf Bulkhead. The Motion PASSED; (10-0-0). (Aye: Chang, Chee, Iwamoto, Komine, Lee, Nam, Tam, M. Wong, Zehner, Farinas; Nay: None; Abstain: None).



Consider resolution urging Hawaii legislators to take immediate action to implement anti-corruption safeguards for the Legislature: Iwamoto provided a brief description of the proposed resolution.

Iwamoto MOVED and Lee SECONDED the Motion to introduce the resolution regarding anti-corruption safeguards for the legislature.

Discussion followed.

Chang called for the Vote on the Resolution urging Hawaii legislators to take immediate action to implement anti-corruption safeguards for the Legislature. The Motion to adopt the Resolution PASSED; (9-1-0). (Aye: Chang, Chee, Iwamoto, Lee, Komine, Nam, Tam, Zehner, Farinas; Nay: M. Wong; Abstain: None).

Note: Lee voted "Aye" with reservations. M. Wong voted "Nay" due to reservations relating to attorneys. Zehner voted "Aye" with reservations.

Consider establishing a Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) to plan a Candidate Forum: Lee commented interest in being a part of this PIG. Hearing no objections, Chair Tam deferred this item.

Discuss houseless issues in Ala Moana-Kaka ako area: Komine commented seeing less homeless in the Ala Moana Beach Park area.

RESIDENTS' AND COMMUINITY CONCERNS:

• Presence of increased graffiti in Ala Moana-Kaka ako neighborhoods: Chair Tam reported a new location of graffiti.

• Restoration of marked crosswalk on Queen Street at Waimanu Street (Kolowalu Park): Craig Nakamoto commented on alternative solutions for the crosswalk. Nakamoto commented he will follow-up on this issue.

• Smoking in Building: Resident Maheshi raised concerns with residents smoking in a no smoking building on the corner of Queen Street and Coral Street. Resident Maheshi requested suggestions on how to enforce the rules. Komine commented on the difficulty enforcing the no smoking rules.

ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS

Mayor Rick Blangiardi: Kieleku Amundson reported the following.

• Emergency Order: The current emergency order will expire at 12:01 a.m. on March 6, 2022. This includes the Safe Acess Oahu program and the requirement to show proof of vaccination before entering a restaurant.

• Town Hall Meeting: There will be a virtual town hall meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, March 23, 2022 regarding Chinatown improvements.

Councilmember Carol Fukunaga: Kimberly Ribellia reported the following.

• February Newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/CMFukunagaNB11RptFeb

• Red Hill: U.S. Senator Schatz and Representative Case and Kahele released funding for the shutdown of the Red Hill operation.

• Condo Fire Sprinklers: The Council's Public Infrastructure and Technology (PIT) Committee convened its Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 to solicit feedback on challenges/issues facing residential condo/co-op associations as they near the Tuesday, May 3, 2022 deadline for opting-out of the requirement for installing sprinkler retrofits in their buildings.

• Illegal Vacation Rentals: The Council's Committee on Zoning and Planning (ZP) reviewed Bill 41 (2021), Relating to Transient Accommodations, and amended the bill to a CD1 on January 20, 2022. The Council adopted Bill 41 (2021), CD1 on second reading during its February Council meeting, and the ZP Committee may separate various components of the measure into separate bills to reduce the amount of controversy between bed and breakfast operations, vacation rentals that are located in resort zones, vacation rentals located in non-resort zones.

Councilmember Calvin Say: Councilmember Say shared a link to his February Newsletter, reported interest in a Meadow Gold property update next month, and was available for questions. February Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3Hii9CG.

Council Chair Tommy Waters: No representative present.

State Representative Adrian Tam: Representative Tam shared a link to his newsletter and was available for questions.

State House Speaker Scott Saiki: Scott Saiki reported the following.

• State Capitol: The Capitol will be opening on Monday, March 7, 2022.

Senator Sharon Moriwaki: No representative present.

Governor David Ige: No representative present. https://governor.hawaii.gov/capitol-connection/february-2021-a-belief-in-hawaii-its-people-and-purpose/

U.S. Congressman Ed Case: No representative present.

AGENCY REPORTS

Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA): Craig Nakamura was available for questions.

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit (HART): No representative present.

Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS): Chair Tam reported the following.

• Water Main Break: On January 26 there was an 8 (eight) inch water main break on 232 Kamane Street.

• Payments: Option to pay water bills at the Bank is ending. Payments can be made online, at the BWS lobby, or at any Satellite City Hall.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Covid-19 Vaccines: Find a vaccine provider near you at https://www.oneoahu.org/find-vaccine

• Permit Reviews: Development proposals that require neighborhood board input are posted at: http://www.honoluludpp.org/ApplicationsForms/ZoningandLandUsePermits/NeighborhoodBoardMaterials.aspx.

• TheBus Route 2L: Starting March 13, limited-stop service is being reinstated from Middle Street to Waikiki and Kahala Mall on weekdays about every 30 minutes from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• Next Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 is scheduled for Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. via zoom and location TBD.

• Action Committee Meeting: The next Community Action Committee Meeting for the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 is scheduled for Thursday, March 10, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. in the Pavilion at Mother Waldron Neighborhood Park **NOTE NEW LOCATION/TIME**

• 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.

ADJOURNMENT - As there was no further business before the Board, Chair Tam adjourned the meeting at 8:24 p.m.

Submitted by: Spencer Johnson, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy

Finalized by: Ryan Tam, Chair

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