Contact Us Subscribe
  1. Back
  2. Current News
  3. News Archive

  • Kakaako - Honolulu, Hawaii
    News Item

  • Powered by MBC NewsMaker

  • Ala Moana - Kakaako Neighborhood Board No. 11 Meeting Minutes For TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2016 Posted

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

ALA MOANA - KAKAAKO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 11

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2016
MAKIKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Ryan Tam called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Quorum was established with six (6) members present. (Note -- This nine (9)-member Board requires five (5) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.) Chair Tam welcomed everyone to the Neighborhood Board meeting and thanked the public for participating in promoting good governance.

Roll Call -- William Ammons, Roy Bumgarner, Rodney Chang, Larry Hurst, Ryan Tam, and Michael Zehner.

Board Members Absent -- John Horvath and Duane Komine (Resigned).

Vacancy -- There was one (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 1 (Boundaries -- Beginning at the junction of King Street and Kalākaua Avenue, southeast along Kalākaua Avenue to Kapiʻolani Boulevard, thence west along Kapiʻolani Boulevard to Keʻeaumoku Street, thence northeast along Keʻeaumoku Street to King Street, thence southeast along King Street to Kalākaua Avenue.)

Guests -- Sergeant Lyle Fleck and Sergeant Harold Chi (Honolulu Police Department); Heidi Meeker (Department of Education); Pat Lee (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation); Noelle Wright (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's representative); Francis Choe (Councilmember Tom Brower's Office); Councilmember Carol Fukunaga; Councilmember Ann Kobayashi; Representative Tom Brower; Raytan Vares (Senator Brickwood Galuteria's Office); Cindy McMillan (Governor David Ige's Office); Noelle Fujii (Civil Beat); M. Tait (Honolulu Community College); Ann Sonada (Uraku Tower); M. Weight, Franklin Chung, Michelle Foyt, Chisako Nishimura (Residents); Zoe Tanaka (Videographer); and Neighborhood Assistant Supervisor Neil Baarde (Neighborhood Commission Office).

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- No representative was present; no report was provided.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD), District 1 -- Sergeant Lyle Fleck reported the following:
• September 2016 Statistics -- There were 10 motor vehicle thefts, 11 burglaries, 139 thefts, 55 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV), 32 assaults, 1 sexual assault, 4 graffiti cases, and 36 drug offenses. There were a total of 6,109 calls for service.
• Halloween Safety Tips --
o A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. Teach children how to call 911 if they have an emergency or become lost.
o If an older child is going out alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable. Agree on a specific time when they will return.
o Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
o Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind trick-or-treaters to stay on the sidewalk and do not run across the street.
o If no sidewalks are available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
o Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks. Never cross between parked cars.
o Carry a flashlight and wear reflective clothing.
o A parent or responsible adult should inspect all candy before it is eaten.
o HPD should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity, or if the candy appears to be tampered with.

FILLING OF VACANCY IN SUBDISTRICT 1 -- (Boundaries -- Beginning at the junction of King Street and Kalākaua Avenue, southeast along Kalākaua Avenue to Kapiʻolani Boulevard, thence west along Kapiʻolani Boulevard to Keʻeaumoku Street, thence northeast along Keʻeaumoku Street to King Street, thence southeast along King Street to Kalākaua Avenue.) Chair Tam expressed that the Board and his thoughts are with Komine as he had to resign from the Board. As there were no volunteers, Chair Tam deferred this item to the next meeting.

PRESENTATIONS

Jingle Rock Run -- No representative was present.

New Year's Eve at Kakaʻako -- No representative was present.

Blue Zone Community Application -- No representative was present.

Kalihi to Ala Moana School Impact Fee District -- Heidi Meeker from the Department of Education (DOE) presented the following:
• Public Hearings -- The Board of Education will be holding two (2) public hearings on the Kalihi to Ala Moana School Impact Fee Districts. The public meetings are required before adopting a district. The Board of Education will meet on Friday, November 11, 2016 which is the final day for public comments. The two (2) meetings will be:
o Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at Farrington High School from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
o Thursday, November 3, 2016 at McKinley High School from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Impact Fees -- The school impact fee law requires the Board of Education to adopt school impact fees in areas that are experiencing overall enrollment growth, are expected to experience enough residential development within the next 10 years to require additional school facilities, and have very little vacant classroom capacity in their existing school facilities. The Full Analysis can be found at: http://bit.ly/impactdistricts. Impact fees will change overtime as the variables in the impact fee formula change. Those variables include actual school construction and school land costs, the ratio of permanent to portable classrooms, the acreage provided to each student in recent school construction, cost factors, and student generation rates.
• Justification -- The DOE's analysis of residential development over the next 25 years indicates there could be as many as 39,000 new residential units in the proposed district. That number of units would be expected to eventually generate approximately 10,000 additional students in urban Honolulu schools. The current proposed impact fees for the Kalihi to Ala Moana School Impact Fee District are shown on the fee schedule. The fees are set by statutory formula as detailed in the analysis. The fees will change over time as the DOE is required to update some of the factors used to calculate the fees.
• Comments -- Comments for the Board of Education should be sent to Heidi_meeker@notes.k12.hi.us before Friday, November 4, 2016. Any further questions should be directed to Heidi Meeker, Planning Section -- DOE Facilities development branch at 808-784-5095.
Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:
1. Redevelopment -- Hurst commented that he is not sure how the DOE will do it, but is glad to see the plan come. Chang asked if the money will be used for redevelopment. Meeker responded that the money will be used for a variety of things as development process goes through, but the new development will be needed to expand areas for the children and commented that they will be dealing with net increases.
2. Rates -- Ammons asked and Meeker responded that the fee is a one (1) time fee and that the collection would be before the project is set. Meeker commented that the money will be put into trust accounts that will go to each of the schools in the district and the calculations are based on the public housing developments as well as the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) numbers.
3. Land Tax -- Bumgarner asked if it would be a flat rate per unit. Meeker responded, "yes" because of the nature of the tax where the average tax will go to the unit. Michelle Foyt asked if the district can use land tax. Meeker responded that the first part will use the land tax and the second part will be taken care of by the construction company. Meeker noted that different models will be used.
RESIDENTS' AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS

Legislative Bills -- Michelle Foyt announced that there will be a workshop for those who are trying to follow legislature bills or to know when to give testimony. The workshop will be taught in the Public Access room of the Capitol on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 and will start at 5:15 p.m. Those interested in attending should RSVP and Foyt encouraged everyone to attend.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Health and Public Safety -- Hurst noted that there were two (2) letters of concern regarding a stabbing and a gambling den. Hurst presented a map that showed the history of problems the Board has tried to deal with and Hurst noted that the main issue is with the property owners. There is a federal designation area within the Boards jurisdiction because there are many children but a high amount of crime. There is not as much noise as before but the area is generally small, so some of the statistics that HPD gives are also in Makiki.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed: Sludge Spill -- Ammons noted that a resident reported red trucks removing dumpsters and spilling sludge. Ammons commented that it is potentially a hazardous situation for the residents on Amano Street. Hurst suggested calling HPD or the company and letting them know and commented that it is important information and "don't stall, call". Chair Tam suggested having the Mayor's representative talk to the Department of Environmental Services (ENV) to look into the issue.

Citizens Patrol Teams (CPT) -- Hurst noted that the Citizen's Patrols for Sheridan Street and the Kalākaua Homes met on the first and Third Thursdays at 6:00 p.m.

Community Relations -- There was no report.

Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) -- Chang introduced Garett Kamemoto, who reported the following:
• Aalii Project -- All hearings will be held at 547 Queen Street, 2nd floor, Honolulu. Comments and testimony can be given until the decision making hearing. All files can be found on the website.
o The presentation hearing will be on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.
o The modification/exemption hearing will be on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 9:00 a.m.
o The decision-making hearing will be on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.
• Kakaʻako Waterfront Park -- The Kakaʻako Waterfront Park was closed on Thursday, October 13, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. because of more than half a dozen light poles had exposed wires.
• Discovery Center -- The Discovery Center has been and will continue to work with the Sherriff's Department and HPD to solve all of the issues that have been disturbing the Discovery Center.

Legislation -- There was no report.

Parks and Water -- Chair Tam reported the following Board of Water Supply (BWS) report:
• Main Break Report: There were no main breaks in September 2016.
• 2016-2017 Halawa Xeriscape Garden Workshop -- The BWS and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden continue to offer workshops that highlight the concept of xeriscaping -- an innovative means of conserving water through efficient landscaping. The new 2016-2017 xeriscape workshop schedule features dozens of new and popular workshops that offer useful tips on how to maintain a beautiful and water-efficient garden. This year, the garden is also offering workshops on select Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the year, in addition to its regular Saturday schedule. Upcoming workshops include:
o Saturday, October 29, 2016: Worms Eat My Pumpkins
o Saturday, November 19, 2016: Economical Aquaponics
o Saturday, November 26, 2016: Xeric Holiday Wreath
• Advanced registration is required. Call 748-5315 or email workshops@hbws.org to reserve your space at one of our workshops. Visit our website www.boardofwatersupply.com to check out the full list of classes being offered. The Halawa Xeriscape Garden remains open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Residents are welcomed to drop by to see dozens of attractive and less-thirsty plants on display, as well as pick up a complimentary seed packet.
• Pensacola Water System Improvement Project -- The Board of Water Supply's (BWS) contractor for the Pensacola Street project is projected to complete the installation of the new waterline in the Ala Moana/Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11 district by the end of the year.
Motorists and area residents are advised to continue to expect roving lane closures on Pensacola Street between Young Street and Kapiʻolani Boulevard, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. On street parking will be impacted at various times and locations. The BWS extends its heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the community for the public's patience and understanding as BWS conducts this necessary project to improve fire protection, reduce the likelihood of main breaks, and enhance water service to residents and businesses in the neighborhood. Questions and comments may be directed to the project's Construction Manager at 321-4879.

Kuleana Kakaʻako Community Association (KKCA) Update -- Chair Tam reported that the next Kaka‘ako Community meeting will be on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. -- 7:30 p.m. at the Na Mea Hawai‘i, the Native Hawaiian bookstore in Ward Warehouse. On the agenda will be -- Topic: Tools to fund community priorities and ways to connect development to community benefits, in particular, via development impact fees.

Transportation -- Ammons announced that the Department of Transportation (HDOT) has released the complete streets manual and urged the community to "Google" the document and look into the issue.

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) -- Pat Lee with the Honolulu Rail Transit Project (HRTP) reported the following:
• Construction -- Construction on Honolulu's 20-mile, 21 station rail project is proceeding. The section from East Kapolei to Pearl Highlands, referred to as the West Oahu Farrington Highway Guideway (WOFH) is completed, with finish work on the track, roadway and traffic signals at the intersections on Farrington scheduled to be finished by the end of the year. This section includes the first balanced cantilever near the H1-H2 merge. Work continues on the Kamehameha Highway Guideway section, which stretches to the Aloha Stadium. Construction work on the Kamehameha Highway Guideway (KHG) structure and track should be completed by next spring, and roadway repaving and civil work should be finished by the fall of 2017.
• Rail Operation Center (ROC) -- The nine (9) stations between East Kapolei and Aloha Stadium are underway, and construction should be starting soon. A ramp connecting the Pearl Highlands station to the H-2 freeway, called H2R2 is about half way completed. This will allow buses and cars direct access to the Pearl Highlands station and a future planned 1,600 stall parking garage. The ROC in Waipahu is finished and testing of the rail cars are currently underway. Test tracks at the ROC are being energized for train car testing. The 5.2 miles of guideway and stations from Aloha Stadium to Middle Street station, called the Airport Guideway and Stations contract (AGS), was awarded in July to STG Joint Venture and work should be starting soon. The City Center Guideway and Stations contract, which is the final portion of guideway through Kalihi to the Ala Moana station, is pending additional funding. The final concrete pour on the second balanced cantilever near the Waiau Power Plant and the Sears Distribution Center is completed. Additionally, the final drilled shaft for the entire ten mile west alignment, from Aloha Stadium to East Kapolei is finished. To date, HART has now built over 10 miles of guideway, from East Kapolei to Aloha Stadium.
• General Information -- The Pearl Ridge Community day is on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at HART's ongoing tenant space in Uptown. HART will be there from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with interactive keiki activities. For general project information, traffic updates, meeting notices and more information, please visit the website www.honolulutransit.org, call the project hotline at 566-2299 or email a question at info@honolulutransit.org.
Homelessness Committee -- Committee Chair Ammons reported the following:
• Kakaʻako Waterfront Park -- The Kakaʻako Waterfront Park electrical repairs will cost $6,642. 13 electrical poles were vandalized to tap into the electrical system at Kakaʻako Waterfront Park leading to ongoing, indefinite daily closure of the park at 6:00 p.m. according to the HCDA.
• Discovery Center -- The Children's Discovery Center, located in the heart of Kakaʻako homeless encampment, is struggling due to the homeless population in the park. The Chairwoman for the center, Loretta Yajima, suggested in January 2016 that the center close in the face of a 30% drop in revenue over the past two (2) years. Ammons commented that it would be terrible if the children were deprived of the facility and asked the community to help and support the Discovery Center because the community is in need of a place like this.
• No Room in Paradise -- A 90-minute documentary entitled "No Room in Paradise" that take a comprehensive look at Honolulu's homeless problem, and offers possible solutions, has begun airing on television with the message that "these are human beings, we can't turn our backs on them," according to one (1) of the producers. The show will air on Sunday, October 30, 2016 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, November 5, 2016, 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; and Sunday, November 13, 2016, 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed: Drop off Locations for the Homeless -- Foyt asked if there was a place to drop stuff off for the homeless that is not a part of the Institute for Human Services (IHS). A resident noted that there are a few churches that help distribute. Foyt commented that Thomas Square Park used to be a place that would distribute things to the homeless. Ammons comments the HCDA might know of a place. Kamemoto will follow up.

REPORTS OF MEMBERS' ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS: Chair Tam noted that he attended the Thursday, September 29, 2016 Kuleana for Kakaʻako meeting.
ELECTED OFFICIALS

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative -- Noelle Wright reported the following:
• Make a Difference Month -- This month is Make a Difference Month with the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Facilities Maintenance Storm Water Quality Branch. Community residents are encouraged to volunteer at any of the following clean up events:
o Friday, October 28, 2016 with Kahawai adopt a stream
o Saturday, October 29, 2016 with Mānoa adopt a stream or Nanakuli adopt a stream
o Saturday, November 5, 2016 with Kalihi adopt a stream or Waikiki adopt a block
o Saturday, November 12, 2016 with Ewa adopt a block
o Volunteers must be 12 years of age or older to participate in the clean-up events. For more information, call 768-3300 or visit www.cleanwaterhonolulu.com. Hard copies were also made available on the back table.
• Traffic Island at Kapiʻolani Boulevard and Sheridan Street -- The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) issued a work order (reference paint & sign work order no. 132694) to the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) to install kwik curbing delineators around the painted island. Please refer the status of work order to the DFM division of road maintenance.
• Speeding at Crosswalk at Kolowalu Park on Waimanu Street -- DTS will be conducting an investigation, which may require research, site observations, and an analysis of the traffic history. DTS will apprise the Board of their findings when the investigation is completed.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed: Corner of Sheridan Street and Rycroft Street -- Hurst noted that on the corner of Rycroft Street and Sheridan Street, there are no "No Parking" signs because vandals tore down the pole. Wright will follow up.

Councilmember Carol Fukunaga -- Councilmember Fukunaga distributed her newsletter and highlighted the following:
• Resolution 16-213, CD1 -- The resolution of condemning Kakaako private roads provides for the acquisition of certain Kakaʻako streets through eminent domain, was adopted with amendments by the Council's Executive Matters and Legal Affairs Committee on Tuesday, October 18, 2016. It is scheduled for City Council review on Wednesday, November 2, 2016, and is required to "lay-over" until the next Council meeting. If adopted, the resolution authorizes the City administration to file a lawsuit to condemn privately owned segments of Curtis, Dreier, Cummins, and Ilaniwai streets, as well as portions of Kamakee, Waimanu, Kawaihao, and Queen Streets. Prior to filing of an eminent domain action, City agencies must conduct due diligence into the acquisition, including land surveys and maps of the streets, meters and bounds descriptions of the streets, title searches and appraisals of the fair market value of the streets. The final action of the resolution can occur on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at the next full council meeting.
• Reducing Homeless Encampments -- During the past three (3) months Councilmember Fukunaga and Councilmember Kobayashi have sought to mobilize various city/state agencies, community service providers and organizations adjacent to Kakaʻako Gateway Park to encourage homeless individuals to relocate to available housing/services in the Iwilei/Sand Island and Downtown-Chinatown areas. Because this park is built on top of a former City landfill, park plantings and grass provide a relatively thin covering on top of the landfill material underneath, and greater care must be exercised to prevent the hazardous material from being exposed to public park users.
• Discovery Center -- Councilmember Fukunaga noted that she will continue to help the Discovery Center by working with Councilmember Kobayashi and both city and state agencies with the homeless issues. It was noted that the City announced the opening of the Sand Island facility open.
• Homeless in Kakaʻako -- In response to Foyt's earlier question, Councilmember Fukunaga commented that there are a number of churches in the district bring food and other goods to the homeless. The State discourages people going to homeless camps because the area will become overpopulated if they become used to getting the food and services in one (1) area, but commented that maybe the State coordinator can assist in finding specific locations.
Questions, comments, and concerns that followed: Honolulu Star Advertiser Article -- Hurst noted his disappointment in the Star Advertiser, because they did not have an article about the new roads in Kakaʻako and commented that they should do a story on the pipe that was lifted off the ground. Councilmember Fukunaga responded that it may have been too hazardous to try and remove so the State built over the area.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi -- Councilmember Kobayashi distributed her newsletter and reported the following:
• Resolution 16-213, CD1 -- Councilmember Fukunaga worked hard on the resolution because everyone is affected by the area.
• Complaints -- There have been complaints about a ballerina establishment serving alcohol without a liquor license and about the homeless on Piʻikoi Street and Pensacola Street. It was noted that Councilmember Kobayashi will walk the area and see all of the health and safety issues.
• Feeding Hawaii Together -- Feeding Hawaii Together has been giving food to the homeless on Kiawe Street.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa -- Councilmember Ozawa's newsletter was available.

State Representative Tom Brower -- Representative Brower distributed his newsletter and reported the following:
• Sanitation Trucks -- Representative Brower noted that his office has received complaints about sanitation trucks leaking sludge near the Hawaii Convention Center, after calling the refuse company they sent a clean-up crew. Representative Brower noted that the Board should contact his office if the situation occurs again.
• Kakaʻako Park -- Representative Brower noted that the City should close the sidewalks near the park at night. Hurst suggested both sides of the street should be closed at night. Representative Brower noted that the park is cleared out at night but the surrounding sidewalks are the new homeless camps.
State Representative Scott Saiki -- No representative was present.

State Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland -- There was no report available, but Chair Tam thanked Senator Chun Oakland for recognizing the Board with certificates.

State Senator Brickwood Galuteria -- Raytan Vares distributed Senator Galuteria's newsletter and reported the following:
• Housing/Homeless Task Force -- The next housing/homeless task force meeting will be on Thursday, October 27, 2016 in room 229 at 2:00 p.m.
• Public Access Room -- The legislatures Public Access Room will conduct free workshops on the state legislative process in the month of December 2016 and January 2017. For more information contact PAR@capitol.hawaii.gov or call 587-0478.

Governor David Ige's Representative -- Cindy McMillan reported that Governor Ige's action of today are for Hawaii's future, which includes growing and buying local, setting new biosecurity plans, and highlighting the new Kakaako center which will offer more than hope to homeless families.

Chair Tam passed the gavel to First Vice Chair Larry Hurst.

NEW BUSINESS

DTS' Findings on Ward Avenue mid-block Crosswalks -- Chair Tam noted that the Board has received a letter from DTS noting that the volume on Ward Avenue requires maintenance but DTS will install a signal light but will eventually remove it.

Vice Chair Hurst returned the gavel to Chair Tam.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Approval of the September 27, 2016 Regular Meeting Minutes, as Amended -- Chang moved and Bumgarner seconded that the Ala Moana/Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11 UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED the September 27, 2016 minutes as amended, 6-0-0. (AYE: Ammons, Bumgarner, Chang, Hurst, Tam, and Zehner. NAY: none. Abstain: none.)

Amendments:
• Page 2 -- Presentation on Charter Amendment Proposals -- Wilcock should be changed to Mulligan.
• Page 4 -- Homeless Committee -- should read "the Family Assessment Center at Waterfront Park opening was delayed due to sewage problems."
• Page 6 -- Resolution title should read "Resolution Providing Comments in Support of Honolulu City Council Resolution 16-213."
Treasurer's Report -- Chair Tam read the Treasurer's report. $30.62 was spent in September 2016 for the printing and postage of the agenda and minutes, leaving a balance of $357.41. The Treasurer's report was filed.

NOTICE OF UPCOMING EVENTS

• Presentation Hearing on 987 Queen Street Project -- Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the HCDA building.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Next Meeting -- The next regular meeting of the Ala Moana-Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board is scheduled for Tuesday, November 22, 2016, 7:00 p.m. at Makiki Christian Church located at 829 Pensacola Street.
• No Loitering -- No loitering on Makiki Christian Church grounds after 9:00 p.m.
• ʻŌlelo Broadcasts -- Broadcasts of the Ala Moana-Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board Meetings are on ʻŌlelo 49 on the first and third Thursdays at 8:00 a.m. and every second Sunday at 6:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further business before the Board, Chair Tam adjourned the meeting at 8:19 p.m.

Submitted by: Neil Baarde, Neighborhood Assistants Supervisor
Reviewed by: K. Russell Ho, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Roy Bumgarner, Secretary and Ryan Tam, Chair

  1. Back
  2. Current News
  3. News Archive

Like Our Facebook

  • RELATED LINKS
Please send questions about this website to
Copyright© 2014 - 2018 KakaakoHawaii.com. All rights reserved.
Terms of Use / Legal Disclaimer / Privacy Statement
Site Designed and Managed by MacBusiness Consulting