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

ALA MOANA - KAKAÔAKO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 11

 

February 2023 Minutes

 

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2023, 6:00 P.M.

MAKIKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH AND ON WEBEX

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Lee called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m., performing a roll call, 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. Meeting materials are available online at: https://tinyurl.com/nb11home

Board Members Present: Dyson Chee, Lori Farinas, Kathleen Lee, Michael Zehner, Jeanne Rice, Lynn Mariano, Chris Chung, Joshua Nam (arrived at 6:04 p.m.), and Caroline Faringer (arrived at 6:05 p.m.).

Board Members Absent: Rodney Chang and Jason Wong.

Guests: Captain Casey Ferreira (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Sagucio (Honolulu Police Department); Councilmember Calvin Say; Francine Murray (HCDA); Adam Weintraub (Governor Green's Representative), Harry Cho (HART), Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam; Daniel Alexander (Department of Transportation Services); Taylor Date (Representative Nishimoto); Ronald Higa (Liliha Neighborhood Board No. 14), Karen Cheung, Mr. Toba, Norman Nip, Cynthia Dell, Kalei Salcedo, Frank Rogozienski, Judy Hernandez, Leah Lee, Michael Mauzey, Myoung Oh, Daniel Simonich, Kim Coco Iwamoto, Janel Denny (Residents and Guests); and Spencer Johnson (Neighborhood Commission Office). There were 60 total attendees. Note: Names are not included if not legible on the guest sheet.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Sagucio reported the crime statistics and HPD updates. For more information, visit: https://www.honolulupd.org.

Nam arrived at 6:04 p.m. and Faringer arrived at 6:05 p.m., nine (9) members present.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed.

1. Graffiti: Mariano raised concerns about increased graffiti in the Ala Moana area.

2. Traffic Safety: Mariano inquired about possible traffic safety measures on Kapiolani Boulevard.

3. Parking: Resident Norman Nip raised concerns about vehicles parked perpendicular to the road at 7666 Pohukaina Street fronting the ABC Warehouse Building

4. Tent: Resident Norman Nip raised concerns about a tent on the sidewalk tied to a city light fixture fronting the Bike Factory on Ala Moana Boulevard and Cooke Street.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain Casey Ferreira reported the fire statistics. Safety tips can be found at: https://fire.honolulu.gov/

PRESENTATIONS

Keeaumoku Complete Streets Project: Daniel Alexander, Department of Transportation Services, presented the following. The project boundaries are from Kapiolani Boulevard to Wilder Avenue. For more information, visit the project website: https://www.honolulu.gov/completestreets/keeaumoku - To sign up for the Keeaumoku Complete Streets community meeting on Thursday, March 23, 2023, visit: https://rebrand.ly/Keeaumoku2023

Opposition to OHA Residential Development Bill (Kakaako Makai): Mr. Ron Iwami, President, Friends of Kewalos, presented the following. Friends of Kewalos' mission is to protect, preserve, and malama Kewalo Basin Park, and surrounding ocean areas to ensure the recreational users continues to have access and ability to enjoy for future generations. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) is interested in lifting the residential ban which has been in place since 2006. OHA wants to lift the ban on nine (9) parcels to build three (3) 300-400-foot towers. More information can be found on the NB11 google drive: https://tinyurl.com/nb11home.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed.

1. Large Developers: Farinas inquired about petitioning other developers.

2. Development Plan: Mariano commented on a previous presentation regarding building height.

3. Alternative: Chee inquired about alternatives to OHA's residential makai development.

4. Education: A resident requested an educational meeting with OHA for open communication.

BOARD BUSINESS

Approval of the January 24, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes

The Board approved the January 24, 2023 regular meeting minutes as written, by UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Attendance at other meetings: None.

Neighborhood Subdistrict Updates: Mariano raised concerns regarding crosswalk safety. Mariano commented on the Kapiolani and Piikoi street crossing time being too quick for elderly pedestrians.

Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC): There was no report.

Chair's Report: Chair Lee commented on item 6.2 regarding NCO's proposed policy revisions. A meeting was held on Monday, February 28, 2023 attended by Board Chairpersons and NCO administrators. No policies were changed, only clarified. Additionally, the NCO will soon begin timestamping minutes and posting meeting recordings on YouTube. This would allow easy access to review exact proceedings of Neighborhood Board meetings.

OLD BUSINESS

Discuss houseless issues in Ala Moana-Kaka ako area: Mariano commented on the increased number of houseless individuals on Piikoi and Lunalilo Streets. Chung raised concerns about illegal activities near Piikoi and Lunalilo.

NEW BUSINESS

Consider resolution regarding supporting consumer protection bills for condo owners: Farinas introduced the resolution, discussion followed.

Farinas Moved and Mariano Seconded the Motion to adopt the resolution supporting consumer protections bills for condo owners. The Motion PASSED by Unanimous Consent.

Consider supporting Pearl City NB resolution addressing NCO's proposed policy revisions: No discussion/action was held.

RESIDENTS' AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

• Underage Drinking: A resident raised concerns regarding underage drinking with the company Oahu Boat Cruises.

ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS

Mayor Rick Blangiardi: Executive Director Makanani Sala, Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA) reported the following.

• Newsletter: https://www.oneoahu.org/newsletter.

• Illegal Parking: From January 30 through February 16, 2023, District 1 (Central Honolulu) officers made checks in the Cedar Street area for the truck parked on the sidewalk. During that period, they did not observe any vehicles parked on the sidewalk or blocking the sidewalk. Officers will continue to make checks in the area.

• Left Turn: The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) checked the traffic signal and it is operating properly. There are no dedicated left turn lanes on Kapiolani Boulevard, however when there are vehicles in the left lane heading West (Ewa) bound it often triggers the left turn arrow.

• Abandoned Home: Regarding the Elm Street property, from December 12, 2022, through January 13, 2023, District 1 (Central Honolulu) officers made checks in the area to address these issues. During that period, they did not observe any homeless individuals or feral chickens on the property. Officers will continue to monitor the area and will take appropriate enforcement action for any observed violations.

• Biker Safety: DTS is conducting an investigation and determine whether any additional signage or other changes are appropriate. Along the South King Street Bikeway we use "Look Both Ways for Bikes" signs at driveways and minor intersections.

• Pensacola Complete Streets: DTS has conducted a detailed traffic analysis of the proposed changes to Pensacola Street and does not anticipate any significant traffic impacts. Traffic along the proposed two-lane segment does not need to stop, except for crossing pedestrians, so there is no need for additional lanes for vehicle storage, as there is at the Kapiolani Boulevard signalized intersection, where we are proposing three travel lanes for cars to queue while waiting for a green light. Additionally, there are many opportunities for vehicles to pull over on the left side of the street (outside the bikeway) in case of an emergency during high traffic periods. The project was designed to improve safety for all modes of travel by reducing the opportunity for speeding and shortening pedestrian crossings, particularly important given the adjacent school.

• Kewalo Basin Park: The poor lighting in the area is due to multiple lights being out of order. A work order has been submitted to the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) to have the lights repaired/replaced.

• Mother Waldron Park: For safety reasons the yellow caution tape and slide have been removed. The contractor has placed an order for parts, once parts are received, they will repair/refurbish the play apparatus.

• Foodland: There are two non-overlapping licenses occupying Space 8000 in the Ala Moana - Foodland Farms (retail store) and HI Steaks (restaurant).

Questions, comments, and concerns followed.

1. Pensacola: Mariano reiterated concerns regarding Pensacola Complete Streets project.

2. Obama Tribute: Chung commented contacting MOCA regarding a President Obama tribute statue.

Council Chair Tommy Waters: No representative was present.

Councilmember Calvin Say: Councilmember Say reported the following.

• Newsletter: https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/s/CM-Say-Year-Recap-2022-Newsletter.pdf

• Website: https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-5-say

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. Piikoi Safeway: Chung raised concerns about the houseless individuals under the bridge near Safeway on Piikoi Street.

City Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam: Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam reported the following.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o8bIOcaFVASOhMRCku_xdukZZO-kok9F/view?usp=share_link

• Office Contact: (808) 768-5006 - tdossantos-tam@honolulu.gov

State Representative Scott Nishimoto: Taylor Date reported the following.

• Tax Clinic: A Captiol Tax Clinic will be held on Saturday March 4, 2023.

State Representative Adrian Tam: No representative present, a report was submitted.

State House Speaker Scott Saiki: Frank Rogozienski reported the following. https://mcusercontent.com/381ee156cdf84d1aee40f7906/files/2640d763-5053-7adc-e59a-411b44ed8fef/February_2023_NB_Report_3_.pdf

Senator Sharon Moriwaki: Senator Moriwaki presented the following.

• Kapiolani Pedestrian Safety: DTS is installing "slow down school zone" signs, speed humps, and red-light cameras near Keawe Street on Kapiolani Boulevard.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed.

1. Membrane: Faringer inquired about the membrane regarding underground toxic material and development.

2. Natural Disasters: Mariano commented on tsunamis and sea level rise relating to new development.

Governor Josh Green: Adam Weintraub introduced himself and shared the following link. https://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/GOV-SOTS-Book-electronic-distribution.pdf

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

AGENCY REPORTS

Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA): Francine Murray shared a newsletter and was available for questions.

Newsletter: https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hcda/files/2023/02/February-2023-Community-Connection.pdf

Bill: For more information on Senate Bill 736, visit: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=736&year=2023

Next Meeting: The next HCDA Board meeting is on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. The agendas will be posted online at https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hcda/march-1-2023-agenda/

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit (HART): Harry Cho announced the following.

• Updates: For rail project updates on the Downtown Utilities Relocation/CCUR III work, please remember to sign up for the weekly Frank V. Coluccio Construction Co./HART e-blast at: http://eepurl.com/h1g2W5

Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS): No representative was present; a report was submitted.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Parks: Island-wide approach to regulate commercial activity in city parks - Department of Parks and Recreation

• 2023 King Kamehameha Celebration Events - King Kamehameha Celebration Commission

• Traffic Advisory: King's Runner 10K, March 5, 2023 (info@honolulumarathon.org for questions)

• Neighborhood Board Elections: Voting is from Friday, April 28, 2023 to Friday, May 19, 2023. For more information: https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/nbelections.html

• NB11 new social media accounts: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlaMoanaKakaakoNB11; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alamoanakakaakonb11/

• 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

• Next Meeting: The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Makiki Christian Church and online via WebEx.

• lelo Broadcasts: Recordings of the meetings are broadcast 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. Upcoming broadcast will be on at 8:30 a.m. The full schedule is at https://olelo.org/tv-schedule/). Recordings may also be viewed 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 Lee adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.

Submitted by: Spencer Johnson, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy

Finalized by: Kathleen Lee, Chair

Last Updated: 22 March 2023
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