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

ALA MOANA - KAKA AKO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 11

 

November 2023 Minutes

 

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD

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

MAKIKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH AND ON WEBEX

Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiHcOXT_PH0&t=63s

Meeting materials are available online at: https://tinyurl.com/nb11home

I. CALL TO ORDER [0:00:01]: Chair Lee called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Quorum was established with eight (8) members present. Note: This 11-member Board requires six (6) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action. Board members must be in-person or have video access.

Board Members Present: Dyson Chee, Emma Davis, Lori Farinas, Kim Coco Iwamoto, Kathleen Lee, Richard Webb, Lynn Mariano, Rodney Chang, Caroline Faringer (arrived at 6:07 p.m.); and Jeanne Rice (arrived at 6:08 p.m.).

Board Members Absent: None.

Guests: Firefighter Decova (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Arnold Sagucio (Honolulu Police Department); Ben Sullivan (Mayor Blangiardi's Representative); Adam Weintraub (Governor Green's Representative); Janel Denny and Pua Smith Kauhane (Councilmember Say); Robin Henski (Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam); Flora Samis (Representative Adrian Tam); Frank Rogozienski (Speaker Scott Saiki); Senator Sharon Moriwaki, Representative Scott Nishimoto, Ronald Higa (Liliha Neighborhood Board No. 14); Johnny Reid (HART); Francine Murray (HCDA); Mr. Toba, Elizabeth Songvilay (AT&T Presentation); Kaiulani Sodaro (Ward Village Update); Daniel Dong (Residents and Guests); and Spencer Johnson (Neighborhood Commission Office - NCO). There were 32 total attendees. Note: Names are not included if not legible on the guest sheet.

II. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS [0:01:42]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Firefighter Decova reported the fire statistics and safety tips. The full report can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/nb11home or the HFD website: https://fire.honolulu.gov.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) [0:04:20]: Lieutenant Sagucio reported the crime statistics and HPD updates. For more information, visit: https://www.honolulupd.org.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:07:15]

Faringer arrived at 6:07 p.m., nine (9) members present.

Rice arrived at 6:08 p.m., 10 members present.

BOARD BUSINESS [0:38:57]

Filling of Vacancies - Subdistrict 1: There were no volunteers or nominations.

Approval of the October 24, 2023 meeting minutes: Mariano commented a on a few items he wished to expand upon.

[0:39:37] Mariano Moved and Chang Seconded the Motion to approve the October 2023 regular meeting minutes as corrected by Mariano. Hearing no objections, the Motion WAS ADOPTED 10-0-0 (AYE: Chee, Davis, Farinas, Iwamoto, Lee, Webb, Mariano, Chang, Faringer, Rice. NAY: None. ABSTAIN: None.) [0:42:12]

Attendance at other meetings [0:42:25]:

• Houseless: Iwamoto reported attending the 2023 Hawaii Homelessness and Housing Conference.

• Keeaumoku Park: Change reported attending Senator Moriwaki's meeting, regarding Keeaumoku Park.

• Conference of Chairs: Chee reported attending the recent conference of Chairs, provided by the NCO.

Consideration of Resolution RE: building of new hotels/condo-hotels in the Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood [0:53:26]:

Iwamoto introduced the resolution. Discussion followed.

[1:00:37] Chee Moved and Rice Seconded the Motion to adopt the Resolution relating to hotels/condos in the Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood. Discussion followed.

[1:07:28] Mariano Moved and Iwamoto Seconded the Motion to postpone this item until after Item 6 - Resident Concerns, providing time to edit the resolution. Hearing no objections, the Motion WAS ADOPTED by Unanimous Consent 10-0-0 (AYE: Chee, Davis, Farinas, Iwamoto, Lee, Webb, Mariano, Chang, Faringer, Rice. NAY: None. ABSTAIN: None.) [1:07:46]

III. PRESENTATIONS [1:08:10]

Ward Village Community Update: Kaiulani Sodaro, Senior VP, Planning & Development, Ward Village, presented the following. The Ward Village is 8+ acres with three new parks. Auahi Street improvements were discussed. The Ala Moana Boulevard Pedestrian bridge, The Park, and other project status were provided. Maps, renderings, and photos were provided.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:23:30]

AT&T Small Cell Site [1:29:29]: Elizabeth Songvilay, External Affairs Director, AT&T, presented the following. The need for additional Cell sites was provided. AT&T looks to expand coverage in high density areas. There is an upcoming small cell near 1001 Waimanu Street. The small cell will be attached to existing infrastructure.

Contact: elizabeth.songvilay@att.com

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:40:11]

IV. SUBDISTRICT REPORTS [1:42:26]

• Subdistrict 3 - Member Jeanne Rice: Rice raised concerns regarding landscaping on Kamakee Street.

• Rent Control Laws: Davis reported a conversation with a resident regarding rent control laws.

• Other subdistricts: Mariano commented on the lack of housing in Honolulu.

V. RESIDENTS' AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS [1:55:27]

Homeless Encampment: Resident Daniel raised concerns regarding the homeless encampment on Keawe Street, between Halekauwila and Pohukaina Street. Aggressive behavior has been frequent, and personal belongings block the sidewalk, preventing ADA accommodations.

Traffic Light Timing: Farinas raised concerns with the traffic light timing on South Street traveling Mauka, crossing Kapiolani and S King Street. The S King Street light turns red before the first car at the can clear the Kapiolani intersection.

BOARD BUSINESS (Continued) [2:01:16]

Consideration of Resolution RE: building of new hotels/condo-hotels in the Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood: Iwamoto introduced the revised resolution. Discussion followed.

[2:04:15] Chang Moved and Rice Seconded the adopt the resolution regarding hotels/condos in the Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood. The Motion WAS ADOPTED 10-0-0 (AYE: Chee, Davis, Farinas, Iwamoto, Lee, Webb, Mariano, Chang, Faringer, Rice. NAY: None. ABSTAIN: None.) [2:07:31]

VI. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS [2:08:14]:

Mayor Rick Blangiardi [2:08:27]: Deputy Director Ben Sullivan, Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency reported the following.

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

• Traffic signal issues: Please call the Traffic Signals Division at (808) 768-8387

• Bus Stop Maintenance: The bus stop on South Beretania Street located between Piikoi Street and Keeaumoku Street fronting the Times Market was power washed on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

• Parking Meters: The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) maintains the meters and collects coin revenue for parking meters. Broken or vandalized meters should be reported to the HPD Meter mechanics, (808) 832-7836.

• Dead Tree: On November 16, 2023, a Division of Urban Forestry supervisor inspected one City pink tecoma tree stump next door to 929 Ahana Street in Makiki. The DUF supervisor determined that although this tree stump does not appear to pose an immediate public safety concern, removal is warranted. DUF anticipates that tree stump removal work will be completed by the end of January 2024.

• Drug Dealing: From November 2-19, 2023, District 1 (Central Honolulu) patrol officers checked the area and did not observe any drug dealing or suspicious activity. Officers will continue to make checks and take enforcement action when violations occur.

• Abandoned Vehicle: From November 13-19, 2023, District 1 (Central Honolulu) patrol officers checked the area. One vehicle was cited for Delinquent Vehicle Tax and Expired Safety Check, and the tires of several vehicles parked in metered stalls were marked. No other violations were observed at that time. Officers will continue to make checks and take enforcement action when violations occur.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [2:11:48]

Councilmember Calvin Say [2:21:51]: Pua Smith Kauhane submitted a report and was available for questions.

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

• Housing Plan Presentation: https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/meetings

City Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam [2:26:52]: Robin Henski reported the following.

• Newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/nb11home or https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6098c5bb75e480679bd2fab3/t/654ae2c3f509b15129faf3b5/1699406550558/2023.11+Newsletter.pdf

State Representative Scott Nishimoto [2:28:20]: Representative Nishimoto was available for questions.

State Representative Adrian Tam [2:28:43]: Flora Samis provided a brief report.

Newsletter: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/legislature/memberpage.aspx?member=132&year=202

State House Speaker Scott Saiki [2:29:54]: Frank Rogozienski reported the following.

• Newsletter: https://saiki.house/NovNeighborhoodBoard

Senator Sharon Moriwaki [2:30:46]: Senator Moriwaki provided a brief report.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [2:38:15]

Governor Josh Green [2:40:17]: No representative was present at this time.

Newsletter: https://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Ke-Ala-Hou-Newsletter-November-2023-FINAL.pdf

U.S. Congressman Ed Case [2:40:28]: No representative was present.

VII. AGENCY REPORTS [2:40:33]

Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA): Francine Murray reported the following.

• Newsletter: https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hcda/files/2023/11/November-2023-Community-Connection.pdf

• Hotel web link: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/hnlbr-renaissance-honolulu-hotel-and-spa/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0

• For more information on the Kakaako Makai Rules and proposed amendments https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hcda/kakaako-makai-area-rule-amendments/

• For info on the Kakaako Mauka area rules proposed updstes https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hcda/kakaako-mauka-area-rule-amendments/

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [2:43:56]

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit (HART) [2:45:44]: Johnny Reid provided a brief report. For additional information on construction of the Honolulu Rail Transit Project, please visit HART's website at www.HonoluluTransit.org or call HART's 24-Hour Project Hotline at (808) 566-2299 or email us at info@honolulutransit.org.

Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) [2:49:39]: No representative was present; a report was submitted.

VIII. BOARD MEMBERS' MAHALO MESSAGES FOR THE HOLIDAYS [2:49:45]: Members shared holiday messages.

IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS [2:58:45]

• Honolulu City Lights: Tree Lighting Ceremony, Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at Honolulu Hale

• Parade: 49th Annual Street Bikers United Toy Parade, Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. The parade will start at Magic Island and end at Waikiki Shell. For more info, contact Ray Pagan at 808.282.6419 onerican@raypagan.com.

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

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

• 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

• THE ALA MOANA-KAKAAKO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD WILL BE IN RECESS IN DECEMBER. THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 23,2024 AT 6:00 P.M.

X. ADJOURNMENT [2:59:09]: As there was no further business, Chair Lee adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.

Submitted by: Spencer Johnson, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy

Finalized by: Kathleen Lee, Chair

Last Updated: 17 January 2024
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