Neighborhood Commission
NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN COMMITTEE
CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU
MINUTES OF MEETING
MARCH 12, 2002
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Iwamoto called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. A quorum was present.
ATTENDANCE:
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Benjamin Gudoy, Sally Amantiad, Ray Galas, Benjamin Sanchez, Karen Iwamoto, Margaret Murchie,
STAFF: Benjamin Kama, Terry Morris, Sheri Kajiwara, Elwin Spray, Dean Chu.
GUESTS: David Tanouye (Office of City Corporation Counsel), John Kato, Clifton Takamura (McCully-Moiliili Neighborhood Board No. 8), Tom Heinrich (Manoa Neighborhood Board No. 7), Debbi Glanstein (Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31), Lynne Matusow (Downtown Neighborhood Board No. 13), Mark Terry (Kuliouou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board No. 2), Gary Bautista (Ewa Neighborhood Board No. 23), David Pagan (Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22).
INTRODUCTIONS: The Commissioners and guests introduced themselves, Chair Iwamoto introduced the staff members of the Neighborhood Commission and City Corporation Counsel.
APPROVAL OF THE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 8, 2000: Galas moved and Murchie seconded that the minutes be approved. The motion carried unanimously.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
CONSIDERATION OF ACTION TO ACCEPT (NOT APPROVE OR ADOPT) THE SECOND DRAFT REVISED NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN 2002 AND RECOMMEND FORWARDING TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION TO HAVE THE NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION OFFICE DISTRIBUTE COPIES FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT _ Tom Heinrich distributed a yet to be completed copy of the Second Draft Revised Neighborhood Plan 2002, that once completed will be ready for publication and distribution. Galas moved and Amantiad seconded that the Second Draft Revised Neighborhood Plan be accepted (not approved or adopted) and recommend forwarding to the Neighborhood Commission to have the Neighborhood Commission distribute copies for public review and comment.
Discussion followed:
Lynne Matusow questioned whether or not all suggestions made at public meetings were incorporated into the Second Draft, and suggested that the Commissioners should decide on what to include.
John Kato favored acceptance of the Second Draft and that any changes can be made later in the public hearing process.
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Chair Iwamoto noted that the Second Draft is not yet ready for the public hearing process, and distribution of the Second Draft will be done in preparation for an informational workshop.
Tom Heinrich noted that the Second Draft is a distillation of all suggestions received at previous workshops. All comments were considered, some were incorporated in the draft, and any suggestions that were not included can be addressed during the public hearing process.
Debbi Glanstein suggested that there be an explanation of why suggestions were or were not included in the Second Draft.
Tom Heinrich noted that no direct attribution of any individual is given to the suggestions incorporated into the Second Draft, as it is everyone's work.
Clifton Takamura supported acceptance of the document and acknowledged that there will be agreements and disagreements on it.
Gary Bautista supported acceptance of the Second Draft and noted that when it is reviewed, it will be possible to determine what suggestions were or were not incorporated.
In response to a question from Debbi Glanstein, Tom Heinrich noted that the Second Draft does not include an opinion from the State Office of Information Practices regarding the sunshine law, but it does include language that encourages Board members to work with other community organizations. The Second Draft also does not include any reference to the City Vision Teams.
The motion carried, 13-1, Yea: Gudoy, Amantiad, Galas, Sanchez, Iwamoto, Murchie, Tanouye, Kato, Takamura, Heinrich, Bautista, Glanstein, Terry. Nay: Matusow.
CONSIDERATION AND ACTION TO RECOMMEND THE NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION OFFICE SCHEDULE A NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN WORKSHOP FOR THE REVIEW OF THE SECOND DRAFT NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN 2002 BY THE NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSIONERS AND THE PUBLIC _ Galas moved and Murchie seconded that the committee recommends that the Neighborhood Commission Office schedule a Neighborhood Plan Workshop for the review of the second draft Neighborhood Plan 2002 by by the Neighborhood Commissioners and the public.
Discussion followed.
It was suggested and Galas and Murchie accepted an amendment to the motion, adding a new last sentence to read “Any future changes to the Second Draft be done in-house and not by anyone else.”
Executive Secretary Kama noted that staff can accommodate the making of future changes to the Second Draft.
Tom Heinrich was commended for his extensive work on the Second Draft.
A proposed draft schedule for the public hearings was distributed to Commissioners and it was noted that the schedule is subject to change.
The motion carried, 12-0-2, Yea: Gudoy, Amantiad, Galas, Sanchez, Iwamoto, Murchie, Tanouye, Kato, Takamura, Heinrich, Bautista, Glanstein. Terry and Takamura abstained.
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ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 7:06 p.m.
Submitted by,
Dean Chu
Neighborhood Assistant
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION
CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 12, 2002
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Iwamoto called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. A quorum was present.
ATTENDANCE:
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Benjamin Gudoy, Sally Amantiad, Ray Galas, Benjamin Sanchez, Karen Iwamoto, Margaret Murchie,
STAFF: Benjamin Kama, Terry Morris, Sheri Kajiwara, Elwin Spray, Dean Chu.
GUESTS: David Tanouye (Office of City Corporation Counsel), John Kato, Clifton Takamura (McCully-Moiliili Neighborhood Board No. 8), Tom Heinrich (Manoa Neighborhood Board No. 7), Debbi Glanstein (Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31), Lynne Matusow (Downtown Neighborhood Board No. 13), Mark Terry (Kuliouou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board No. 2), Gary Bautista (Ewa Neighborhood Board No. 23), David Pagan (Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22).
INTRODUCTION OF COMMISSIONERS: The Commissioners introduced themselves.
PUBLIC INPUT:
ELECTION OF VICE CHAIR OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION - Lynne Matusow noted that this item, which was on last month's meeting agenda, was not on this month's agenda since last month's meeting was cancelled. Iwamoto will place this item on the next meeting agenda.
FILLING OF VACANCIES ON THE NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION _ Lynne Matusow expressed concern that both the Administration and City Council each have not appointed someone to fill the vacancies on the Commission.
Chair Iwamoto reported that she has been in contact with the City Council on this matter and will follow up on names previously suggested the Council consider.
Galas reported he is willing to do whatever he can to assure that the Neighborhood Commission receives the necessary financial resources to do its job.
John Kato suggested Chester Koga, a current member of the Aliamanu/Salt Lake/Foster Village Neighborhood Board, and former chair of both the McCully-Moiliili and Kahaluu Neighborhood Boards, be considered to fill one of the vacant seats on the Commission.
NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD CHAIR'S MEETING WITH NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION EXECUTIVE SECRETARY _ Lynne Matusow noted that one of the concerns expressed at the meeting by Board Chairs was that their Neighborhood Assistants do not always have enough time to do their Neighborhood Board's work in a timely manner, as one of the reasons may be that the Neighborhood Assistants are spending too much time on unrelated work for the Administration, such as Brunch on the Beach, Sunset on the Beach, etc.
FILLING OF BOARD VACANCIES _ Clifton Takamura reported that his McCully-Moiliili Board has filled all but two of its vacancies.
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McCULLY-MOILIILI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD REDISTRICTING - Clifton Takamura reported that two of his Board's committees are working on redistricting the Board in time for the next Neighborhood Board election.
Mark Terry, as an individual, suggested that all Boards have all their seats at-large. This would result in all members being more aware of what is happening throughout their Board areas and simplify the election process for the Neighborhood Commission Office.
BOARD MEMBERS GIVING TESTIMONY _ Debbi Glanstein suggested that clarification be provided to Board members that they clearly indicate whom they are representing, their Board, themselves as individuals, or members of other organizations, when they testify before the City Council, legislature, etc., and they indicate they are members of a Neighborhood Board when introducing themselves. Executive Secretary Executive Secretary Kama will follow up on including this information in the Commission Office's newsletter.
WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD MEETING _ Debbi Glanstein reported that she attended the last Waimanalo Neighborhood Board meeting and commended the way the meeting was conducted by its chair.
APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 11, 2001: Galas moved and Gudoy seconded that the minutes be approved as circulated. The motion carried unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CORRESPONDENCE: Chair Iwamoto reported that correspondence has been previously provided to Commissioners and highlighted receipt of a letter from Cynthia Rezentes, Chair of the Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board, requesting a formal report on the status of the Second Draft Revised Neighborhood Plan 2002.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS:
COMMISSION CHAIR - Chair Iwamoto commended Tom Heinrich for his work on the Second Draft Revised Neighborhood Plan 2002.
COMMISSION MEMBERS:
Galas commented on the importance of filling the two vacancies on the Neighborhood Commission, and that the Commission will elect a new vice chair.
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY'S REPORT: Executive Secretary Kama reported the following:
1. Names have been submitted to both the Administration and the City Council for their consideration as candidates to be appointed to the Neighborhood Commission, and that Chester Koga's name will also be submitted. Both vacancies should be filled by the next Commission meeting.
2. The City Administration has submitted the budget for the next fiscal year to the City Council for review. That budget includes $988,173 for the Neighborhood Commission, and includes funds for the next Neighborhood Board election. The previous budget for the Commission was $607,000 and did not include funds for the election.
3. Charles Herrmann has returned to work for the Commission Office.
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4. The Neighborhood Assistants have received a pay raise.
5. A meeting was held January 28 with Neighborhood Board chairs. Various concerns were discussed, including the quality of minutes of meetings. Efforts are ongoing to improve the quality of the minutes.
Chair Iwamoto and Galas requested that the Commission members be invited to such meetings as this will better enable them to provide assistance to the Boards.
Concern was expressed that if more than two Commissioners were to attend such a meeting, there would be a requirement that this type of informal meeting would have to meet sunshine law requirements, and that the general public would have to be invited.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN REVISION UPDATE: Chair Iwamoto reported that the Second Draft Revised Neighborhood Plan 2002 has been received by the Neighborhood Plan Committee.
NEW BUSINESS:
MOTION TO AMEND THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 9, 2001 MEETING REGARDING EXECUTIVE SESSION _ Gudoy moved and Galas seconded that as requested by the Office of Information Practices, the minutes of the Regular Commission meeting of October 2001 be amended to reflect the reason for going into executive session by adding on the first line of New Business, page 4 of the minutes: “Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 92-4 and 92-5(a)(4) and (8), for the purposes of consulting with the Neighborhood Commission's legal counsel on questions and issues pertaining to the Commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities and liabilities, especially in relation to the complaint process which follows on the agenda.” The motion carried unanimously.
Murchie moved and Galas seconded that page 4, under New Business, under Complaint Hearing in the Matter of William Woods., third paragraph, should read “.address making the park ADA compliant.”. The motion carried unanimously.
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO INIATIVE PETITIONS AND SCHEDULE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS _ Chair Iwamoto reported that a draft schedule for the public hearings has been previously distributed to Commissioners. Executive Secretary Kama noted that Commission staff will finalize the schedule. Iwamoto noted that the public hearings are for the purpose of receiving public input and that the hearing can be conducted with only one Commissioner present at the meeting. Kama noted that the public hearings will not begin before the next Commission meeting.
Galas moved and Amantiad seconded to accept the proposed schedule. The motion carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND ACTION ON PROPOSAL TO ACCEPT (NOT APPROVE OR ADOPT) THE SECOND DRAFT REVISED NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN 2002 AND DIRECT THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY TO DISTRUBUTE COPIES FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT _ Galas moved and Sanchez seconded that the Second Draft Revised Neighborhood Plan be accepted (not approved or adopted) and recommend forwarding to the Neighborhood Commission to have the Neighborhood Commission distribute copies for public review and comment and any future changes to the Second Draft be done in-house and not by anyone else. The motion carried unanimously.
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CONSIDERATION AND ACTION TO RECOMMEND THE NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION OFFICE SCHEDULE A NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN WORKSHOP FOR THE REVIEW OF THE SECOND DRAFT NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN 2002 BY THE NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSIONERS AND THE PUBLIC _ Galas moved and Murchie seconded that consideration and action to recommend the Neighborhood Commission
Office schedule a Neighborhood Plan workshop for the review of the Second Draft Neighborhood Plan 2002 by the neighborhood commissioners and the public. The motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN _ There was nothing else to add on this matter which has been previously addressed.
BUDGET _ Galas questioned whether or not the Neighborhood Commission Office has sufficient funds to do its job. Executive Secretary Kama reported that there are sufficient funds and that the budget for the next fiscal year includes approximately $300,000 for the next Neighborhood Board election. The budget will be used for a publicity campaign such as was used for the previous election. The campaign was conducted during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season and suggested that consideration be given to changing the election timetable so elections are conducted after the holiday season. The publicity campaign will include posters on TheBus, currently general information posters are being displayed, election posters will be on display at a later date. Other publicity will include the use of Olelo television spots.
Iwamoto suggested Commission assistance might be necessary to help Board members retain their interest in serving on the Board. Kama noted that many Board members have served for multiple terms.
Murchie noted her efforts to encourage colleagues to become candidates.
John Kato noted there is more of a problem with having enough candidates for the election, as there were a number of uncontested races during the last election.
Clifton Takamura noted that some people seek election to the Board for the wrong reasons, such as not having a commitment to the community, but having other self-serving reasons for becoming Board members.
ELECTIONS _ No report.
EVALUATION _ Executive Secretary Kama suggested that Sam Bren, Chair of the Waikiki Neighborhood Board, be recognized by the Commission for his community service. Murchie and Galas will establish criteria to be used to honor such individuals.
SCHEDULING OF THE NEXT NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION MEETING: The next meeting is scheduled for April 9, 2002, 6:30 p.m., City Council Chambers.
ADDITIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: None.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Submitted by,
Dean Chu
Neighborhood Assistant
