ALA MOANA/KAKAAKO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2005

MAKIKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH

CALL TO ORDER: Chair John Breinich called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: John Breinich, Robert Fowler, Nancy Hedlund, Larry Hurst, Joyce Kurtz, Marilyn Michaels, Dyane Sih.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Jennifer Gerard (excused).

GUESTS: Joan Manke (Mayor’s Representative), Jeff Coelho (Managing Director), Baybee Hufana-Ablan (Neighborhood Commission Office), Shawn Hamamoto (Councilmember Rod Tam’s office), Dr. Fukino (Governor’s Representative), Senator Carol Fukunaga, Anne Stevens (Senator Gordon Trimble’s office), Anita Young (Representative Galen Fox’s office), Captain Mel Pang (Honolulu Fire Department), Sgt. N. Colburn and Lt. Curtiss Loui (Honolulu Police Department), Howard Tanaka (BWS), Daniel Dinell (HCDA), Stanley Kuriyama (A&B), Francis Oda (Group 70), Christina Kemmer (Communications Pacific), Ron Iwami (Friends of Kewalo Basin Park), Alan Takemoto (Hawai’i Farm Bureau), Paul Chong (Hawai’i Construction Union), Allan Leong (KC Rainbow Development), Fran Kirk and Ron Wright (Honolulu 100), Scott Fernandez and Donna Smith (EK Fernandez), Yuka Nishikawa (UH), Karl Rhoads (Downtown Neighborhood Board), Richard Fassler (Manoa Neighborhood Board), Michelle Matson (Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board), Kyle Chock, Dave Chun, Mitch D’Olier, Roy Gritter, Jack Hamada, Christine Kaneshiro, David Kelly, Dick Morris, Dexter Okada, Frances Shintani, Kristi Su-Ako, Vicky Holt-Takamine, Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT: Captain Mel Pang reported: 1) For the month of October, the Pawaa Fire Station responded to 25 fires, 150 medical emergencies, 13 search and rescues, and 17 miscellaneous calls. 2) Safety Tip: “The holidays are a time for celebration and that means more cooking, home decorating, entertaining, and an increased risk of fire due to heating equipment. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States. After a party, check for smoldering cigarettes. Use caution with holiday decorations and whenever possible, choose those made with flame-resistant, flame-retardant, or non-combustible materials. Purchase only lights and electrical decorations bearing the name of an independent testing lab, and follow the manufacture’s instructions for installation and maintenance. Do not overload extension cords. Try to keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water daily. When purchasing an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire-retardant.” 

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT: Sgt. N. Colburn gave a report: 1) On the statistics for October and September: 8/11 robberies; 23/20 burglaries; 101/85 UEMV (unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle); 30/32 auto thefts; 5/10 aggravated assaults; 35/34 simple assaults; 220/291 motor vehicle collisions; 15/25 DUI; 2/11 sex assault; 17/25 family offenses; 64/44 drug offenses, 6/3 graffiti.  2) DUI checkpoints will be set up beginning tomorrow through November 28.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Michaels had concerns about two recent pedestrian accidents along Ala Moana Boulevard. It’s not uncommon to see pedestrians crossing against the traffic light in the morning hours. The pedestrians jaywalk because the green light isn’t long enough. Sgt. Colburn said he would forward the concern to HPD’s traffic light technician. Pedestrians are supposed to stop at the median when the walk light is blinking.

2)       Michaels mentioned that the Board will address illegal parking by limousines on public streets. Kurtz added that the problem gets worse during the nighttime hours. Sgt. Colburn stated commercial vehicles are limited to four hours of parking on public streets and you are not allowed to take up more than one parking meter. He will have officers monitor the area.

3)        Hurst noted that 51 of 64 drug offenses last month occurred in this beat area. He cautioned guests to be aware of their surroundings when they leave the meeting.

4)       Fowler had concerns regarding the homeless at Ala Moana Beach Park. It’s a health hazard. Sgt. Colburn said camping in the park is illegal. Officers have been responding to complaints and issuing citations. Officers on ATV’s patrol the park. If you have a violation addressed, call 911 and if no one responds ask to speak to a sergeant.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY – Howard Tanaka reported: 1) There was one main break in the district in October (on October 31 fronting 432 Keawe Street) and none thus far in November. 2) There are no ongoing water construction projects. Bid opening for the Kapiolani Boulevard Water and Sewer Improvements was on December 6. Desired notice to proceed is February 1, 2006. With a 22-month construction schedule, construction should be completed before Thanksgiving 2007. Construction will be suspended from before Thanksgiving until after the New Year. 3) To ensure all BWS workers have the proper understanding of how to keep our water supply safe, workers have been getting their certifications as Distribution System Operators. This certification is mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency. 4) Since November 1, the Halawa Xeriscape Garden will no longer be open on Wednesdays. Saturday hours will remain the same from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information, please call 748-5041. 5) On behalf of BWS, he wished everyone Happy Holidays.

APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 25, 2005 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: The Board approved the minutes with the following correction:

            Page 1, under HPD, delete “Officer Mark Feekin” and insert “Officer Richard Fikani”

TREASURER’S REPORT: No report.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS: There were no residents’ concerns.

COMMITTEE REPORTS AND KEY ORGANIZATIONS:

CHAIR’S REPORT:

Filling of vacancy in Subdistrict 1 – There were no candidates to fill the vacancy.  It will remain on the agenda until the position is filled.

Honolulu Centennial and Ala Moana Park Carnival – Ron Wright and Fran Kirk (Honolulu 100), Jeff Coelho (Managing Director), Scott Fernandez and Donna Smith (EK Fernandez) briefed the Board on the proposed Honolulu Centennial and Ala Moana Park Carnival.  A four-day festival, which will include rides, games, food, entertainment, clowns, face painting, kiddieoke contest, pet fashion show, is planned at Magic Island for March 30-April 2. Admission will be free. The Mayor has made this event a priority. In related news, the Centennial Commission held a successful gala last Thursday. The proceeds from the gala and the carnival will be used to restore Honolulu Hale. 

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Wright said no City funds would be used for the four-day event. 

2)       Michaels had concerns the carnival would rival the Fourth of July with traffic and parking problems.

3)       Kurtz asked who would be responsible to restore Magic Island once the event is held. Fernandez answered they would be responsible to re-sod the grounds. If for any reason there is damage, they have a deposit with Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). Kurtz said attendees may damage other areas of the park. Fernandez stated they have experience with the Punahou Carnival. Coelho said the City feels they are dealing with the best organization.

4)       Hurst said he’s not against the event, but it’s not the proper place or time for it. This area has been under siege. We have the highest crime area and motor vehicle collisions. The Board will oppose any alcohol in the park.

5)       Chair Breinich noted that two non-profit organizations came before the Board in the past with the same idea and the Board has gone on record not supporting it. Ala Moana Beach Park is not a place for a carnival. A carnival sets a bad precedent for others who request in the future. Coelho said he appreciates the Board’s comments and will take into account the concerns. They are moving forward with the event. Chair Breinich said the Board opposes the carnival not the activity.

6)       Hedlund suggested negotiating with Ala Moana Shopping Center to use their top floor of the parking structure for the carnival.

7)       Kurtz suggested using Honolulu Civic Center. Fernandez stated this type of event is not allowed on the civic center grounds. Coelho said they looked into it, but it wouldn’t have the nostalgic feeling.

Ala Moana/Kakaako Neighborhood Board No. 11 Redistricting – Chair Breinich disseminated information on the 2005 Ala Moana/Kakaako Neighborhood Board voter registration count. Subdistrict 1: 1,448 (4 seats); Subdistrict 2: 754 (2 seats); Subdistrict 3: 1,365 (2 seats); Subdistrict 4: 1,205 (1 seat).

Concerns and comments followed:

1)         Michaels offered her own proposal – Subdistrict 1: 3 seats; Subdistrict 2: 1 seat; Subdistrict 3: 3 seats; Subdistrict 4: 2 seats; and a couple of At-Large seats.

2)         Sih said although the numbers suggest Subdistrict 2 doesn’t need two seats, a lot of action occurs in our area. She suggested one seat from Subdistrict 1 and giving it to Subdistrict 3.

3)         Kurtz suggested making all nine seats At-Large since this area is small enough that everyone is familiar with the area.

Michaels moved and Hedlund seconded that the Ala Moana/Kakaako Neighborhood Board No. 11 that the Board change its seats: Subdistrict 1: 3 seats; Subdistrict 2: 1 seat; Subdistrict 3: 3 seats; Subdistrict 4: 2 seats; and a few At-Large seats. The motion failed, 4-2-1 (5 votes is quorum and is needed for a motion to pass).

COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE – Sih announced the Ala Moana-Sheridan Community Planning meeting on January 12, 2006, Makiki Christian Church from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. 

LAND DEVELOPMENT AND UTILIZATION COMMITTEE: No report.

Hawai’i Community Development Authority (HCDA) – Daniel Dinell stated: 1) There will be two public hearings on December 7: a) Termination of Kamehameha Schools Puahi Place Master Plan; b) Moana Vista project. He invited the public to attend the hearings. Testimony can be submitted by email, fax, mail. 2) HCDA is working closely with Alexander and Baldwin (A&B) to review the concerns. HCDA will postpone issuing the Letter of Intent until the January Neighborhood Board meeting.

Kakaako Waterfront Project – Stanley Kuriyama of A&B, said as a result of written complaints they have received, A&B immediately established a website and hotline number. Input and comments are being accepted. Based upon the comments: 1) Pedestrian bridge - they will look at the feasibility and if it’s doable; 2) Kewalo Park – they are sensitive to public’s use and whether it’s appropriate use. They don’t want to affect fishermen, surfers, etc; 3) Marina – they have no hidden agenda. They will not do anything until they meet with the boaters; 4) Point Panic area – they will not touch the area. Parking is a concern; 5) Residential development – they will take a look at it to lessen the impact. A&B understands the issues and concerns and they will took a look at it. They can’t please everyone.

Chair Breinich announced due to the large number of speakers there will be a two minute time limit per speaker.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Vicky Holt-Takamine said currently there are no cultural centers in the state. She questioned if it would be another tourist attraction (i.e. Polynesian Cultural Center). If that was the idea, she would not support it. Takamine said she would support it if it would be a place where kupuna could quilt, where children could learn from the kupuna, etc. She has lobbied the Legislature the past two years for a cultural center.

2)       Mitch D’Olier, formerly of Victoria Ward, said he reviewed the plans on HCDA’s website and the plans are consistent with HCDA’s plans when he was with Victoria Ward. He stated there needs to be more dialogue, more face to face discussions.

3)        Ron Iwami of Friends of Kewalo Basin Park, mentioned he didn’t see all the plans. Dinell stated all the plans that were submitted are available at HCDA.

4)       Kurtz noted that the cultural center site would be built on a former dumpsite. She had concerns about methane gas. Dinell stated there were very little traces of methane gas because of the use of an incinerator. The area is going through an environmental review. It would cost $2 million to clean-up the site. If the property is not cleaned-up, the property will remain as is. 

5)       Alan Takemoto of the Hawai’i Farm Bureau, said they support the project and the proposed farmers market. The farmer market would bring the farmers to tourists.

6)       Paul Chong of the Hawai’i Construction Union, asked the Board not to make a hasty decision and oppose the project. The project would help the construction market.

7)       Hedlund asked if the Environmental Assessment (EA) is available on HCDA’s website. Dinell answered copies are not available on their website because of the size of the document, but it available at HCDA’s office, public libraries, and OEQC.

8)      Additional concerns and comments include: a) A resident who is part-Hawaiian questioned the cultural center. He said that’s why local people don’t go into Waikiki; traffic is still mess; 1,000 units is like building a Sheraton Waikiki and Royal Hawaiian Hotel; it’s high priced condos. He’s not against condos, but there needs to be dialogue; b) Kuriyama stated 20% of the units have to be affordable. They are not trying to solve the housing problem. A&B can offer the units first to the local people; c) Dinell stated most of the streets were graded “D” and “E” (“F” is unacceptable); d) Dinell said the area is not zoned for timeshare; e) Kuriyama stated there will be over 3,000 parking spaces (private and public); f) A resident questioned when the EA was done. The project will not only affect bodysurfers, but everyone who plays and work in the area. He would not feel welcome with the luxury condos; g) Dinell noted that their website address is hcdaweb.org; h) A resident said building these highrises will lead to more highrises being built. We need to focus on public assets; i) A business owner supports the project, especially the cultural center and the farmers market. Also, A&B has been in Hawai’i since 1870’s and they have been good to the state; j) A resident said he doesn’t think the public should be involved with this project. Currently, the State is not doing a good job maintaining their parks. If we don’t support this project, Kakaako will remain a filthy, rotten dump; k) A resident said the condos, retail, etc. will destroy the view plains.  

Hedlund moved and Michaels seconded that the Ala Moana/Kakaako Neighborhood Board No. 11 support a resolution to request an immediate hold on all actions of the HCDA regarding Kakaako Makai development. The motion carried unanimously.

Victoria Ward – Chair Breinich mentioned Jeff Dinsmore sent his regrets.

Moana Vista Condo Project – Allan Leong of KC Rainbow Development displayed site plans for the Moana Vista Condo project to be built at two sites at 1015 Kapiolani Boulevard (former Chuckwagon site) and 1025 Waimanu

Street. The Kapiolani Boulevard site would contain a 41-story residential tower on top of a five-story podium. The Waimanu Street site would have a two-story residential tower on top of a three-story podium. There will be approximately 591,000 square feet of floor area, including 520 residential units (124 units would be affordable units). All units will have two bedrooms. There will also be 12,000 sq. ft. of commercial space and 223,000 sq. ft. of industrial uses. The project is targeting the local people. A public hearing will be held on December 7, HCDA.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Senator Fukunaga inquired if a public meeting were held for this project and if it was presented to HCDA. Leong answered this is the first time this project has been presented to the public. Dinell of HCDA, said a public hearing is scheduled for December 7. Based on the testimony, HCDA will either defer or act on it.

2)       Leong said they are aware of the traffic concerns. Waimanu Street will be widened to three traffic lanes.

3)       Michaels had concerns that having the public meeting during the day would make it hard for the public to attend. She would like to give input regarding traffic and pedestrians. Dinell said there are many ways to give input (i.e. email, fax, mail, telephone). HCDA is subject, like the Neighborhood Board, to the Sunshine Law and to file an agenda. They read comments they receive into the record.

4)       A resident inquired about affordable rental units. Leong stated it will be affordable rental for 15 years, after 15 years it goes back on the market. Dinell said it would go back to the market.

5)       A resident asked how the community would benefit from this project. Leong answered any project that has a residential development has a public facility fee. There is no public benefit.

TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION – No report.

Resolution regarding limousines parked on public streets – Deferred until next month’s meeting.

HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY/ LIQUOR AND ADULT ESTABLISHMENTS – Hurst had no report.

LEGISLATIVE AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS – Kurtz had no report.

PARKS & WATERWAYS – Hedlund had no report.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Governor’s Representative – Dr. Chiyome Fukino circulated the “Governor’s Update” and reported that the State Department of Health will stockpile a supply of antiviral medications and develop an enhanced data management system to track and monitor illness outcomes in the state (regarding the possibility of the pandemic flu).

Hurst mentioned he found four dead birds in his neighborhood. Dr. Fukino asked Hurst to call her at the office.

Senator Carol Fukunaga – Senator Fukunaga circulated her monthly report and was available for questions.

Senator Gordon Trimble – Anne Stevens circulated Senator Trimble’s monthly report In addition, she announced that a cleanup for Ala Moana Boat Harbor will be held on December 17, 8:00 a.m.

Representative Galen Fox – Anita Young circulated Representative Fox’s monthly report

Representative Scott Saiki – Senator Fukunaga circulated Representative Saiki’s monthly report.

Mayor’s Representative – Joan Manke reported on concerns from last month: 1) Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will be changing the red signal light on Pensacola Street onto King Street to a red light arrow to reinforce left turns are permitted on green arrow only. It should be completed by mid-December. 2) HPD District 1

officers made checks of the Pensacola/Kapiolani Boulevard area and did not observe cement mixers that were blocking lines of sight or creating hazardous conditions. The area will be periodically checked for violations. Residents are urged to call 911 when violations are observed so that officers may be dispatched to make immediate checks of the area. 3) Revisions to the Rules and Regulations relating to carnivals at park sites require a Public Hearing and any objection by the Neighborhood Board to revisions that would permit carnivals at Ala Moana Beach Park can be expressed at that time.

Neighborhood Assistant Steve J. Rodrigues distributed “Honolulu News” the Mayor’s monthly newsletter to the Board members and made copies available on the sign-in table.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Sih asked the status of the installation of playground equipment at Mother Waldron Park. Manke will follow-up.

2)       Micheals inquired about the rapid transit meeting scheduled for December 13. Manke will forward her the information.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi – Councilmember Kobayashi monthly report was made available on the sign-in table.

Councilmember Rod Tam – Shawn Hamamoto circulated Councilmember Tam’s monthly report and was available for questions.

ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the Board adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Submitted by:

Steve J. Rodrigues,

Neighborhood Assistant