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

  • Waikiki Get Down - Honolulu, Hawaii
    News Item

  • Powered by MBC NewsMaker

  • Waikiki Neighborhood Board Meeting August 2018 Minutes

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

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2018

WAIKIKI COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER - Chair Robert Finley called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.; quorum was established with 13 members present. Note: This 17-member Board requires nine (9) members to establish quorum and to take official board action.

Board Members Present - Jeff Apaka, Jerome Bautista, Louis Erteschik, Robert Finley, Walt Flood, Mark Garrity, Grant Giventer (arrived at 7:05 p.m.), Kathryn Henski, Laura McIntyre, Jeffrey Merz, John Nigro, Patricia Shields, Mark Smith, and Kenneth Wilder

Board Members Absent - Robert Boyack, Helen Carroll, and Gordon Fahey

Guests - Captain Tenn (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant Christensen (Honolulu Police Department); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Mark Yonamine (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative); Lynn Fallin (Governor David Ige's Representative); House Representative Tom Brower; Ken Amazaki (Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office); Raytan Vares (Senator Brickwood Galuteria's Office); Rick Egged (Waikiki Improvement Association); Chen Wer-Yin, Rommel Marcelino, Rick Wagner, Keone Kealoha, Franklin Chung, Pam Walker, Denise Jorgensen, Linda Eto, Brian Bagnall, Steve Thompson, Natalie Iwasa, Sue Thompson, James Browne, Lynn Mariano, Nick Barbieri, Chelsie Arashiro, D. Akiona, Tommy Waters, Don Armstrong, and Joyce Namaka (Residents); and Harry Cho (Neighborhood Commission Office).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - Sergeant Christensen reported the following:

• July 2018 Crime Statistics - There were 7 robberies, 10 burglaries, 202 thefts, 21 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV), 50 assaults, 1 sex crime, 29 bicycle and 41 skateboard warning, citations, or arrests, 15 speeding citations, 699 parking citations, 8 loud muffler citations, 48 park closure warnings, 87 park closure citations, and 34 park closure arrests. Total calls for service were 4,468. Additional statistics are available online at www.honolulupd.org.

Giventer arrived at 7:05 p.m. 14 members present.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. New Officers: Henski asked if there are new officers joining HPD. Sergeant Christensen stated that they are currently in the recruit process. Many officers are currently retiring which is why HPD has not been able to grow their staff significantly.

2. Illegal Business: Shields asked if people are cited or arrested for illegal retail sales on the street. Sergeant Christensen stated that peddlers can be cited if they it is proven that they are selling merchandise without the necessary permits.

3. Paoakalani Avenue: Shields stated that drivers are taking an illegal left turn onto Paoakalani Avenue, which is a one-way, from Ala Wai Boulevard. She requested that a line and arrow be painted on the street due to drivers not noticing the one-way street sign.

4. Homeless: Merz stated that there continues to be homeless people on the corner of Kuhio Avenue and Paoakalani Avenue.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - Captain Tenn reported the following:

• Fire Sprinkler Bill: A Bill has been passed which may require building owners to take an exam on life safety evaluation and fire safety/prevention and receive a passing score which may be a substitute to installing the building with fire sprinklers. The public may contact Captain Tenn at KTenn@honolulu.gov with any further questions.

• Fire Safety: A working smoke alarm in each bedroom, a smoke alarm in the living room, and at least one (1) on each floor on a multi-level home in necessary. Batteries should be replaced and kept in the alarm at all times.

• Fire Extinguisher: A fire inspector from HFD gave a presentation and demonstration on fire extinguisher use.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Enforcement: Henski asked how the Bill will be enforced. Captain Tenn stated that it will be enforced the same way as fire codes.

2. Opt-Out: Flood asked if a building may opt-out of installing the sprinklers. Captain Tenn stated that they may opt-out with a two-thirds vote from the owners.

3. Evaluation Score: Smith asked if the building can receive a passing score without installing sprinklers. Captain Tenn stated that the building can receive a passing score without installing sprinklers after other areas of the building are evaluated and deemed to be safe which can affect the total score. HFD highly recommends the installation of sprinklers.

4. Asbestos Removal: Flood asked if asbestos removal from the ceiling when installing sprinklers is part of the Bill. Captain Tenn stated that it is not.

5. Deadline: Giventer asked when the deadline is to submit an evaluation to obtain a passing score or install the sprinklers. Captain Tenn stated that the deadline to receive an evaluation is three (3) years, to obtain a passing score after the evaluation is another three (3) years, and to install fire sprinklers is 12 years.

6. Food Trucks: A community member stated he is concerned with food trucks that may be blocking the entrance to building.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) - Dominic Dias reported the following:

• Main Break Report - There were four (4) main breaks in August 2018. Main breaks in Waikiki were at 2280 Kalakaua Avenue, 444 Ena Road, 2201 Kalakaua Avenue, and 2284 Kalakaua Avenue.

• General Water Announcements - Hawaii is in the heat of the summer, which is a time when water consumption typically rises. Summer also includes brushfires and wildfires. Blazes, especially in open land, can sometimes endanger our watersheds. BWS encourages everyone to be prepared for the effects of wildfires, even if not living near dry brush. Everyone is encouraged to protect all water resources.

RESIDENT/COMMUNITY CONCERNS

1. Thank You: Iwasa thanked the community for voting during the primary elections. She also stated that she will continue to attend City Council meetings serve the community.

2. Theft: A community member stated that there have been many incidents of theft at Waikiki Beach recently. There was a man who allegedly had multiple wallets in his possession that did not belong to him.

3. Food Trucks: A community member was concerned with the permits approved by the Department of Health (DOH) to food trucks.

4. Waikiki Repaving: Nigro stated that there will be a repaving project in Waikiki on Sunday, August 19, 2018 and Monday, August 20, 2018 on Kalakaua Avenue and Seaside Avenue.

PUBLIC EVENTS

Upcoming Events - All events were submitted and awaiting City approval/denial:

• Na Wahine Sprint Triathlon - Saturday, September 8, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Waikiki Fall Festival - Saturday, September 15, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

• Aloha Festivals Hoolaulea - Saturday, September 22, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

• Aloha Festivals Floral Parade - Saturday, September 29, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

??? Honolulu Century Bike Ride - Sunday, September 30, 2018 from 6:15 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Application for Liquor License - There will be a public hearing for Voyager 47 of Outrigger Waikiki Hotel on Thursday, August 30, 2018 for a Dispenser General Cat 3.

ELECTED OFFICIALS AND OTHERS

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative - Mark Yonamine reported the following:

• Press Announcement: The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) has begun an update to the Primary Urban Center Development Plan (PUC DP). The PUC DP covers the area from Waialae/Kahala to Pearl City and includes growth and development policies and guidelines that implement the comprehensive vision of the County's General Plan. The PUC DP is a visionary document for the region that addresses zoning, infrastructure investments, and other City codes and standards. Critical issues for the plan update include affordable housing, transit oriented development (TOD) and transportation mode choices, infrastructure, parks, and planning for climate change and sea level rise. Visit the project website https://www.pucdp.com for the latest project information. There the public can take a survey, see upcoming opportunities to get involved, and contact the project team.

• Follow-Up on Concerns:

o Aloha Trikke: The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) responded that require Corporation Counsel's (COR) legal counsel regarding whether Aloha Trikkes should be considered as Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices to clearly meet the definition of a moped. A legal opinion has been requested. Department of Customer Services (CSD) responded that after speaking to COR Kurt Nakamatsu, this issue related to Aloha Trikke should be referred to DTS. Kurt will be working with DTS' Corporation Council, Randy Ishikawa, on crafting a message.

o Park Security: Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) responded that according to DPR Park Maintenance and Recreational Services (PMRS) Division, this is not a park. The corner of Kuhio Avenue and Kaiolu Street is a parking lot that is not under DPR jurisdiction.

o Tall Grass: Department of Facilities Maintenance (DFM) responded to please identify the specific location where the grass needs to be cut on a regular basis. Kapahulu Avenue is quite lengthy with many private, as well as government owned properties with grass frontages and planter strips.

o Short Term Rentals: Department of Planning and Permitting responded that the City agrees that stricter rules and regulations should be put in place to better enforce the City's short-term rental (STRs) regulations. The City Council initiated four (4) Resolutions associated with amending Chapter 21, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH), 1990, Land Use Ordinance (LUO), pertaining to STRs. There are several components contained in the Council-initiated land use amendments that could help better manage STRs which include increased, tiered fines for violations, restrictions on advertising, property-specific development standards, and expansion of certain types of STRs.

o Bike Paths: DTS responded that the Oahu Bike Plan is being updated and will direct the City regarding bikeway implementation. More information regarding the Oahu Bike Plan update can be found at https://www.honolulu.gov/bicycle/bikeplanupdate.html. Bike lanes were recently added on Montserrat Avenue between Kalakaua Avenue and Paki Avenue, and on Diamond Head Road Ewa of the lighthouse as part of a repaving project. If there is a specific area or bikeway that needs improvement, please state the location and contact Bikeway Coordinator Chris Sayers at 768-8335.

o Rising Sea Level: Climate Change Sustainability and Resiliency (CCSR) responded that the City and County of Honolulu via Mayor's Directive 18-02, signed and enacted on Monday, July 16, 2018 is incorporating sea level rise (SLR) data into planning and design considerations. The guidance provided by the City Climate Change Commission provides a clear foundation for considering SLR and its impacts to Oahu. CCSR convenes a City Resilience Team to discuss many issues, of which sea level rise is prominent. CCSR also acts as the City liaison for a University and State project, "Integrating Coastal Hazards and Sea Level Rise Resilience in Community Planning." In addition to the guidance being develop, we are applying the strategies through the update of the Primary Urban Center Development Plan (PUC DP), which includes the Waikiki neighborhood. DPP encourages residents to participate in its PUC DP online survey, which is available at www.pucdp.com/conversation. The State Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, of which the Executive Director of CCSR sits on as the City's designee, is also considering actions to implement components of the Hawaii Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation Report, which can be accessed at www.climateadaptation.hawaii.gov. In addition to participating in the PUC DP update, the public is encouraged to visit www.ResilientOahu.org to sign up for the CCSR newsletter and City Climate Change Commission agendas and minutes to stay informed on progress in addressing SLR, along with other climate change, sustainability and resiliency matters.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Tall Grass: Henski stated that the tall grass is in front of Jefferson Elementary School on Kapahulu Avenue.

2. Cartwright Road: Giventer asked who owns Cartwright Road and what its use is.

3. Short Term Rentals (STR): A community member asked if there would there be a cap per building for STR's. For example, could one (1) condo have an excessive number of STR's and how can condos be prevented from receiving permits?

4. Street Cleaning: A community member requested to extend the street power washing to the end of Ala Wai Boulevard past the Ala Wai Boulevard/Kalakaua Avenue intersection on a regular basis.

5. One-Way Arrow: A community member stated that drivers are taking an illegal left turn onto Paoakalani Avenue, which is a one-way, from Ala Wai Boulevard. It was requested that a line and arrow be painted on the street due to drivers not noticing the one-way street sign.

6. Parking: A community member stated that similar to the stretch of Ala Wai Boulevard between McCully Street and Kapahulu Boulevard, parking be restricted on Ala Wai Boulevard between Ala Moana Boulevard and Kalakaua Avenue.

Apaka departed the meeting at 8:00 p.m. 13 members present.

Governor David Ige's Representative - Lynn Fallin reported the following:

• House Bill (HB) 1401: Regarding increased voter registration, the Legislature passed HB 1401 this past session which requires a pilot program for the 2020 primary and general elections in any county with a population of less than 100,000 to be conducted by mail. It establishes a voter service center to provide certain election services, allows for additional places of deposit for personal delivery of mail-in ballots, and requires the Office of Elections to submit reports to the Legislature.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa - Ken Amazaki circulated a handout and reported the following:

• Public Outreach Items: A couple public outreach items Councilmember Ozawa would like to highlight is the public comment period on the Ala Moana Regional Park and Magic Island Improvements Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which closes on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 and the Primary Urban Center Development Plan Outreach Program launched by the Department of Planning and Permitting. As a member of the Parks Committee, there was discussion on the master plan where Councilmember Ozawa reiterated concerns expressed by the public regarding the Makai parking. Most information on the draft EIS and the 45 day comment period can be found at http://www.honolulu.gov/parks/default/park-locations/182-site-dpr-cat/30221-ala-moana-regional-park.html. Councilmember Ozawa encourages the public to participate in DPP's effort to update the Primary Urban Center Development Plan. More information on the workshops and pop-up events can be found at https://www.pucdp.com/. The development plan establishes the vision for the Primary Urban Center through 2040 and addresses land use, transportation, infrastructure, parks, open space, sustainability, sea level rise, economic development, and public services. The Primary Urban Center Development Plan in one (1) of eight (8) sustainable communities and development plans that implements the vision and policies in the Oahu General Plan.

Senator Brickwood Galuteria - Raytan Vares circulated a handout and reported the following:

• Public Hearing: A public hearing will be held by the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) at Mission Memorial on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 regarding a request from OliverMcMillan to develop a Queen Emma Lands property.

House Representative Tom Brower - House Representative Brower circulated a handout and reported the following:

• Community Concerns: The handout covered questions regarding affordable housing for seniors, vetoed bills, sidewalk safety, and criminal activity on Nohonani.

Waikiki Improvement Association (WIA) - Rick Egged reported the following:

• Aloha Festival Opening Ceremony: Wednesday. September 1, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Royal Hawaiian Coconut Grove.

• Hoolaulea Block Party: Saturday, September 22, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

• Aloha Floral Parade: Saturday, September 29, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

• Sunset on the Beach: Friday, September 14, 2018, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hawaii Five-0 along with the world premiere of the new Magnum P.I.

APPROVAL OF THE TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2018 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

Hearing no objections, the motion to approve the Tuesday, June 8, 2018 regular meeting minutes was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 13-0-0; (Aye: Bautista, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Garrity, Giventer, Henski, McIntyre, Merz, Nigro, Shields, Smith, and Wilder; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

NEW BOARD BUSINESS

Recess in December 2018:

Henski moved and Nigro seconded that the Waikiki Neighborhood Board No.9 recess during December 2018. The motion was ADOPTED by MAJORITY VOTE, 12-1-0. (Aye: Bautista, Erteschik, Finley, Garrity, Giventer, Henski, McIntyre, Merz, Nigro, Shields, Smith, and Wilder; Nay: Flood; Abstain: None).

Ala Wai Boat Harbor Update - Ed Underwood reported the following:

• Update: The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) approved the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation's request for proposal and is now being finalized with the Deputy Attorney General's Office. The goal is to review and choose the proposal that the Selection Committee feels is most suitable. Factors taken into consideration include harbor amenities, ocean recreation, and walkways.

• Follow-Up on Concerns: There were concerns with the lack of security at harbors, lack of boat payment facilities, lack of slip management, and problems with restrooms and showers. Security is focusing on hot-spot areas where there is high boat traffic. HPD officers were hired for special duty. However, after a night of service, HPD was removed from the property due to the harbors being State facilities. There are currently three (3) full restroom facilities with showers and two (2) are open to the public 24/7. There have been recent incidents with squatters, people living in their cars and boats, and a lack of a fuel dock. In the past 14 years, roughly $8.5 million worth of improvements were made and the current Capital Improvements Project is roughly $2.8 million. The proposal for parking was approved by DLRN which include 300 parking stalls for recreational users, 300 paid parking stalls, and 300 permit parking stalls.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Bidding: A community member was concerned with private investors bidding which makes it difficult for small businesses.

2. Bidding: A community member asked if the highest bid will is the offer that will be accepted. Underwood stated that it is not based on the highest bid, but what is best fit for the harbor.

3. Condition of the Harbor: A community member stated his concerns with the condition of the harbor. Underwood stated that the money can be spent on the harbor when it is approved by the Legislature.

4. Dock Prices: A Board member stated his concerns with the cheap prices to rent a space on the dock.

5. Improvements: Henski stated her concerns with the condition of the Ala Wai Harbor and the allocation of money spent on improvements.

6. Electricity Prices: Merz stated his concerns with the low costs of electricity being subsidized by non-boat owners and non-users of the harbor. A community member also stated his concerns with the low costs of electricity.

7. Condition of Docks: A community member stated his concerns regarding the condition of the docks and would like improvements to be made.

8. Restroom Facilities: A community member stated his concerns regarding the condition of the restrooms and shower facilities. There are electrical wires coming out from the walls and this can be safety hazard.

9. Ala Wai Canal: A community member stated his concerns regarding the cleanliness of the Ala Wai Canal and harbor.

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report - Shields reported a remaining balance of $472.29.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• The next regular Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.

• View this meeting on Olelo Channel 49 at 9:00 p.m. on the 4th Tuesday each month, and at 6:00 a.m. on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. View online at: http://olelo.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=30

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting adjourned at 9:32 p.m.

Submitted by: Harry Cho, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Public Relations

Final Review: Chair Robert Finley

  1. Back
  2. Current News
  3. News Archive

Like Our Facebook

  • RELATED LINKS
    Please send questions about this website to
    Copyright© 2012 - 2018 WaikikiGetDown.com. All rights reserved.
    Terms of Use / Legal Disclaimer / Privacy Statement
    Site Designed and Managed by MacBusiness Consulting