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  • Downtown Neighborhood Board No. 13 Meeting Minutes Posted Thursday, January 7, 2016

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

DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO 13

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

PAUAHI COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER -- Chair Alvin Au called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m., with a quorum of eight (8) members present. Note: This nine (9) member Board requires five (5) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present -- Alvin Au, Jasmine Mancos, Dolores Mollring, Jonathan Saupe, Chu Lan Shubert-Kwock (departed at 8:25 p.m.), Tom Smyth, Robert Tom, and Stanford Yuen.

Board Members Absent -- Anthony Chang.

Guests -- Captain Ken Kahahawai and Firefighter Gerald Higgins (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Baron Lee and Sergeant Cary Kerber (Honolulu Police Department); Bill Hanrahan (Safe Haven); Pat Lee (Honolulu Rail Transit Project); Lee Stack (Chinatown Improvement District); Nicole Reid (Arts District Merchants Association); Wesley Fong and Howard Lum (Chinatown Community Center Association); Thomas Jackson and Pat Anderson (Michels Pipe Services); Director George Atta (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative; Department of Planning and Permitting); Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland; Representative Karl Rhoads; Lori McCarney (Bikeshare Hawaii); Serena Hashimoto (Downbeat); Elizabeth Obnen (Hawaii Theatre); Misa Tupoy (Oahu Fringe Festival Artist); Ronald Higa, Walter Brown, Tatum Li, Willis H.A. Moore, Gwen Abella, Ernie Hunt, and Guilliermo Alves (residents); David Amodo (Videographer); Neil Baarde (Neighborhood Commission Office).

INTRODUCTION OF BOARD MEMBERS -- Chair Au and the Board members introduced themselves and wished the community a "Happy New Year!" at this time.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Departments (HFD) -- Firefighter I Gerald Higgins reported the following:

• December 2015 Statistics -- There were 7 structure, 6 wildland, 20 rubbish, 0 cooking fires, with 13 activated alarms. There were 207 medical emergencies, 4 motor vehicle collision with pedestrians, 4 motor vehicle collisions, 2 ocean rescues, and 1 hazardous material incident, with 0 unusual incidents.

• Electrical Fire Safety Tip:

o Plug one (1) heat producing appliance into a wall receptacle outlet at a time.

o Major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and power taps or strips should not be used.

o Check electrical cords to ensure they are not running across doorways or under carpets.

o Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a licensed electrician install additional receptacle outlets so there is no need to use extension cords.

o Ensure that electrical work is performed by a licensed electrician.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:

1. Active New Year's Eve -- Chair Au asked if HFD had an active New Year's Eve. Firefighter Higgins responded that he was off duty but noted that his company was busy and commented that most of the calls were medical calls, not necessarily fireworks related.

2. Illegal Fireworks Plan -- Shubert-Kwock noted that she has been hearing many complaints about illegal fireworks and asked what HFD's plans are for next year, because the situation is very preventable. Firefighter Higgins will follow up.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) -- Lieutenant (Lt.) Baron Lee introduced Sergeant (Sgt.) Cary Kerber and reported the following:

• December 2015 Crime Statistics -- There were 4 motor vehicle thefts, 14 burglaries, 105 thefts, 42 unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV), 23 assaults, 2 sex assaults, 3 graffiti and 5 drug offenses, for a total of 2,657 calls for service.

• Burglary Prevention -- According to the FBI, a burglary occurs somewhere in the United States every 15 seconds. Use a solid core or metal door for all entrance points. Make sure the sliding glass patio doors are secured with a second lock. Use highly visible alarm decals, beware of dog decals, for security. Make sure no one can reach through an open window to unlock the door. Be a good neighbor, if anyone sees someone or anything suspicious, call 911.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Report -- Tom asked if the report given was only reported incidents. Lt. Lee responded yes, the reports given are only the calls generated through the 911 system and noted that sometimes not all of the reported incidents lead to an arrest. Tom asked if the Board can have the number of arrests made a month. Lt. Lee responded that usually drug offenses end in an arrest, but graffiti incidents are usually just reported incidents.

2. Broken Windows -- Mollring noted that there is an establishment on Nuuanu Avenue and Vineyard Boulevard where the windows on the Nuuanu Avenue side were all broken. The owner told Mollring that there was a fight that broke three (3) of the four (4) large windows. The Neighborhood Citizen's Patrol (NCP) found two (2) broken windows on King Street. Mollring noted that the street cameras are not capturing the suspects and asked if a BB gun or an air gun can break big business windows. Lt. Lee responded that depending on the type of air gun. Mollring noted that businesses should be investing in cameras.

3. Sex Assaults -- Shubert-Kwock noted that it is great to see the five (5) drug offenses and asked what sex assaults are. Lt. Lee responded that it depends because sometimes it can be trafficking, while others it can be soliciting. Shubert-Kwock noted that Chinatown needs help from HPD because the thefts are getting worse and have been creating much discomfort in Chinatown. Lt. Lee responded that hopefully with the added presence to the area, people will see the foot patrols. HPD is asking the community to help HPD by reporting all incidents or suspicious activity. Saupe asked if there will be added patrols or just the regular amount. Lt. Lee responded that HPD was assisting when President Barack Obama was on Oahu, as well as the parades and other holiday events. HPD should now be fully staffed and officers are walking their regular beats. Chair Au asked HPD to come to the February 2016 meeting because the Downtown crime activities, violence, and harassment will be discussed. Lt. Lee responded that he will invite his watch commander and possibly some of the Community Policing Team (CPT) officers.

4. HPD Treatment -- Walter Brown noted that he made three (3) calls to HPD for drug offensess but when HPD arrived, they treated Brown like the criminal. Brown asked why it took HPD 30 minutes for HPD to respond to people trying to intimidate him at the Oahu Market. Lt. Lee will look into the situation.

5. Attacks on Staff -- Bill Hanrahan of Safe Haven reported that there had been many attacks on his staff at Safe Haven. Hanrahan noted that he has called HPD regularlys but HPD has refused to make arrests. Hanrahan noted that after he talked to Sgt. Vale Rosa one (1) arrest was made at Safe Haven, but the main concern is that Safe Haven has not yet been able to have a meeting with HPD. Hanrahan noted that he had spoken with Councilmember Carol Fukunaga and asked for help arranging a meeting with HPD. There will be a meeting tomorrow Friday, January 8, 2016. Hanrahan noted that any support HPD can give would be very appreciated and helpful.

6. Chaplain Lane -- Serena Hashimoto raised a concern about people from Safe Haven that have been defecating and leaving their waste in the alley on Chaplain Lane. Hashimoto noted that her establishment has been trying to keep the alley clean, but noted that it is hard because HPD will not make any arrests. Hashimoto noted that their windows have been broken by someone who lives or who has lived at Safe Haven.

7. Business Owners Meeting -- Miki Lee noted that there was recently a business owners meeting, where 17 business owners and five (5) officers brainstormed for a solution. Lee noted that it is only the beginning part of a conversation and noted that the meeting was all positive. Nicole Reid noted that the meeting was called by Captain Benjamin Mahi, herself, Councilmember Fukunaga, and a few other business owners. Reid noted that the meeting was just a small initial meeting with a small group of people and commented that it will soon turn into a community wide discussion and solution.

8. HPD Pursuit -- Mancos raised a concern about the requirements for HPD to make an arrest or pursuit suspects and asked what is needed. Lt. Lee responded that the victim should provide a written statement, unless the officer witnesses the incident. Mancos asked after the written statement is given, will HPD pursuit the suspect. Lt. Lee responded, "yes" and noted that HPD can pursuit a suspect as long as the statement or tip is not anonymous.

9. "Spice" Drug -- Mollring noted that she was on her way to Wal-Mart one (1) evening when she encountered an incident on Fort Street. Her friend asked to call 911 for an unresponsive person on a bench. Mollring noted she called HPD but when HPD arrived they shook the man and he woke up vomiting. Senator Oakland commented that an HPU guard showed her a number of videos of people on a synthetic drug called "Spice" that makes people act in a certain state. Senator Chun Oakland suggested HPD check Queen's Medical Center's records to find out how many users there are in the area.

10. Sit/Lie Enforcement -- Gabe Texeira noted that the Sit/Lie Bill has been made law for months now and noted that he still witnesses HPD not enforcing the law and walking by many homeless people blocking entrances to businesses. Texeira noted that he has called HPD many times because of a homeless man masturbating in front of his restaurant. Lt. Lee responded that officers should ask if the victim would like to

prosecute but should at least ask for a written statement and a report. Chair Au suggested that Texeira continues to call HPD but also record the date, time, and the incident for records. Chair Au also suggested not to touch any individual who is unresponsive because no one knows how the unresponsive person will react. Lt. Lee asked the community to please keep reporting suspicious activity and incidents. Senator Chun Oakland noted that the community should continue helping HPD by making their reports but noted that the other side of the issue is mental illness and commented that there are many mental health programs helping those who are mentally ill but there are still many of those who refuse treatment and the help they need. Chair Au noted that there is a law from a Family Court Hearing, where if someone is likely to cause harm to themselves or others HPD can arrest for safety issues and bring them to Queens Medical Center.

11. Habitually Homeless -- Shubert-Kwock raised a concern about those who are habitually homeless and noted that HPD has done nothing, even though the law says nobody can sit/lie on the sidewalks between 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Lt. Lee asked for a location of the habitual homeless. Shubert-Kwock responded that there are some outside of Maunakea Market, Up Maunakea Street, outside Oahu Market, and Smith/Beretania Park. Shubert-Kwock commented that their tents can be seen from down the street. Lt. Lee responded that the main issue is consistency, but will follow up. Mancos noted that the Black Cat Tattoo establishment on Hotel Street and Nuuanu Avenue has been having many homeless people linger outside. There is also many homeless people by Sun Yat Sen Park as well. Mancos noted that she would like to see HPD take more control of the situation.

12. Attacked in Kakaako -- A resident raised a concern about being attacked in Kakaako at 9:00 a.m. The resident noted that he was stopped by two (2) men, when a third man came charging at him causing him to fall off his bike. The resident noted that there are way too many homeless people at Smith/Beretania Park and along Smith Street and Pauahi Street there are homeless people everywhere. The resident noted that he has made his reports to HPD and noted that he has heard all of their excuses. The resident commented that he is surprised that the people and business owners are not more upset about the situation. Chair Au called the resident "out of order" and noted that the Neighborhood Board meeting is not a place to take care of the situation, but to talk about solutions.

Neighborhood Citizen's Patrol (NCP) -- Mollring reported that her group has not walked because of the rain on Tuesdays, But on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 the NCP walked through Chinatown to count the number of broken windows. Mollring expressed her disappointment when the NCP counted four (4) broken windows in the area. Mollring would like to see more people come out and walk with the NCP. The NCP meets on the Diamond Head side of Kukui Plaza at 8:00 p.m. Mollring noted that on Saturday, January 9, 2016 the NCP will be sign waiving at Kekaulike Mall at 8:00 a.m. the event will be followed by a potluck.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS

Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) -- No representative was present.; No report was provided.

Safe Haven -- Bill Hanrahan reported the following: Housing -- Safe Haven has been serving an average of 50-60 people a day with at least 26 live ins. Recently, two (2) people have been moved into housing and another two (2) that were moved into housing straight from the street. Hanrahan reminded the community that the hygiene center is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed: Security Situation -- Saupe asked what Safe Haven's current security situation is. Hanrahan responded that there are no guards, there is only security at night when the hygiene center is closed, but the staff monitors the building every day.

Honolulu Authority on Rapid Trasit (HART) -- Pat Lee reported the following:

• Passengers -- By 2030, there will be approximately 116,900 daily passenger boarding's for the train during the weekdays. Most of the riders are expected to arrive at the stations either via walking (30%) or via bus connections (60%) on average. Because of the close spacing between stations and relatively dense neighborhoods in town, there will be a high percentage of riders who are expected to walk to the stations in Kalihi, Kapalama, Chinatown, and Kakaako. About 15 to 30 percent of the riders in these neighborhoods are expected to arrive via bus.

• Bus-Rail Integration System -- HART is coordinating with the City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services (DTS) on a bus-rail integration strategy for a single fare and seamless connection between bus and rail users. A working group consisting of HART, DTS, Oahu Transit Services, and other staff are meeting on a regular basis to explore opportunities for efficient multimodal service. As Honolulu grows into a more livable, walkable city, rail would play an important role in providing mobility for people to live, work and play, ride a bike, walk or take transit to their destinations rather than driving in traffic. In an effort to assist local businesses during construction, HART has launched the Shop and Dine on the Line program. The program will be extended to urban Honolulu once construction proceeds into Kalihi, downtown, Chinatown and Kakaako.

• General Information -- For general project information, traffic updates, meeting notices and more information, please visit the website www.honolulutransit.org, call the project hotline at 566-2299 or email a question at info@honolulutransit.org.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed: Hours of Operation -- Tom asked what the hours of Rail will be. Lee responded that the Rail hours will be from 4:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. midnight. From 12:00 a.m. midnight to 4:00 a.m. the trains will be brought to the Waipahu Rail Yard for maintenance and cleaning.

Chinatown Business and Community Association (CBCA) -- Shubert-Kwock reported the following:

• Monthly Meetings -- CBCA held it's monthly Chinatown Dim Sum Breakfast Meeting at Empress Restaurant. The topic of discussion was focused on crimes and homelessness in Chinatown. CBCA also attended Senator Chun Oakland's District 13 meeting at the Capitol and the issue of discussion included the River Street Senior Housing. CBCA is working closely with the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) and did a service tour with the top engineers from DTS including Director Mike Formby to access the crosswalks and sidewalks. As announced by Director Formby, the two (2) important crosswalks on North King Street: Maunakea Street and Kekaulike Street will receive seven (7) and 10 seconds more time to walk for the handicapped and the seniors in the area. CBCA participated in a successful Mayor's Office of Economic Development (OED) HOLIDAZE Fair and it was well organized and attended. CBCA placed public toilet signs up in October 2015 and November 2015 directing the public to use the Chinatown public hygiene center at 126 Pauahi Street. The hours of operations are seven (7) days a week, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• Next Meeting -- The next CBCA Dim Sum Meeting is at Empress Restaurant on Tuesday, January 12, 2016. The 2016 Chinatown Parade and block party is scheduled for Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. CBCA invites everyone to join in the parade. The Chinatown festivities are happening on Friday, February 5, 2016 and Saturday, February 6, 2016 at the Chinese Cultural Plaza. The Lions Open House in Chinatown takes place on Friday, February 5, 2016 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Chinatown Improvement District (CID) -- Lee Stack reported the following:

• Holidaze Night Market -- CID participated in the Holidaze Night Market and stack noted that even without the alcohol sales on the street, the night went very well and was well planned.

• Roaming Patrol Program -- More people have joined the newly formed roaming patrol program. No dates have been set yet, but CID is still planning to come together late January 2016.

• Smith/Beretania Park Clean Up -- The proposed cleanup of Smith/Beretania Park has been scheduled for Saturday, February 20, 2016. The last time the group tried to do a cleanup, not many homeless people moved for the group to properly finish the cleanup. Stack noted that tensions have been rising but the group will be working with the CPT during the cleanup. Stack commented that the CPT has participated in the event before but there has been no dialogue for the Saturday, February 20, 2016 cleanup. CID plans to clean up the park, graffiti, and other eye sores in the area. Stack noted that CID has talked to DPP about the various planters and hedges that can be placed at the park.

Arts District Merchants Association (ADMA) -- Nicole Reid reported the following:

• Holidaze Night Market -- ADMA worked with the Office of Economic Development (OED) for the Holidaze Market. Reid noted that the event was great fun and is looking forward to supporting other events that will be hosted by the City.

• Rebranding -- ADMA will be rebranded. More information to come but ADMA will form a new group whose focus is more on the business directive. Many new businesses will be coming to the Downtown/Chinatown area which will help drive the bad publicity away and the new group will work with HPD for better communication and efforts.

• Day Patrols -- It was noted that business owners can hire private security to deter the loiterers and other suspicious activities.

• Chinatownnow.com -- Chinatownnow.com is the most comprehensive list of businesses in the Downtown/Chinatown area. The website shows a list of hours of operations, events, and other information for those visiting the Downtown/Chinatown area.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed: ADMA Boundaries -- Chair Au commended ADMA the small business owners in the area and suggested that the owners keep pushing for a change. Chair Au also noted his appreciation for ADMA trying to help people and not just push the homeless and businesses away from the area. Tom asked what the boundaries of ADMA are. Reid responded that ADMA doesn't really have boundaries but tries to work with all types of merchants' organizations. Reid noted that ADMA is based on business improvement.

Chinatown Community Center Association (CCCA) -- Wesley Fong and Howard Lum reported the following:

• Michael's Development -- CCCA has been working with Michael's Development Company and the Feng Shui was the only question of the building. CCCA submitted a letter from Feng Shui Master Clarence Lau and noted that they have spoken with Michael's Development Company and will continue to discuss the Feng Shui of the building. Fong noted that this has been an issue for at least eight (8) years and would like to see the project completed. Chair Au noted that he is happy to hear CCCA is still communicating with Michael's Development Company. Fong noted that CCCA will continue to keep working with Michael's Development Company until the project is completed.

• Feng Shui -- Howard Lum noted that in reality, Feng Shui is more serious and dates back 5,000 years. Lum noted that Feng Shui is not a religion, but is based on energy flow. Yuen noted that Feng Shui should always be considered when building something. The project seems like it will end up being a bust and will not be completed by the Federal funding program deadlines. Yuen asked if CCCA asked for a second opinion. Fong responded that Michael's has consulted another Feng Shui master. Hopefully all agencies can come together soon to meet the deadlines. Fong noted that CCCA has been working with the City for solutions and assured the Board that nobody is dragging their feet. Yuen noted that the first organization that should have notified is the Neighborhood Board.

Shubert-Kwock departed the meeting at 8:25 p.m.; seven (7) members present.

Michel's Pipe Services City Sewer Rehabilitation Project -- Pat Anderson reported that Phase 1 of the project has been completed except for one (1) excavation. Phase 2 of the project is almost complete with half of the survey work done but all of the excavation has been completed.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:

1. Foul Odors -- Mollring noted that she has been receiving calls regarding a foul odor and asked if the smell was coming from their construction. Anderson responded that the smell could be from the work they are doing with the resin. Anderson noted that the resin has a foul smell but it is not harmful. Mollring commented that she has noticed some signs on Maunakea Street for some parking stalls to be taken. Anderson responded that they will be doing work in the area tomorrow morning. Anderson noted that Michel's has notified the business owners in the area to try and lessen their concerns. Mollring reminded and asked Anderson to notify all the businesses and condominium associations in the area.

2. Night Work -- Chair Au asked if Michel's will be working on Beretania Street and Nuuanu Avenue at night. Anderon responded that all of the night work has been changed to day work, except by the Culture Plaza, Beretania Street and River Street, because of the two (2) restaurants in the plaza.

3. Sewer Smell -- Representative Rhoads noted that he has been receiving complaints of a sewer smell by the

towers on Maunakea Street and asked if Michel's can address the issue. Anderson responded that the work that is being done is mostly structural but if someone is complaining of a rotten egg smell it could potentially be the sulfite being used. Representative Rhoads asked about the night noise and if Michel's was granted a variance to work at night. Anderson responded that the variance has not yet been fully approved but will receive a notice tomorrow regarding the variance. Thomas Jackson of Michel's Pipe Services noted that the Department of Health (DOH) told them that they still needed to inform several condominium associations and was asked to finish the correct paperwork. Representative Rhoads thanked Michel's Pipe Services and noted that no work can be done until the variance is approved. Anderson agreed that no work will be done until the variance is approved and noted that the areas highlighted in yellow on the map are the completed areas and commented that the map includes the tentative schedule. Chair Au noted that a similar smell is coming from Maunakea Street and Kukui Street. Anderson responded that Michel's has not touched that area.

Public Concerns

• "Happy New Year!" -- Pat Wilson thanked that Board and noted that the Board made his 2016 a happy year because of what the Board is interested in and what the Board has been doing to help the community.

• Department of Transportation Services (DTS) -- Reid asked what happened to DTS being on the agenda to discuss the parking stalls situation in the area. Chair Au noted that representatives from DTS will be on the February 2016 agenda.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative -- Director George Atta, Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) reported the following:

• Weed and Seed Funding -- It was noted that the Weed and Seed Program was notified in November 2015 that it will be awarded $150,000 contingent upon its submittal of an application/proposal.

• Senior Housing Bill -- Director Atta asked Shubert-Kwock if she was referring to the Halewaiolu Senior Development resolution and Shubert-Kwock responded yes. Director Atta responded that the resolution has not yet been numbered or introduced yet. Per conversations from the Council Chair Martin's office, they will be holding on to it pending okay from Councilmember Fukunaga to number and refer to committee.

• Street Lights along the Dan Liu Building -- The street lights on Hotel Street are kept on through the night. Two (2) lights on Hotel Street between Maunakea Street and Smith Street were repaired on Monday, December 14, 2015. To report issues with the City street lights, please call the street light hotline at 765-5300.

• Inadequate Enforcement -- Director Atta noted that he will raise a concern at the next cabinet meeting regarding HPDs inadequate enforcement of the Sit/Lie Bill and other similar laws.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Road Indentation -- Mollring noted that there is an indentation in the road that makes it look like it is sinking on Maunakea Street and Hotel Street on the right side of the road. Director Atta will follow up. Mollring commented that there is also a big pot hole by the Church on Nuuanu Avenue and Beretania Street.

2. Senior Housing -- Yuen noted that in his opinion, there seems to be no leadership in the senior housing issue. The Neighborhood Board has not been notified or invited to any of the senior housing meetings and asked why the City is using City facilities for meetings, using tax payer money. The City needs to be more transparent and communicate better with the community. Chair Au commented that informing the Mayor's cabinet meeting it could help the community and noted that the City should take care of the problem before something serious occurs. Saupe asked Director Atta to invite the Mayor to come and speak at the February 2016 meeting because things have gotten a little better but the business owners are still having issues.

Councilmember Carol Fukunaga -- No representative was present.; a report was provided.

Governor David Ige's Representative -- No representative was present.; a report was provided.

Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland -- No representative was present.; a report was provided.

Representative Scott Saiki -- No representative was present.; a report was provided.

Representative Karl Rhoads -- Representative Rhoads reported the following:

• Pedestrian Signal -- The pedestrian signal on North Beretania Street at Smith Street does not seem to be working properly. If a pedestrian pressese the button on the mauka side of North Beretania Street it does not change to a walk signal if there are no cars waiting at the intersection on Smith Street. The issue has been reported to the City.

• Aala Park Playground Equipment -- Received a complaint about the homeless taking over the playground equipment at Aala Park. Clothes and blankets are hanging all over the playground equipment. The issue has been forwarded to the City.

• Free Tax Clinic -- There will be a free tax clinic on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at the State Capitol, 3rd floor. Please call 724-2436 (after Friday, January 15, 2016) for an appointment.

• Bills of Interest -- The two (2) bills of interest this coming session are: 1) The condominium voting requirements, and 2) The real property smoking disclosure.

• Opening Day -- Opening Day will be on Wednesday, January 20, 2016. Everyone is invited to come enjoy the festivities.

NEW BUSINESS

Discussion/Request for 10 Street Parking Stalls Fronting Marks Center Garage -- Sandra Pohl, the event organizer, reported that the request that will be made to DTS will be for the Second Saturday Kickoff on Saturday, February 13, 2016. The plan is to create two (2) Fine Craft Art Parklets between Chaplain Lane and Pauahi Street, and to have a wider sidewalk for pedestrians to walk and browse the event. The plan also calls for four (4) parking spaces and one (1) loading zone on Bethel Street on the Ewa side of the street, and five (5) parking spaces on Nuuanu Avenue on the Diamondhead side of the street. Pohl noted that she has received good responses from the business owners and asked for Board approval for the event.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:

1. Concessions -- Tom asked if there will be food stands at the event. Pohl responded that there will not be any food vendors at the first event, because it is a test run. Mancos commented that it sounds like a great event that will be during the daytime.

2. Street Closures -- Yuen asked if the event will have any street closures. Pohl responded that there will be no street closures, only crowd control barriers along the sidewalks. Yuen noted that the event will be good for the community.

Yuen moved and Mancos seconded that the Downtown Neighborhood Board No. 13 support the Creative Arts Experience Event. The Board UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED the motion, 7-0-0. (AYE: Au, Mancos, Mollring, Saupe, Smyth, Tom, and Yuen.)

Bikeshare Hawaii -- Lori McCarney reported the following:

• Stations -- Bikeshare Hawaii has been working on the bikeshare station sites and plan to put 200 stations all over the island. 32 stations are planned for the Downtown/Chinatown area. Bikeshare Hawaii is trying to place the stations in spacious areas, near businesses, and near restaurants. There will be a station on Fort Street for the HPU community, Queen's Medical Center, and there will be a station at the Rail Stations.

• Outreach Programs -- Bikeshare Hawaii is planning to do Outreach Programs with the businesses in the area and are planning to place better signage for those who ride bikes in the area. Bikeshare Hawaii is trying to create a place for the stations and each station will be made creatively to express the culture of the area.

• Current Progress -- The current progress towards the 2016 launch is that $2 million dollars of funding has been secured but Bikeshare Hawaii is still seeking other financial support through sponsorship, financing, and/or donations for the initial capital requirement of $7-$8 million. Bikeshare Hawaii is reviewing four (4) finalist equipment vendors, expecting to finalize negotiations in the fourth quarter of 2015. Bikeshare is also actively pursuing sites for 200 docking stations on the public right of way and with other landowners. The basic requirement is a 40'x6' concrete pad with space to remove bikes without impeding pedestrians or creating a hazard. McCarney noted that she will be back with updates.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed: Bicycle Safety -- Mollring raised a concern about bicyclists riding on the sidewalk and asked if McCarney can remind the bicyclists that the financial district does not allow bicyclists on the sidewalks. Mollring asked how Bikeshare Hawaii plans to deal with theft. McCarney responded that the bikes are checked out with a credit card and there will be a system monitoring the bikes 365 days a year 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week for maintenance, vandalism, and theft. There are many things still being considered for each

station, McCarney noted that the bikes will not have GPS but will have a good tracker. Saupe commented that Bikesahre Hawaii is a great idea and noted that he is super excited for Bikeshare Hawaii. Chair Au asked if Bikeshare Hawaii is a non-profit program. McCarney responded that they are a non-profit and have received the funding that will help Bikeshare with the different payment plans. Mancos noted that she has lived in different cities that had a bikeshare program and commented that it is a really great program.

Mollring moved and Saupe seconded that the Downtown Neighborhood Board No. 13 support the Bikeshare Hawaii concept. The motion was adopted by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 7-0-0. (AYE: Au, Mancos, Mollring, Saupe, Smyth, Tom, and Yuen.; NAY: none; Abstain: none.)

APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 3, 2015 MEETING MINUTES -- The Board approved the December 3, 2015 meeting minutes by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 7-0-0. (AYE: Au, Mancos, Mollring, Saupe, Smyth, Tom, and Yuen; NAY: none; Abstain: none.)

BOARD BUSINESS AND REPORTS

Chair's Report -- Chair Au noted that the February 2016 agenda will have Miki Lee about crime, representatives from DTS about the parking stalls situation at the Hawaii Theater and the issue of the City taking parking stalls with no notice given to the business owners during the holiday season.

Treasurer's Report -- Treasurer Mollring reported a remaining balance of $198.93. The report was filed.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Meeting -- The next Downtown Neighborhood Board No. 13 meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 4, 2016, Pauahi Community Center at 7:00 p.m.

Neighborhood Citizen's Patrol (NCP) -- The NCP meets each Tuesday on the Diamondhead side of Kukui Plaza at 8:00 p.m. Please consider joining the patrol and supporting its efforts as they express their service and pride in our Downtown/Chinatown community.

Broadcasts -- Videotape of Board meetings are scheduled to be shown on the third Thursday at 9:00 p.m., and on the second and fourth Saturday at 6:00 a.m. on `Olelo Channel 49.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:19 p.m.

Submitted by: Neil Baarde, Neighborhood Assistant II

Reviewed by: K. Russell Ho, Neighborhood Assistant

Final Review: Chair Alvin Au and Secretary Robert Tom

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