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

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

DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO 13

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, April 7, 2016

PAUAHI COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER -- Chair Alvin Au called the meeting to order at 7:03 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, Anthony Chang, Jasmine Mancos, Dolores Mollring, Jonathan Saupe, Chu Lan Shubert-Kwock, Robert Tom, and Stanford Yuen.

Board Members Absent -- Thomas Smyth.

Guests -- Laurel Johnston (Governor Ige's representative); George Atta (Mayor Caldwell's representative); Senator Chun Oakland; Lieutenant Baron Lee, Corporal Paikai, Sergeant H. Chi and Sergeant Lyle Fleck (Honolulu Police Department); Firefighter Captain James Hull, Firefighter Takayama, and Firefighter Ashley Goddard (Honolulu Fire Department); Liz Char and Sandy Pfund (City and County of Honolulu); Pat Lee and John Ruedisueli (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit); Nathaniel Howard and Nathan Lodico (Hawaii Pacific University); April Bautista (Representative Karl Rhoads representative); Paul Mallory (Michels Corporation); Lee Stack (Chinatown Improvement District); Greg Payton (Safe Haven); Jason Miller and Josh Hancock (Sailor Jerry Festival); Wanda Akers, Randy Ikeda, Robin and Pedro Dacuycuy, Kalawai'a Goo, Clare Ann Ranquillo, Nicole Reid, Morris and Su-Shen Atta, Miki Lee, Sandra Pohl, M. Howard, Richard M., Gwen Abella, Ronald Higa, and Howard Lum; and Sharon Baillie (Neighborhood Commission Office).

INTRODUCTION OF BOARD MEMBERS -- Chair Au and the Board members introduced themselves at this time.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Departments (HFD) -- Firefighter Captain James Hull reported the following:

• March 2016 Statistics -- There were 2 structure, 1 wildland/brush, 3 nuisance, and 3 cooking fires, with 7 activated alarms. There were 160 medical emergencies, 4 motor vehicle collisions with pedestrians, and 2 motor vehicle crash/collisions. There were 3 stalled elevators and 1 water evacuation for unusual incidents.

• Fire Safety Tip -- Cooking:

o Cooking fires are the number one (1) cause of home fires and injuries

o Cook with caution. Be alert. If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don't use the stove.

o Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking.

o Keep anything that can catch fire, such as over mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, and towels, away from your stovetop.

o Have a kids-free zone of at least three (3) feet around the stove.

o If you have a small grease cooking fire and decide to fight the fire, smother the flames by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. For an over fire, turn the heat off and keep the door closed.

o If you have any doubt about fighting a small fire, calmly leave the house, close the door behind you to help contain the fire, and call 911 from outside of your home.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed:

1. Festival -- Mollring asked and Hull answered that the fire prevention team does random checks on establishments to make sure that businesses are at or under capacity.

2. Block Parties -- Shubert-Kwock asked and Hull responded that they usually do not inspect block parties and that actions such as cooking on a sidewalk or selling beer is specified in permits that are obtained for events.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) -- Lieutenant Baron Lee reported the following:

• March 2016 Crime Statistics -- There were 4 motor vehicle thefts, 3 burglaries, 74 thefts, 21 unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV), 21 assaults, 2 sex assaults, 1 graffiti and 3 drug offenses. A total of 2,312 calls were placed for service.

• Safety Tips -- Securing vehicles:

o Lock car doors as well as stash and conceal valuables.

o Park under a lighted area or area visible to the public.

o Have a vehicle alarm or steering wheel lock.

o Have vehicle registration and insurance card hidden inside vehicle.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed:

1. Smith Beretania Park -- Au asked and Lee answered that HPD secures the Smith Beretania Park at night and that the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) opens the park during the day.

2. Purse Snatcher -- Mollring informed the board and audience members to be careful of a purse snatcher in the area.

3. Drugs and Cameras -- Shubert-Kwock asked and Lee replied that the statistics come from HPD administration and it is possible that police officers forget to log their statistics. The 26 cameras around downtown are monitored by volunteers and encourages anyone that sees suspicious activity to please call 911.

4. Tents -- Yuen asked and Lee answered that the Department of Facilities and Maintenance (DFM) enforces anything to do with property such as tents and other items that are pitched on the sidewalk outside of Smith Beretania Park.

5. Foot Patrols -- Saupe inquired and Lee stated that the foot patrols are still ongoing in the downtown area and that they come from the graduating classes of officers. Shubet-Kwock mentions that there are a lot of citations when the new graduating classes come in and would like there to be more sensitivity and collaboration with merchants from the new officers.

6. Drugs -- Mollring stated that at a recent sign waving event someone had left medical drugs with the Weed and Seed officer who in turn left it with her which he forgot to take, which she then took to the police substation, when doing so, she felt like she was treated like a criminal and just wanted to do a good Samaritan job.

7. Policing -- Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) student body president asked if there can be more policing at night around the Fort Street Mall area encompassing the areas from the ATM to the Safeway. Most students get out at night around 8:45 p.m.

Hearing no objections Chair Au took the agenda out of order so HPD could make their presentation on Police Week.

Police Week Walk -- Corporal Paikai states that on Monday, May 16, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., there will be a three (3) lane closure on Beretania Street for a Police Week Walk to honor fallen officers, which will start at the main police station and end at the state capitol.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed: Participation -- Mollring stated that she has been a part of a police week walk before, where police officers hold candles and pictures of fallen police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice are shown.

Mollring moved and Shubert-Kwock seconded to support the Police Week Walk with street closures. The motion was adopted by UNANIMOUS CONCENT 8-0-0 (AYE: Au, Chang, Mancos, Mollring, Saupe, Shubert-Kwock, Tom, and Yuen; Nay: none; Abstain: none.)

Neighborhood Citizen's Patrol (NCP) -- Mollring reported that is has been very quiet.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS

Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) -- Nathan Lodico reported that on Friday, April 8, 2016 the 32nd Annual Intercultural Day at HPU will be taking place.

Hearing no objections Chair Au took the agenda out of order to discuss moving the meeting sight to HPU Aloha Tower.

Move of the Downtown Neighborhood Board meeting to HPU Aloha Tower -- Chang noted that on Wednesday March 30, 2016, he and board member Mancos checked out the proposed meeting site with HPU Vice President Sam Moku. He states the location is cleaner, more accessible, more centrally located, esthetically pleasing, and air conditioned. Mancos states that on Thursday, October 6, 2016 there is a boat day, therefore parking may be an issue for some.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed:

1. Support -- Shubert-Kwock stated that she has been over to HPU Aloha Tower to check out the spaces last year, she believes that the space is more comfortable and will be able to accommodate everyone.

2. Fees -- Yuen asked if there will be a fee after the first year trial period in which there is no proposed fees, Mancos stated that there may not necessarily be fees the second year and the space is a beneficial move.

3. Accommodations -- Resident Wanda stated that she looks forward to these meetings but with the move, she would be unable to attend meetings due to her wheel chair. Chair Au informed Wanda that the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) is able to help with accommodations if people need help to attend meetings and informed her of the number to call.

Mancos moved and Mollring seconded the move of the #13 Downtown neighborhood board meetings to Aloha Towers.

Mancos moved and Mollring seconded to amend the previous said motion to move the #13 Downtown neighborhood board meetings to Aloha Towers, to include adequate notice of address change to include; sign posted at old meeting location and notice of change online of new meeting location. The motion was adopted 8-0-0 (AYE: Au, Chang, Mancos, Mollring, Saupe, Shubert-Kwock, Tom, and Yuen; Nay: none; Abstain: none.)

Move -- Au noted that pending the contract between the NCO and HPU, the next board meeting should be held at Aloha Towers in May, but definitely by June.

Safe Haven -- Greg Payton reported the following:

• What it is -- Safe Haven provides residential services to the homeless, with 25 beds.

• Last Month -- Six (6) people moved out into more independent living, with one (1) of those moving back to the mainland. One (1) person from the activities center was able to be placed directly into permanent housing.

• Activities Center -- The activities center serves 25-30 people daily, with around 101 unduplicated clients a month.

• Last Year -- In 2015 Safe Haven was able to place 65 people into permanent housing. From January 2016 through March 2016 the number is at 17, with hopes of placing 70 individuals into housing this year.

• Hygiene Center -- The hygiene center at Pauahi Hale services 60-70 people daily. The roof needs to be replaced due to water damage, when construction starts there may be construction trucks on the street.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed: Signs -- Shubert-Kwock requested more signs around town directing the public to the hygiene center at Pauahi Hale. Shubert-Kwock, Au, and Mancos thanked Greg Payton and Safe Haven for the great work they do for the community.

Honolulu Authority on Rapid Transit (HART) -- Pat Lee made his report in the new business portion of meeting.

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

• New Restaurants -- Three (3) new restaurants opened, two (2) on Hotel Street and one (1) at the Chinese Cultural Plaza.

• Senior Housing -- CBCA supports senior housing at River Street as it is very much needed in the neighborhood, along with a community center. Resolution 16-70 has moved into a full Council hearing for Wednesday, April 20, 2016. CBCA believes the senior center and senior housing is an important addition to the community and appreciates support.

• Marsy's Law -- CBCA supported the Marcy's Law petition at the Capitol and would like to see this go on the ballot in November, CBCA hopes that by passing Marsy's Law the constitution will be amended to protect and give rights to all victims of crime in Hawaii.

• Community -- CBCA would like to see power washing of streets and more public toilets for people coming into the community. CBCA would like more enforcement of sidewalk laws.

• Next Meeting -- The next CBCA meeting will be held Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. at Empress Restaurant., and is open to all who would like to attend.

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

• Patrols -- There are three (3) new sign-ups for patrols. There are three (3) patrols that take place in the evening time starting around 9:00 p.m. going until 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. in the morning.

• Planters -- CID has gotten approval to place planters at Smith Beretania Park.

• Summer Seminar -- The summer seminar series will be taking place this summer on the second Wednesday of the month in June, July and August.

• 2nd Floor Spaces -- CID is partnering with Historic Hawaii to give tours in June 2016 of second floor spaces of Downtown.

Arts Culture Merchants Etcetera (ACME) -- Nicole Reid reported the following:

• Businesses -- Echo and Atlas (boutique), Fete (restaurant); are two (2) new businesses that have recently opened up in the area. Cantina (restaurant) will be opening up next to Fete soon, Senia (restaurant) will be opening up next to Pig in a Lady, Sol de Cuba will be a new restaurant, and there will be some renovations done at Duban's.

• Thanks -- ACME gave thanks to Senator Chun Oakland and Councilmember Fukunaga for the Vibrant Chinatown Meetings. ACME is in full support of the Aala Park clean up that is taking place Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 8:30 a.m.

• Patrols -- ACME is working with CID in order to have more roving patrols around the community, which will help ensure a sense of safety and security.

• Map -- A fold out map is being created to showcase what is available Downtown.

• Project -- Hawaii Theatre and Restaurant Epic are in talks to continue to have the wall graffiti on the side of Epic which has been a huge success and a popular place for people to come explore and take pictures.

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

• Thanks -- CCCA thanks the mayor and the City Council, along with Michel's for moving along smoothly with the project.

• Resolution 1670 -- CCCA fully supports Resolution 16-70 with amendments that address the health and safety concerns of the residents.

City Sewer Rehabilitation Project, Michels Pipe Services -- Paul Mallory reported the following:

• Complete -- Phase one (1) is 100 % complete. Phase 2 is 99% complete with one (1) line still needing to be done.

• Night Work -- Thursday, April 14, 2016 will be the last day of night work on the Downtown area.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed: Commend -- Mollring commends Michel's for their work and for keeping their word. There was a steel plate making noise outside her residence at Kukui Plaza and Mallory and another man came out to try and alleviate the issue.

Public Concerns -- There were none at this time.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

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

• Title VI -- There will be a public hearing Friday, April 8, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. at the Mission Memorial meeting room, by the Department of Transportation Services Public Transit Division (DTS-PTD), in order to receive feedback on how the public transit system is doing. Because DTS-PTD received federal grant funds they are required to submit a report to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), in order to determine if they are providing public transit services in a non-discriminatory manner.

• Earth Month -- April is Earth Month. The storm water quality branch of the DFM is holding weekend cleanups of streams and blocks throughout the island.

• Pedestrian Signals -- The pedestrian signals on Hotel/Maunakea and Hotel/Smith streets have been placed on automatic recall until the buttons and housing can be replaced.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed:

1. Concerns Shubert-Kwock asked when the fencing at Sun Yat Sen Park will be going up, she would like power washing to be done in Chinatown, would like to know what can be done about the police station restroom always being broken, mentions that more tents are lining up on Aala Park side, and says that the crosswalk needs to be repainted on Hotel Street and Maunakea,

2. Traffic Signals -- Resident Lee Stack states that the traffic signals at Hotel Street and Nuuanu Avenue start at 69 seconds then go to 68, 67,… and then say Zero and would like this to get looked into.

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

Governor David Ige's Representative -- Laurel Johnston reported the following:

• Progress -- Progress is being made on the Kakaako homeless shelter.

• Renewable -- The Western Governor Association is in town. Dialogue is taking place because the governor would like Hawaii to be 100% renewable energy by 2045.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed: Progress -- Shubert-Kwock asked and Johnston answered that the conversion of the warehouse to a homeless shelter is making progress and that the governor is working with the legislature to enforce of laws and rules so that people are unable to stay overnight at state parks and land unless with a proper permit.

Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland -- Senator Chun Oakland reported the following:

• Kupuna -- Bills relating to Kupuna care are still alive. These bills would help make sure elders get the proper care and help they need. $9 million is being requested for the budget. There is a need for an aging resource center in order to have a place people can go to get support.

• Homeless -- Budgets amendments were passed for HB 1700, to include more money for various homeless services, operations, and jobs.

• Mayor Wright -- Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) has signed a contract with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to improve the 4 acre parcel of land. There will potentially be over 1,000 mixed income units, and there is a community listening process taking place that everyone is invited to in order to get updated on the Mayor Wright development.

• Beautification -- On Friday, April 30, 2016 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. there will be a beautification day sponsored by American Savings Bank in the middle of the Cultural Center. Other beautification days are scheduled for Saturday, June 25, 2016 and Saturday, October 22, 2016.

• Emergency Preparedness -- On Saturday, May 7, 2016 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. there will be an emergency preparedness workshop at conference room 329 at the State Capitol by Lisa Shozuya, LYON associate funded through Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Questions, comments and concerns that followed: Empty Beds -- Shubert-Kwock asked and Chun Oakland answered that there are many reasons why there are empty beds at shelters, some could be due to job location as well as where children go to school. Yuen adds that we are fortunate to have Chun Oakland as the area representative.

Representative Karl Rhoads -- April Bautista reported the following:

• Gambling Activity -- A complaint was received regarding suspected gambling activity at the corner of Smith Street and North King Street. The issue was forwarded to the narcotics/vice division of HPD.

• Stench -- Received complaints about a continuous hydrogen sulfide/sewage stench coming from a catch basin in front of 1245 Maunakea Street. A letter was written to the mayor to be aware of this situation and the following departments are aware as well; DFM, DDC, DES, Department of Health (DOH).

• Sidewalk -- A report of an uplifted sidewalk on Pauahi Street next to Smith Beretania Park was forwarded to the city.

• ADA -- A complaint received that the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramp on Nuuanu Avenue and Beretania Street is too steep, therefore not ADA compliant was forwarded to the city.

• Stagnant -- A complaint was received about stagnant water inside a grate behind the bus stop at 60 North Beretania Street, a letter has been sent to DOH.

NEW BUSINESS

Honolulu Rail Transit Presentation -- Pat Lee reported the following:

• Route and Operation -- The route is 20 miles long with 21 stations. There will be four (4) park and ride lots along the route for a total of 4,100 stalls. The train will operate between 4:00 a.m. and 12 a.m. HART will operate 4-car trains which can hold 800 passengers and has seating for 188 people. Trains will run every five (5) minutes during peak hour and every 11 minutes during off peak hours. There will be a single fare system for both the rail and bus using smart card technology. Seven (7) miles of guideway have been completed thus far.

• Downtown/Chinatown -- Construction in downtown will include utilities, guideway, track, and stations. Work will begin with investigative potholing to locate utilities this summer, which will then be relocated if conflicting with the new guideway and stations. Facilitates construction should be completed by late 2021 followed by train to open in late 2022.

• Stations -- The Chinatown and Downtown stations will be ADA accessible, have pedestrian access, bicycle parking, elevator and stairs, and restrooms.

• Train Cars -- The first four (4) train cars are in Honolulu. The trains will have room for wheelchairs, strollers, luggage, bicycles, cools, and surfboards and include free WiFi.

• Information -- For more information email info@honolulutransit.org or call the 24-hour project hotline number at 808-566-2299.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed:

1. Lanes -- Tom asked and Lee answered that there will be no loss of car lanes.

2. Ticketing -- Chang asked and Lee responded that there will be fare gates, vending machines, and smart cards for ticketing.

3. Restrooms -- Yuen and Hubert-Kwock voiced concerns for the rail station restrooms to be made accessible to all of the public. Lee says at this time the restrooms are inside the station and for rail riders.

Yuen moved and Saupe seconded to send a letter to the City and County of Honolulu and to Hart in consideration of opening up the rail station restrooms to all of the public to use. The motion was adopted 7-0-1. (AYE: Au, Chang, Mollring, Saupe, Shubert-Kwock, Tom, and Yuen; Nay: none; Abstain: Mancos.)

Update on the Proposed City Affordable Senior Rental Housing (Halewai'Olu Senior Residences) -- Sandy Pfund reported the following:

• Information -- Packet of information was passed out to the board including minutes of past meetings, attendee lists, and statements of support.

• Resolution 16-70 -- 16-70 is moving forward to be heard on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 by council. There are some amendments proposed to 16-70 to include environmental and hazardous materials assessments, as well as termination for infeasibility for any conditions that may arise. There have been meetings with Councilmember Fukunaga to make sure that everything in the process of getting the senior housing project underway goes smoothly.

Sailor Jerry Festival -- Joshua Hancock and Jason Miller reported the following:

• Sailor Jerry -- Sailor Jerry was a famous artist who once resided in Chinatown. He is very influential in tattooing and art around the world. There will be a festival in his honor on Saturday, June 11, 2016 to celebrate his accomplishments and influences. The festival will be taking place inside different bars and galleries in the downtown area. For future yearly celebrations there may be requests for street closures or parking lot closures in order to have a festival to celebrate this important person to the Chinatown area. Collaborations would be welcomed.

Mancos moved and Mollring seconded to support the Sailor Jerry Festival. The motion was adopted by UNANIMOUS CONCENT 7-0-0. (AYE: Au, Chang, Mancos, Mollring, Shubert-Kwock, Tom, and Yuen; Nay: none; Abstain: none.)

Yearlong Plan for Monthly 10 Street Parking Space Permits for Creative Arts Experience Event -- Sandra Pohl, Sue Atta, and Miki Lee reported the following:

• Second Saturday -- Second Saturday took place on Saturday, February 13, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. DiscoverArt organized art, artists and performances, drawing, painting, crafts, dance, music, and other performances throughout the historic art district/Chinatown area for people to come and enjoy. It was a huge success and would like to continue putting on these events monthly. Parking stalls would be used to create areas for craft tables and different art spaces.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed: Parking Stalls -- Au asked and Pohl replied that the requested 10 parking stalls would be used for arts and crafts and not their own personal vehicles. Mancos and Yuen voiced their support of this great event.

Yuen moved and Mollring seconded to support the Yearlong Plan from May 2016 to April 2017 for Monthly 10 Street Parking Space Permits on Nuuanu Avenue and Bethel Street fronting Marks Center Garage for Creative Arts Experience Event. The motion was adopted by UNANIMOUS CONCENT 7-0-0. (AYE: Au, Chang, Mancos, Mollring, Shubert-Kwock, Tom, and Yuen; Nay: none; Abstain: none.)

Discussion to amend the name of the Downtown Neighborhood Board as the Downtown Chinatown Neighborhood Board -- Name Change -- Chang asked if the new proposed name should have a dash or slash and Shubert-Kwock recommended there be a slash between the two names. Board members were all in agreeance that they would like to change the neighborhood board name to encompass the history of the area.

Shubert-Kwock moved and Mancos seconded to write a letter to the Neighborhood Commission to request they consider the change of the Downtown Neighborhood Board name to Downtown/Chinatown. The motion passed by UNANIMOUS CONCENT 7-0-0. (AYE: Au, Chang, Mancos, Mollring, Shubert-Kwock, Tom, and Yuen; Nay: none; Abstain: none.)

APPROVAL OF March 3, 2016 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES -- The Board approved the March 3, 2016 meeting minutes by UNANIMOUS CONSENT as amended, 7-0-0. (AYE: Au, Chang, Mancos, Mollring, Shubert-Kwock, Tom, and Yuen; Nay: none; Abstain: none.) Amendments are as follows:

Page 6: Add Chang to the subcommittee list.

Page 4: Methadone clinic - Tom asked whether the methadone clinic next to his building at Capitol Place is a permitted use under the zoning for this area because it is so close to schools; and whether its location can be moved to another location that is farther away from schools. Fukunaga is unaware of its status under the area zoning, and will work closely with Representative Rhoads and Representative Saiki to find an alternative location for such services to be provided.

BOARD BUISNESS AND REPORTS

Chair's Report --

• Liquor License Application -- There are currently two liquor applications by Palate Eatery and Senia, public hearings will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2016. To get information such as phone numbers of these liquor applicants go to www.DCCA.com .

• Future Agenda Items -- The Smith Beretania Park hour's discussion will be placed on next months agenda.

Treasurer's Report -- Treasurer Mollring reported a remaining balance of $136.12. The report was filed.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Meeting -- The next Downtown Neighborhood Board No. 13 meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 5, 2016, at the Pauahi Community Center at 7:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT -- The meeting adjourned at 9:41 p.m.

Submitted by: Sharon Baillie, Neighborhood Assistant I

Reviewed by: Relley Araceley, Neighborhood Assistant I

Final Review by: Chair Alvin Au

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