Downtown Neighborhood Board No. 13 Minutes Posted for <font color="red"><b>Thursday, November 3rd, 2016 </b></font> Meeting

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Downtown Neighborhood Board No. 13 Minutes Posted for Thursday, November 3rd, 2016 Meeting
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With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office

DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO 13

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2016
ALOHA TOWERS, MULTI PURPOSE ROOM 3

CALL TO ORDER -- Chair Alvin Au called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., with a quorum of seven (7) 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 (departed the meeting at 8:06 p.m.), Anthony Chang, Jasmine Mancos (arrived at 7:04 p.m.), Dolores Mollring, Jonathan Saupe (arrived at 7:04 p.m.), Chu Lan Shubert-Kwock, Bob Tom, Tom Smyth and Stanford Yuen.

Board Members Absent -- None.

Guests -- Major Calvin Tong, Acting Lieutenant Raymond Lurbe, Lieutenant Numasaki, and Sergeant Harold Chi (Honolulu Police Department); Laurel Johnston (Governor Ige's Representative); Megan Muramatsu (Mayor Caldwell's Representative); Pat Lee (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation); Representative Karl Rhoads; Sam Moku and Tatum Moku (Hawaii Pacific University); Noelle Wright (Office of Economic Development); Bob Marchant (River of Life Mission); Greg Payton (Mental Health Kokua/Safe Haven); Kendys Min (Hawaiian Electric Company); Allen Stack Jr. (Chinatown Improvement District); James Donnelly (Make-A-Wish Hawaii); Kelfred Chang and Leonard Kam; Elizabeth O'Brien, Suzanne Watanabei Lai, and Juana Meza (Hawaii Theatre Center); Laci Jacob, Willis Moore, Ronald Higa, Randal Ikeda, Kevin Lye; and Kalawai'a Goo; Dave Amodo (‘Olelo) ; 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) -- No representative was present; a report was not provided.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) -- Major Calvin Tong, Acting Lieutenant Raymond Lurbe, Lieutenant Numasaki, and Sergeant Chi reported the following:
• Violent Crimes -- Sergeant Chi inquired with the board members if they would like to see crime mapping on violent crimes in the area. Sergeant Chi noted the reasoning behind this.

Board members Mancos and Saupe arrived to the meeting at 7:04 p.m.; Nine (9) board members present.

• October 2016 Crime Statistics -- There were 2 motor vehicle thefts, 3 burglaries, 67 thefts, 27 unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV's), 19 assaults, 4 sexual assaults, 1 graffiti incident, and 11 drug offenses. A total of 2,172 calls were placed for service.
• Safety Tip -- Make Sure Kids Know:
o How to call 911 in emergencies, and how to use a public phone. Help them practice making emergency phone calls. Be sure emergency numbers -- police, fire, poison control and emergency medical- are by all phones.
o Their full name, address, and phone number. If you have a cellular phone and/or beeper, teach your children these numbers as well.
o How to walk confidently and stay alert to what is going on around them.
o To walk and play with friends, not alone.
o To refuse rides or gifts from anyone, unless it's someone both you and your child know and trust.
o To tell a trusted adult immediately if anyone, no matter whom, touches them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.
- If you or someone that you know would like to join or participate in a Neighborhood Security, Business Security Watch or Citizen Patrol group, contact Sergeant Derek Valoroso at 529-3695 or at dvaloroso@honolulu.gov.
Questions, comments and concerns that followed:
1. Information -- Chair Au noted that years ago the board would receive more information from HPD, and would like to receive the same knowledge in order to help improve the community and work cohesively with the police. Acting Lieutenant Lurbe noted that HPD would like to work cohesively with the community as well.
2. Drugs and Cameras -- Shubert-Kwock inquired if the board would be able to receive more comprehensive, chronological police reports at every meeting, asking if a status on the cameras working in Downtown-Chinatown could be added to the report, noting that having cameras working make the community at whole feel safer. Shubert-Kwock thanked HPD for the higher number of drugs arrests. Acting Lieutenant Lurbe will take these requests back to his command.
3. Smith-Beretania Park -- Yuen expressed his thanks to HPD for the removal of tents and patrols at Smith-Beretania Park, noting his request last month to Lieutenant Lee.
4. Statistics -- Smyth stated that the statistics given are too generic and they don't explain what kinds of thefts or assaults taking place, further adding that he would lie to see Downtown-Chinatown divided into sections to show if crimes are occurring in more business areas, or residential areas.
5. Thanks -- Mollring thanked HPD for cleaning up Kamali'i Park, adding that the resident at Kukui Plaza are very grateful and happy.

Narcotics/Vice -- Major Calvin Tom introduced himself and Lieutenant Numasaki and made himself available for any questions the board and residents may have.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed:
1. Gambling Houses -- Shubert-Kwock mentioned a lady in Chinatown that runs various illegal gambling establishments, Major Tom noted that every gambling location residents know of, the HPD is aware of as well. Major Tom added that HPD could give information about these illegal gambling locations, only after an investigation is closed, as to not disturb or put anyone in harm's way during an active case.
2. Operations -- Mollring raised concerns over certain gambling establishments being in operations for years and others coming and going more quickly. Major Tom stated that HPD has to follow the rules when investigating, so sometimes it takes longer to gain access and learn the right information in order to be able to shut down an illegal gambling location. Major Tom noted that on Saturday, October 22, 2016, his narcotics/vice team hit four (4) locations, one (1) of them was on Maunakea Street.
3. River of Life -- Mancos noted that there is drug use and dealing amongst clients of the River of Life organization. Major Tom took note and will take this information back to his detectives.
4. Nuisance -- Chair Au stated that having a forfeiture of property for landowners may help with alleviating the issue of illegal gambling in the area. Major Tom thanked Chair Au, adding that this past year the legislators passed a nuisance abatement law, which would allow HPD to send a notice of illegal activity to the landowners, to make them aware of situations they may or may not even be aware of and the potential consequences, noting that this has been successful in all cases they have sent nuisance abatement notices to. Major Tom stated that the neighborhood board could call the owners and let them know of the illegal gambling taking place telling them that HPD will get involved, in order to help minimize the illegal gambling taking place.
5. Notices -- Yuen asked if public notices could be placed in order to inform people that gambling is illegal. Major Tom will inquire with their legal team to see if it is a feasible option.
6. Chamber of Commerce -- Chair Au suggested that HPD talk with the Chamber of Commerce, since they deal with business owners as a way to get the word out about illegal activity taking place. Major Tom suggested that the neighborhood board talk to the Chamber of Commerce and businesses since their hands are not as tied.

Chair Au called for a recess at 7:36 p.m.

The Neighborhood Assistant (NA) took a new board photo.

Chair Au called the meeting back to order at 7:38 p.m.

Neighborhood Citizen's Patrol (NCP) -- Dolores Mollring reported the following: Patrol -- It has been very quiet in the Downtown-Chinatown area. There will be no walking on Tuesday, November 8, 2016. Please go out and vote!

Public Concerns
• Pole Replacement -- Kendys Min from the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), notified the board and audience of subservice testing that needs to be done for the archeological inventory survey as part of the future plans to replace poles in the area in April 2018. Monday, November 14, 2016 through Monday, November 21, 2016, HECO will be digging in eight (8) locations along Maunakea Avenue and Pauahi Street. There will be no road closures or power outages, and will be letting the affected storefronts of the testing. This testing is necessary in order to get the proper permits to replace the poles.

NEW BUSINESS

Update on River of Life Mission Organization Activities and Operation -- Bob Marchant, CEO of the River of Life Mission reported the following: River of Life -- The River of Life (ROL) Mission is partners with missions on the mainland, Marchant has been at ROL for 18 years. ROL started a chocolate factory five (5) years ago which provides six (6) full time jobs and two (2) part time jobs. There are three (3) groups of homeless, a third have mental issues, a third are satisfied with where they are at, and a third want to change and need help. ROL provides 350 fruit boxes to individuals every other week, mostly to the elderly. ROL is looking into starting a culinary training program which would provide skills to individuals which may otherwise not have any in the field. ROL owns two (2) houses in the Kalihi area. One (1) is rented out to Safe Haven and the other is for staff. ROL aims to provide services, such as showers and meals to people that may otherwise not receive it.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed:
1. Commendable -- Chair Au thanked Marchant for the services ROL provides, noting the commendable job that they do.
2. Location -- Shubert-Kwock thanked ROL for working so well with her organization in the past. Shubert-Kwock inquired if ROL would be willing to move their feeding operations to the old K-Mart area in Iwelei where there is a big hygiene center going in with a possibility of a kitchen. Marchant stated that they would be opened to moving feeding locations if someone at the city or state could help them find a suitable location. Marchant noted that they own the building that they provide their services out of, but may be able to turn it into a job training center, if the feeding location were somewhere else.
3. Funding -- Saupe inquired and Marchant answered that ROL receives no state or federal funding for their mission. All of the money raised is by donations, Marchant writes letters to people to tell them of the services they provide, the average donation is $42 an individual. The annual budget is $1.2 million.
4. Drug Use -- Saupe noted seeing drug use take place outside of ROL, and while lines are formed for the three (3) meals a day which are provided, adding feeling unsafe to walk down Pauahi Street as there is no police presence to monitor. Marchant noted that ROL does not allow any drug use or illegal activity within the facility, but cannot do anything about what takes place outside, he sees HPD ticketing elderly for j-walking versus patrolling the areas of homeless where drug deals are taking place. Marchant invited Saupe and everyone to come and see the operations.
5. No Problems -- Mollring stated that she has no problems maneuvering her scooter down Pauahi Street when having to go Pauahi Community Center, and that the clients outside and waiting in line to be served food always move out of the way for her.
6. Land Exchange -- Yuen noted the good dead that the ROL does for individuals. Yuen asked if a land swap could be done with the city, or other agencies to provide a solution that could be beneficial to all parties involved. Yuen noted speaking with Mayor Caldwell and Ray Soon about this possibility six (6) or so months ago.

Yuen moved and Shubert-Kwock seconded urging the City and State to help the River of Life Mission on 100 N. Pauahi Street find a new location to provide meal services. The motion passed by a voice vote, 8-0-1. (AYE: Au, Mancos, Mollring, Saupe, Shubert-Kwock, Smyth, Tom, and Yuen; Nay: none; Abstain: Chang).

Chair Au departed the meeting at 8:06 p.m.; Eight (8) board members present.

2017 Chinese New Year Events -- Kelfred Chang and Leonard Kam reported the following: There will be two (2) street closures in the Downtown-Chinatown area to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
• Lion Dance -- Friday, January 20, 2017, 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Street closures along King Street, Smith Street, Nuuanu Avenue, Beretania Street, Bethel Street, Pauahi Street, Kukui Street, and possibly River Street.
• Night in Chinatown Festival Parade -- Saturday, January 21, 2017, 12:00 p.m. -- 12:00 a.m. Hotel Street, street closures.

Yuen moved and Shubert-Kwock seconded to support the 2017 Chinese New Year events. The motion passed by a voice vote, 8-0-0. (AYE: Chang, Mancos, Mollring, Saupe, Shubert-Kwock, Smyth, Tom, and Yuen; Nay: none; Abstain: none).

Art+Flea x OED present: Holidaze Chinatown Market -- Noelle Wright from the Office of Economic Development (OED) presented the following: Event -- The Holidaze Chinatown Market event will be taking place Saturday, December 17, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be food and street vendors, art, music and more. There will be street closures from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on Nuuanu Avenue from Chaplain Lane to Hotel Street and on Pauahi Street from Nuuanu Avenue to Bethel Street. This is a great event to enhance and activate the streets. Please email Wright at nwright@honolulu.gov.

Shubert Kwock moved and Mancos seconded to support the Art+Flea x OED present: Holidaze Chinatown Market event. The motion passed by a voice vote, 8-0-0. (AYE: Chang, Mancos, Mollring, Saupe, Shubert-Kwock, Smyth, Tom, and Yuen; Nay: none; Abstain: none).

Hawaii Theatre Center (HTC) Fundraising Event -- Elizabeth O'Brien presented the following: Hawaii Theatre -- HTC is in its 95th year. They have changed their logo, have new board members, and management. There will be a fundraising event on Saturday, February 11, 2017, which will require street closure hours of 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Bethel Street between Hotel Street and Pauahi Street. The event itself will be at the HTC with a concert from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., there will be 1,400 tickets available for purchase. A preshow event will take place outside from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with food vendors and music, which allows for around 900 guests. The breakdown of the street closure area will begin right after the concert starts and the street should be open for through traffic by 9:00 p.m.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed:
1. Music and Alcohol -- Tom inquired and O'Brien answered that the music which will play outside will go until 7:00 p.m., there are no live bands scheduled right now and it may come from a sound system. There is currently no alcohol being served at the event, but Hawaii Theatre board member Don Murphy is working on being able to have alcohol.
2. Street Closures -- Saupe asked if the street closure hours could be changed to a later time, as it effects businesses around the area. O'Brien noted the concerns and will take back the request to the organizers.

Shubert Kwock moved and Saupe seconded to support the Hawaii Theatre Fundraiser event. The motion passed by a voice vote, 8-0-0. (AYE: Chang, Mancos, Mollring, Saupe, Shubert-Kwock, Smyth, Tom, and Yuen; Nay: none; Abstain: none).

Hawaii Theatre Center (HTC) Arts For All Program -- Suzanne Watanabe Lai presented the following: Arts For All -- HTC has a new program called, "Arts For All" which receives funding through the city's GIA grant process and provides qualified low income individuals including seniors a chance to attended HTC Presents shows at a cost of $5 a ticket.

4th Annual Jingle Rock Run -- James Donnelly, Chair of Make-A-Wish Hawaii presented the following: Jingle Rock Run -- On Sunday, December 18, 2016 a 5K run/walk will be held to benefit the Make-A-Wish Hawaii foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions. Entertainment and food will begin at 3:00 p.m. and the 5K event will take place at 6:00 p.m., starting and ending at the State Capital. The event will have one (1) lane closures and will be a roving road close, as competitors pass certain points the entire lane will open up again for cars. For more information please visit www.jinglerockrun.com.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed:
1. Music -- Shubert-Kwock inquired and Donnelly answered that there will be music at The Manifest Restaurant in front of Hotel Street, the main stage will be at the State Capital, and there will be a vehicle following along the route playing Christmas themed music.
2. Notification -- Tom asked and Donnelly stated that they will have police presence along the route during the parade and there will be no barricades blocking people from leaving their residence.
3. Event -- Yuen asked if it was the same event as last year, noting that it was very positive, Donnelly noted that it was the same event.
4. Stage -- Stack asked where the music would be held at The Manifest Restaurant and if it would be amplified, Donnelly noted that the music would be on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant and may be a little amplified.

Mancos moved and Mollring seconded to support the 4th Annual Jingle Rock Run. The motion passed by a voice vote, 8-0-0. (AYE: Chang, Mancos, Mollring, Saupe, Shubert-Kwock, Smyth, Tom, and Yuen; Nay: none; Abstain: none).

City and County of Honolulu City Lights Parade -- No representative was present; a report was not provided.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS

Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) -- Sam Moku reported the following:
• President -- There is a new president at HPU, the inauguration for the president will be held Friday, March 3, 2017.
• New Years -- There will be a New Year's event at Aloha Towers with fireworks on Saturday, December 31, 2016.
• Commencement -- Fall commencement will be on Thursday, December 15, 2016. School will be back in session after the first week in January 2017.
• Pearl Harbor -- There will be events around Aloha towers to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed:
1. Flags and Signage -- Smyth noted that the flag in front of Aloha Towers was almost at half-staff. Smyth inquired into signage at the ports which can direct tourists to Chinatown. Tom stated that the Governor's Representative had given information on this matter and will update the board again later in the meeting.
2. Spaces -- Saupe stated he was happy to see that The Spaghetti Factory restaurant is going to be in one of the spaces at Aloha Towers.
3. Lighting -- Shubert-Kwock inquired about the lighting along the piers at Aloha Towers, noting that it is too dark in some places. Moku stated that lighting is at the top of their last and it is being taken care of.

Safe Haven -- Grey Payton reported the following:
• Placement -- 81 individuals have been placed in permanent supportive housing from January 2016 to October 2016, surpassing their goal of placing 70 individuals into housing for the year. An additional 25 individuals are housed at Safe Haven for a total of 104 homeless individuals housed and off the streets.
• Pauahi Hale -- Pauahi Hale is under renovation with a replacement of a new roof. Once this is completed 10-12 rooms which were previously unusable will open up.
• Hygiene Center -- The hygiene center continues to serve 60 people a day.
• Rent -- If anyone is interested in renting a unit to homeless clients of Mental Health Kokua (MHK)/Safe Haven please contact them. Thus far the owners who have taken a chance have seen 100% success rate.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed: Thanks -- Shubert-Kwock thanked Payton for the wonderful work that MHK/Safe Haven does in the community adding that the fundraiser that was held was a great success. Payton noted that the Peer Coaching program which just started brings together 60 people who had come from the street (paid job) with case managers and together provides more outreach to help try and reach individuals to get them off of the streets. Chang thanked them for the services that are provided.

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) -- Pat Lee reported the following:
• Staff -- HART Chair Colleen Hanabusa and acting executive director Mike Formby have resigned from the board and replacements have been named for those positions. Mr. Krishniah Murthy will be the interim executive director replacing Formby. He has over 40 years of experience in transit design, construction and engineering and most recently was with the LA Metro project. Mr. Murthy will serve a one (1) year term while a permanent replacement is found. Long-time local construction executive Glenn Nohara of Koga Engineering and Construction has been appointed to the HART board to replace Hanabusa.
• Plans -- HART has prepared an interim plan for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) prior to the formal FTA recovery plan for the project as required by the Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA). The interim plan lays out two (2) possible scenarios: Plan A is to obtain more funds and complete the entire 20-mile, 21 station project. If no additional funding is acquired, Plan B would only build what the existing funding and budget provides to reach downtown, but would require deferral or elimination of project components such as the Pearl Highlands parking garage and the stations between Middle Street and the Downtown station. HART's preference is to complete the full 20-mile, 21 station rail project. More information will be available as the process moves forward.
• Funding -- HART is also examining all opportunities for savings and efficiencies to reduce the overall construction cost, and exploring other means of funding including public private partnerships and other revenues. The agency is undertaking risk analysis and management for future construction components to better anticipate upcoming construction challenges in the City Center section of the project. There are plans for a $1.3 billion in contingency funds to address any unforeseen cost increases for the remainder of rail construction. The full 20-mile route and 21 stations are now estimated to be completed by the end of 2025.
• Work -- The final column for the first 10 miles of the route has been poured, with the stations from Aloha Stadium to East Kapolei starting construction. The Airport Guideway and Stations between Aloha Stadium and Middle Street, including the Middle Street, Lagoon Drive, Airport and Pearl Harbor stations is also starting work. There will be a reduced work schedule for the Holidays to minimize construction impacts during the busy holiday season.
• 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:
1. Elimination of Station -- Shubert-Kwock asked and Lee answered that if full funding for the project could not be found there is a possibility that the Chinatown Station would not be built as well as other projects such as the Pearl Highlands parking garage.
2. Director -- Tom inquired and Lee stated that the new interim director would help guide the project for his one (1) year contract while a more permanent executive director of HART can be found.
3. Shims -- Lye asked if Lee could give any updates on the Shims, Lee disclosed that he is not an engineer, but the shims are a plastic composite component which help cushion elevated concrete slabs which hold up the guideway track and have begun to crack, if they are found to be faulty then the contractor KIEWIT would need to replace them.

Chinatown Business and Community Association (CBCA) -- Shubert-Kwock reported the following:
• Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland -- Thank you Senator Chun Oakland for your 26 years of service in the senate and for all you have done for the Downtown-Chinatown community.
• Double Ten -- CBCA celebrated Double Ten at the Chinese Cultural Plaza and draped floral leis on Dr. Sun Yat Sen.
• Chinatown Heroes -- CBCA held a 7th annual CBCA Chinatown Heroes Party at Empress Restaurant, honoring five (5) people in the community.
• Clean Up -- CBCA took part in various areas of Chinatown to help paint, wash, and pick up trash in the community.
• Home Ownership -- CBCA attended the Hawaii Home Ownership Center's annual fundraising event. HHOC provides housing assistance, training, and mortgage education to first time home buyers.
• Mental Health Kokua -- CBCA attended MHK's annual fundraiser, MHK provides housing and other services to the mentally ill and substance abuser homeless.

Chinatown Improvement District (CID) -- Allen Stack Jr. reported the following:
• Seminar -- CID held three (3) preservation seminars, having to do with building issues, the last one (1) had to do with design and permitting in a historic district.
• Sidewalks -- CID participated with the Lions Club Safe Sidewalk Program to help fix and clean up sidewalks in need of repair in the Chinatown area.
• Smith Beretania Park -- CID in conjunction with other organizations are doing their part to help clean up Smith Beretania Park to provide a safe, clean, functioning space for all to enjoy.
• Graffiti -- CID has started an online campaign to address graffiti removal, for more information go to www.cidchinatownhawaii.org.

Arts Culture Merchants Etcetera (ACME) -- No representative was present; a report was not provided.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative -- Megan Muramatsu of the Managing Directors Office reported the following:
• Kamali'i Park -- HPD officers are aware of the problems in the park area and continue to monitor and check Kamali'i Park several times of day. From Sunday, September 4, 2016 to October 2016 HPD gave 20 citations for park violations and made nine (9) arrests that included drug related offenses.
• Drug Arrests -- The information as reported at the neighborhood board meetings are patrol arrests and mostly of those in possession of narcotics (users).
• Gambling -- HPD Narcotics/Vice is aware of illegal gambling in the Downtown-Chinatown area and continue to actively investigate as well as successfully close establishments.
• Smith Beretania Park -- HPD is making daily checks of Smith Beretania Park and address any violations. The Department of Facilities Maintenance (DFM) Road Division SPO team along with HPD and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) conduct bi-monthly park closure enforcement in the Downtown-Chinatown area.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed: Director George Atta -- The board wishes Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) Director George Atta good health and a speedy recovery.

Councilmember Carol Fukunaga -- Councilmember Fukunaga informed the board that she was unable to attend tonight's meeting and provided a report for the board and community.

Governor David Ige's Representative -- Laurel Johnston, Governor Ige's Chief of Staff reported the following:
• Signage -- In discussion with Hawaii Department of Transportation (DOT) Harbors division, wayfinding signage to be placed at the docks directing visitors to Chinatown is a financing issue, and is currently being looked into.
• Veteran's Day -- Happy Veteran's Day to all of those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Representative Karl Rhoads -- Representative Rhoads reported the following:
• Letters -- Representative Rhoads has written letters in the past to landlords, informing them of the possible illegal activities and the ramifications of such, and has received positive results.
• River of Life - Representative Rhoads has tried to help find state properties for the River of Life Mission to possibly move their operations to, however it is a multi-faceted issue and will continue to help find possible locations.
• Nuisance -- Following up on a question from last month's meeting, Gambling is considered a nuisance and was added to the states nuisance abatement laws (Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) section 712-1270).
• Seized Property -- The government can seize property that is used for gambling. The police can seize the property if they believe the property is used in connection to gambling. The police may be able to later forfeit the property through court proceedings so that it is permanently taken from the wrongdoer (HRS 712A).
• Thanks -- Representative Rhoads noted that it would be his last meeting at a neighborhood board meeting as the State Representative for Chinatown, but hopes to be on the agenda at next month's meeting in a different capacity.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed: Help -- Shubert-Kwock voiced the importance of needing to help the ROL Mission find a new space to continue their operations, voicing that current zoning laws and allowable usage should be explored. The Downtown-Chinatown area needs to be relieved of added stress from homeless. Representative Rhoads stated that the core of the issue needs to be found in order to better deal with the symptoms, noting that there needs to be more services provided to individuals. Representative Rhoads will continue to work hard for the community and what is important to all.

Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland -- Senator Chun Oakland provided the neighborhood board members with certificates. Although not in attendance, the board thanks Senator Chun Oakland for her many years of dedicated service to the community.

APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 5, 2016 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES -- The Board approved the October 5, 2016 regular meeting minutes by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 8-0-0. (AYE: Chang, Mancos, Mollring, Saupe, Shubert-Kwock, Smyth, Tom, and Yuen; Nay: none; Abstain: none).

BOARD BUISNESS AND REPORTS

Chair's Report -- Murphy's Bar and Grill has applied for a street closure permit for Wednesday, December 7, 2016 from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Merchant Street from Nuuanu Avenue to Bethel Street.

Treasurer's Report -- Treasurer Mollring reported a remaining balance of $278.83. The report was filed.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Meeting -- The next Downtown Neighborhood Board No. 13 meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 1, 2016, at the Hawaii Pacific University, One Aloha Tower Drive, Multi-Purpose Room 2 at 7:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT -- The meeting adjourned at 9:11 p.m.

Submitted by: Sharon Baillie, Neighborhood Assistant I
Reviewed by: Neil Baarde, Neighborhood Assistant II
Final Review by: Chair Alvin Au and Vice Chair Tom

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Downtown Neighborhood Board No. 13 Minutes Posted for Thursday, November 3rd, 2016 Meeting

First Friday Hawaii
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