Downtown Neighborhood Board No. 13 Minutes Posted for <font color="red"><b>THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017 </b></font> Meeting

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Downtown Neighborhood Board No. 13 Minutes Posted for THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017 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, APRIL 6, 2017

ALOHA TOWERS, MULTI PURPOSE ROOM 2

CALL TO ORDER -- Chair Alvin Au called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m., with a quorum of five (5) 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 (arrived at 7:26 p.m.), Dolores Mollring, Chu Lan Shubert-Kwock, Bob Tom and Stanford Yuen.

Board Members Absent -- Jasmine Mancos, Jonathan Saupe and Tom Smyth.

Guests -- Captain Ken Kahahawai and Firefighter III Stan Kimura (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Baron Lee and Sergeant Harold Chi (Honolulu Police Department); Laurel Johnston (Governor Ige's Representative); Councilmember Carol Fukunaga; Pat Lee (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation); Senator Karl Rhoads; Representative Daniel Holt; Sam Moku (Hawaii Pacific University); Michelle Baitell, Lin Ann Chang, and John Shead (American Savings Bank); Greg Payton (Mental Health Kokua/Safe Haven); Nicole Reid (Arts, Culture, Merchants, Etc.); Allen Stack Jr. (Chinatown Improvement District); Nancy Ortiz, Kevin Lye, Ronald Higa, Marni Ramirez, Kalawai'a Goo, Robert Irvine, David Nako, Keoni Vaughn, Lori McCarney, Rick Kern, Vakisha Coleman, Adan Ibarra, Danyelle Kahanaoi, Roman Sousa, Andrew Rothstein, Gerald Shintaku, Timothy Miller, John Selmy, and Mike Curtis; David Amodo (videographer); and Relley Araceley (Neighborhood Commission Office).

INTRODUCTION OF BOARD MEMBERS -- Chair Au and the Board members introduced themselves. Chair Au reminded the individuals present to speak into the microphone when wishing to speak.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- Firefighter III Stan Kimura reported the following:

• March 2017 Fire Statistics -- There were 3 nuisance fires, 4 cooking fires and 7 activated alarms. There were 159 medical emergencies, 5 motor vehicle crashes/collisions, 2 ocean rescues, and 2 hazardous materials incidents.

• Fire Safety Tip -- Plan ahead. If a fire breaks out in your home, you may have only a few minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Everyone needs to know what to do and where to go if there is a fire. The Honolulu Fire Department has the following escape planning tips:

o Make a home escape plan.

o Know at least two ways out of every room.

o Have an outside meeting place.

o Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year using different escape plans.

o Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can't help them.

o Close doors behind you to help contain the fire as you leave.

o If the alarm sounds:

 Get out and stay out. Never go back inside for people or pets.

 If you have to escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke.

 Call the fire department from outside your home.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Escape: Mollring noted concerns with fires occurring in condominiums and Firefighter Kimura noted that condo fires are more "content fires" that generally affects the room involved.

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

• March 2017 Crime Statistics -- There were 5 motor vehicle thefts, 7 burglaries, 61 thefts, 10 unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV's), 29 assaults, 7 sexual assaults, 3 graffiti incidents and 15 drug offenses. A total of 2,478 calls were placed for service.

• Safety Tip -- Stop Criminals from Acquiring Money (S.C.A.M.). If a stranger calls you to inform you that you have won the lottery and requests money be sent to secure your winnings, do not send money. If you are accused of or involved in a car accident and the stranger requests cash payment, call 911 to report the incident. Be wary of poor workmanship and incomplete work if solicited for cash to work on your vehicle. Check for reference of any stranger who comes to your home seeking to do home repair work. Do not send bail money for unknown individuals. If a stranger claims to be an undercover HPD officer and requests money, call 911 immediately.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed:

1. Robbery: Shubert-Kwock thanked HPD for their work regarding drug offenses in the area but noted several cases of increased violence relating to robberies. Shubert-Kwock noted that a request was made for a 24-hour patrol by a pair of HPD officers and that the 26 cameras be monitored by uniform HPD officers. Lieutenant Lee responded that the cameras were monitored by volunteers and that requesting an HPD officer would take one officer off the roads. The directive would need to come from higher up on the command chain but that more officers have been committed to road patrols to provide visibility.

2. Presence: Mollring noted more police presence on Rivers Street and Fort Street Mall. Mollring noted that Major Nagata was out on Fort Street Mall as well. Chair Au commended Major Nagata's effect on the area.

3. Drugs: Resident John Selmy asked and Lieutenant Lee responded that the more serious drug offenses are investigated by the narcotics division and that usually HPD officers will detain the street users who commit another offense and contraband is usually found during an incidental search. Some offenders may be caught in public using illegal substances.

4. Enforcement: Andrew Rothstein voiced concerns with bicyclists illegally riding on sidewalks in the area. Rothstein noted health concerns and homelessness issues at the bus stop located near the intersection of Smith Street and Beretania Street. Rothstein stated that there is very little enforcement of the laws in the area. Lieutenant Lee will follow up. Chair Au noted that riding bicycles on the sidewalks in the business district is illegal and there have been requests to the City for signs informing the public of that law, but none have been put up.

Neighborhood Citizen's Patrol (NCP) -- Dolores Mollring reported that no prostitution or viewed drug dealing has been seen. Mollring was recently honored by the District 1 HPD Weed and Seed Program. Community members are invited to join the NCP by donating one (1) hour of volunteer time per week.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Contact: A resident asked and Mollring responded that the NCP meets every Tuesday at the Diamond Head side entrance of Kukui Plaza at 8:00 p.m.

PUBLIC CONCERNS

• Location: A resident noted that the board meeting was still posted online to be held at the previous location on Pauahi Street. The Neighborhood Assistant will follow up.

Board Member Chang arrived to the meeting at 7:26 p.m. Six (6) members were present.

NEW BUSINESS

Redevelopment of 12-Story Queen Emma Building -- Paul Fortino provided a few preliminary visual illustrations of the project and reported the following:

• Background: Fortino noted that he and his partner on the Queen Emma Building project, Makani Maeva, have had significant experience with affordable housing both in Hawaii and on the mainland.

• Finance: The project is currently competing for finance and is not yet fully financed. Fortino noted that the presentation may be a bit premature due to the current nature of the financing for the project. Fortino stated hopes that the State would award financing for their Queen Emma Building project.

• Housing: 71 units are being proposed with 34 studios, seven (7) single bedroom units, and 30 two (2)-bedroom units. Fortino noted that the affordable housing option for the site may not be in line with everyone's hopes for the property, but that the history of the site shows how difficult it has been to decide what should be there. The Queen Emma Building represents the best possible plan for the site.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Information: Shubert-Kwock requested information sheets. Fortino replied he could provide a highlight sheet.

2. Safe Haven: Mollring reported that many community members have voiced serious concerns with the project but noted that the location change for Safe Haven has been successful even though there were similar concerns regarding that project. Mollring noted that homeless veterans are being planned to be placed in the proposed housing project. Tom noted that Safe Haven is not across the street from a school or in a prime location. Tom voiced opposition for the project.

3. Affordable Housing: Shubert-Kwok noted general support for affordable housing and requested more specifics. Fortino noted that the project should be considered as previous projects have had difficulty moving forward on the site. The affordable housing option is the only solution that would not require bulldozing. Chair urged the developers to look at other affordable housing successes in the community and to communicate with the area neighbors as the process will be long. Fortino clarified that project will work with a subsidized cost program and the tenants will pay rent. The "affordable housing" designation is different from federal section 8 housing.

4. Opposition: Various residents voiced opposition to the project. Some concerns voiced were how the project would add value to the area, if a dog park could be a viable option, better communication with the community, and how the tenants could affect parking availability in the area. Fortino invited the community to visit the other affordable housing areas created by the developers.

5. Support: A resident voiced support for the project as it could utilize the area for better usage within the community.

6. Parking: A resident asked and Fortino answered that the site will only have 16 parking spots. The resident voiced concerns with the limited number of parking spots for 71 units.

BikeShare Hawaii -- Chief Executive Officer (CEO, Lori McCarney, displayed a bike and reported the following:

• General Information: BikeShare is a network of unmanned bike stations that will allow individuals to check-out bikes from a station and ride them to another station. There will be 100 stations between Chinatown and Diamond Head about five (5) minutes apart. The bikes are designed for use in normal street clothes.

• United States: 60 cities in the United States (US) have BikeShare systems.

• Hawaii: Stations will begin rolling out in late May 2017. It will take three (3) to four (4) weeks to move the stations into place. On Thursday, April 20, 2017 there will be door-to-door outreach to the businesses and residents in the Waikiki and Downtown-Chinatown area. A follow-up presentation to the board would be planned following the outreach efforts. A community open house will be held on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Jefferson Elementary School to provide more information.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Liability: Mollring asked and McCarney responded that there will be rider's insurance but that it would be similar to car rental insurance. McCarney further noted that BikeShare's responsibility is to educate the community on the laws and how to safely ride in the community. Bells are included and lights will automatically turn on once the pedals begin to move. McCarney noted that with more bike users there will hopefully be more connection between vehicles and bikers.

2. Ridership: Shubert-Kwock asked and McCarney replied that individuals will have to register with their credit cards, take out the bike, and then return them at the nearest station of their destination. Every station will have a kiosk. Japanese translations for signs relating to laws and best practices are currently being worked on. Tom asked and McCarney answered that riders will have to be 16 years of age or older, but that riders between 16 and 18 years of age must be riding with a guardian. Tom asked and McCarney responded that there is no helmet law but that various partnerships are being explored to provide helmets.

3. Location: Tom asked and McCarney answered that the stations will be very visible but that there will be a physical map and an electronic app that will help locate the various stations.

4. Cost: Chang asked and McCarney responded that there are multiple plans with varying costs. The $3.50 cost will be geared more for visitors.

5. Stations: Chair Au asked and McCarney responded that a station is being planned at Aloha Tower Marketplace. Resident Kevin Line asked and McCarney answered that BikeShare is expecting 30 workers on the street to maintain and balance the number of bikes at the stations. BikeShare is currently assuming what traffic flows will look like and will have to make adjustments as the system moves along. A call center and mechanics will also be available. McCarney noted that there would be daily monitoring of the system to help with the issues that may be faced in the opening period.

6. Benefits: Yuen asked and McCarney answered that BikeShare Hawaii will be self-sustaining and will benefit the City by creating an alternative transportation medium without leaning on tax dollars. Yuen asked and McCarney responded that there will be about 40 full-time positions. Yuen asked and McCarney answered that the City and State each awarded BikeShare $1 million to startup. The system is expected to cost $8 million and has acquired funding through partnerships, donations, and other methods.

7. Future: Chair Au noted that bicycles seem like the mass mode of transportation in the future.

Cinco De Mayo Festival -- Chair Au stated that the festival would take place on Friday, May 5, 2017 and that Nuuanu Avenue between Pauahai Street and King Street, and Hotel Street between Smith Street and Bethel Street will be closed from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Chair Au introduced Nancy Ortiz who reported the following:

• Clarification: The Cinco de Mayo Spanish Heritage Street Block Party will be held on Friday, May 5, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The event will be free and all proceed will benefit the Ms. Latina Hawaii Scholarship Pageant. Spanish seasonal foods will be available.

• Documentation: A packet with a map of the planned area and documentation from a meeting with the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) was provided. Ortiz was present at an HPD community meeting that was recently held.

• Noise: All amplified sound will cease by 10:00 p.m.

• Streets: The street closures will be ended by 2:00 a.m.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed:

1. Approval: Shubert-Kwock asked and Ortiz responded that the document from DTS was given to them by DTS and that they are currently awaiting notification from HPD. Shubert-Kwock clarified that commerce cannot be done on sidewalks.

2. Blueprint: Shubert-Kwock voiced concerns with the planned location of the festivities as it is in the same area that gave the neighborhood serious concerns with previous similar events. Shubert-Kwock noted that various business owners have voiced opposition to selling liquor on the streets and that recent similar activities have been moved to Richards Street near the Chinatown Gateway.

3. No Parking: Shubert-Kwock voiced concern with the "No Parking" times that will affect business owners.

4. Event: Tom asked and Ortiz responded that the event was held before, about six (6) to seven (7) years ago in Chinatown. Tom asked and Ortiz estimated that there may be 500 or more participants. Shubert-Kwock voiced concerns with the low estimate given due to the inability to request an adequate number of HPD officers.

5. Joint Fact Finding Group (JFF): Shubert-Kwock stated that the JFF found that moving similar activities to Richard Street would be best. A resident asked and resident Nicole Reid responded that the JFF served more as a mediation between the multi-faceted members of the JFF relating to street closures. Reid noted that nothing was proposed to inform policy. Resident Allen Stack voiced opposition to the proposed location of the activity and requested the festival be moved to Richards Street. Vakisha Coleman responded that there will be street teams to remove rubbish on the streets from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and that the event is family friendly. Reid noted that there was no issue with the recent Murphy's block party and that if handled responsibly, drinking on the street should be allowed to these events. Shubert-Kwock noted that the Murphy's Block Party did not close up multiple streets and did not create a large decrease in parking in the area. Reid noted that the JFF could not produce recommendations due to the inability to come to a consensus. Shubert-Kwock responded that the JFF concluded that alcohol should be staged in a cordoned-off beer garden that is not present on the street.

6. Sponsor: Yuen asked and Ortiz responded that Hank's Bar and Restaurant holds the liquor license. The rest will be coming from the food sponsors and other donations by other vendors. Yuen asked and Reid responded that the Arts, Culture, Merchants, Etc. (ACME) group is neither supporting nor endorsing the festival. Reid noted that there are some reservations.

7. City Support: Yuen asked and Ortiz responded that the document came from the DTS. Yuen requested that the festival organizers keep in mind the former complaints and issues from past events.

8. Opposition: Shubert-Kwock noted concerns with the length of time being requested for the festival, the number of streets, and the fact that DTS did not provide a letter of support. Shubert-Kwock voiced concern with the company holding the liquor license. Chair Au reiterated Yuen's suggestion to keep the past complaints in mind.

9. Meeting: Councilmember Carol Fukunaga stated that the liquor license hearing is scheduled for Thursday, April 13, 2017 and that one (1) of the requirements was that DTS grant a permit for the street closures. Councilmember Fukunaga clarified that there was a report issued by the facilitators of the JFF that was not endorsed by everyone. The area legislators subsequently asked the DTS if they would be willing to create specific rules for non-construction main street closures and they declined. The Liquor Commission declined as well. Councilmember Fukunaga noted that Senator Chun Oakland did introduce a bill that could not pass and that since then, party organizers have voluntarily moved their events to the new location which has led to less complaints. Councilmember Fukunaga encouraged the community to attend the Liquor Commission hearing with their opinions as it would be the most appropriate venue.

10. Support: Resident Kalawai'a Goo voiced support for the past First Friday events.

American Savings Bank (ASB) Update -- Michelle Baitell and Lin Ann Chang provided visual illustrations and reported the following:

• History: ASB is celebrating 92 years on Hawaii and is a "kama'aina company" with 1,200 staff on five (5) islands and 51 branches. On Oahu there are about five (5) different back office locations.

• Corporate Campus: The new building will be located at 300 North Beretania Street. It will be 11 stories with self-contained parking. A lunch room will be available but no actual cafeteria facilities will be present.

• Community: Five (5) community cleanups have been held since purchasing the property in November 2014.

• Construction: Groundbreaking occurred in February 2017 and construction walls and cranes are currently present. Move-in date is projected for early 2019. Nordic is the construction partner and residents can contact John Shead at 369-9833 with any questions. Residents are also able to contact Baitell with questions at 539-7906.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Support: Chair Au voiced support for the project. Yuen noted support as it would bring 600 possible daily customers into Chinatown. Yuen urged the City to look into doing a clean-up to help with beautifying the area in anticipation of the project's completion.

Increased Funding for Education in Hawaii -- Amy Peruso with the Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) gave a short presentation and provided a resolution for the board to consider adopting. Peruso reported the following:

• Schools our Keiki are Improving: After surveys taken by all teachers HSTA created the vision to improve public education by reducing the amount of testing, lowering class sizes, improve student support, and addressing the teacher shortage crisis. Due to the history of lowered funding for public education.

• Proposal: A property tax surcharge on visitor accommodation and on non-owner occupied residences is being proposed. It will be a constitutional amendment if it passes through the State Legislature.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Constitution: Chair Au voiced support for the need to adequately fund public education and providing better salaries for teachers, but noted concerns with making the changes through a constitutional amendment. Peruso noted that Hawaii is the only state in the US that does not use property tax to fund public education and can only be addressed through the State Constitution. Peruso clarified that the change would not only address teacher salaries but address the public school system as a whole. Shubert-Kwock noted she was uncomfortable with making the change as a constitutional amendment. Peruso noted that HSTA is in a long-term community-building process and that future presentations can be setup.

2. Performance: Shubert-Kwock noted that it would be easier to support the change if Hawaii's school performed better. Peruso responded that it would be easier to perform better in better school environments.

3. Pearl City Resolution: Chair Au distributed a resolution passed by the Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 which would support increase teacher pay and general educational funding without changing the State Constitution. Shubert-Kwock stated the action should be deferred as the presented resolution did not match with the agenda item.

2017 7th Annual Hapalua Half Marathon -- Chair Au reported that the 2017 Hapalua Half Marathon will be held on Sunday, April 9, 2017. Nimitz Highway, Smith Street, Punchbowl Street, and King Street will be closed from 4:00 a.m. to about 8:00 a.m. Bus routes will be redirected during the morning closures. The race estimates 8,000 participants with 6,000 local and around 2,000 tourists. Chair Au noted that any residents with questions can obtain the organizer's contact information from Chair Au.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS

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

Safe Haven -- Greg Payton distributed handouts and reported the following:

• Safe Haven: People are being referred into permanent housing. 59 individuals have been placed in 2017 so far.

• Renovations: Part 2 of renovations is beginning with the kitchen and the downstairs restrooms. Toilets, showers and sinks are also being repaired beginning the end of April 2017 and should be completed by June 2017.

• Mental Health Kokua (MHK): Payton highlighted a Maui news article which covered MHK in Maui and the paid jobs being offered to homeless people at the site. Payton noted that work is being done with Councilmember Fukunaga to try to get a similar program started at Safe Haven. About 50 people a year may be able to get jobs and be placed into permanent housing with the program.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed: Bathrooms: Shubert-Kwock noted concerns with the public restrooms as they are currently situated. Payton noted that they have looked into cosmetic fixes for the bathroom and the design is something that in hindsight could have been designed better.

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) -- Pat Lee reported the following:

• Report: The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) recently released a report titled "Who Rides Public Transportation". The report discovered that nearly 90 percent of public transit trips have a direct economic impact by connecting people to jobs, retail and entertainment. Information was compiled from almost 700,000 passenger surveys taken from 2008 to 2015. The research reveals passengers use of public transit for shopping more than doubled in the last decade from 8.5 percent to 21 percent. Findings from the study also showed commuting as the primary trip purpose for many public transit riders with 63 percent using transit at least five (5) days a week. Other important data from the study includes:

• Most public transit riders range from 20 to 64 years old, which accounts for 89 percent of transit passengers.

• Public transit users are multi-modal with 65 percent holding a driver's license.

• 77 percent of public transit user households include one or more people working.

• Oahu: Many island residents, some of whom are too young, too old, or unable to drive or afford to own a car, now depend on the bus to get to work, to school, and run daily errands. A bus-rail multimodal transit system will improve commuting for all public transit users and move people more efficiently. There will be a single fare system for the train and TheBus. Transit riders will be able to use a single pass to ride both the train and TheBus similar to the senior, student, adult and discounted fares and passes which are now available for TheBus.

• Current Status: HART and the City and County of Honolulu are seeking an extension of the half percent general excise tax surcharge from the State Legislature to obtain more funds to complete the 20-mile, 21 station rail project as planned. An extension of the GET is needed to finish the full project as planned, which would include the "City Center" segment from Middle Street to Ala Moana, including all of the stations in Kalihi, Chinatown, Downtown as well as the guideway and stations through Kakaako to Ala Moana Center. Senate Bill (SB) 1183, which would extend the surcharge, was passed out of the Finance Committee and now goes to Conference Committee for more deliberations.

• Poster Contest: The HART poster contest deadline is April 14th. Details are on the flyer as well as the project website.

• 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.

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

• Meeting: The CBCA monthly Dim Sum Meeting at Empress Restaurant was held on Tuesday, March 14, 2017. Items discussed were:

o Streets -- The City is thanked for their work but there is more to be done.

o Camping -- A resident voiced a complaint that there is illegal camping occurring at the China Town mini gates located on the Nuuanu Bridge.

o Reynolds Recycling -- A few elderly citizens complained that Reynolds Recycling is not refunding them the appropriate amount for the recycling submitted. Contact information for placing a complaint is being researched.

o Spring Banquets -- CBCA attended multiple spring banquets.

o Fashion Show -- The CBCA Fashion Show was held on Sunday, April 2, 2017. The Association of Chinese University Women will host their fashion show on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

o Convention -- Shubert-Kwock attended the recent week-long convention for Chinese-American Women in Washington D.C. The organization celebrated 20 years of existence

o HPD -- Requests for more HPD presence in Chinatown is continuing.

• Opposition: The CBCA does not support the footprint of the Cinco de Mayo Festival and does not support the sale of liquor until 12:00 a.m. and noted that in the past support has been given for sale of liquor up till 10:00 p.m. Shubert-Kwock encouraged the community to be present at the upcoming liquor commission meeting to voice their opinions.

Chinatown Improvement District (CID) -- Allen Stack reported that the Summer Presentation Series schedule at the Hawaii National Bank will be every second Wednesday of the month in May, June, and July 2017. The first presentation will be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. The events are free "brown-bag" events.

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

• Sidewalk: Thanks were given to the City for recent sidewalk repairs.

• Community Policing: With the departure of the community police officer, the Chinatown Safety Meetings have been restarted. It is a joint partnership between ACME and HCAB (Hawaii Community Arts and Business) and other 501C-3 organizations in the area. The recent meeting was well attended.

• Lights: The board is urged to send a letter to the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) regarding the need for new lights at Sun Yat-Sen Park.

• Block Parties: Reid noted that block parties need to be run better and stated that the Walk on the Wild Side event was a good one. Reid noted that there is a concern with the Cinco de Mayo festival being held on the first Friday as it could be confused as the return of First Friday events. ACME has inquired to making the next year's event occur with more daytime hours and be more family friendly.

• BikeShare: ACME supports BikeShare.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Opposition: Shubert-Kwock voiced concerns with the sale of liquor for the Cinco de Mayo Festival until 11:59 p.m. Mollring voiced concerns with the past First Friday events. Reid noted that the promoters/organizers are taking risks as they are aware of the concerns from the community.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative -- Megan Muramatsu stated there were no concerns from the previous meeting but did note the following concerns:

• Cyclist Signs: Chair Au asked why there are no signs informing bicyclists that bike riding on the sidewalks is prohibited. Muramatsu will follow up with the Department of Transportation Services (DTS).

• Sun Yat-Sen: Reid requested that the lighting be repaired at Sun Yat-Sen Park.

• Cleanup: Yuen requested cleanup in the 300 North Beretania Street/Aala Park area.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Gateways: Chair Au requested an update on cleanups around the Chinatown Gateway on King Street.

2. Street Washing: Shubert-Kwock requested a scheduled, once-a-week, date for street cleaning (power washing) within the Downtown-Chinatown area. Shubert-Kwock requested the schedule be provided so that the community can be informed.

3. Sidewalks: Mollring requested the sidewalks around the Kukui Plaza from Fort Street to Nuuanu Avenue be repaired.

4. Sun Yat-Sen Lights: Mollring noted that the entire light fixture for all lights at Sun Yat-Sen Park may need to be replaced.

5. Cleanup: Yuen clarified that his request is for what are the City's plan to prepare the 300 North Beretania Street area to prepare for the opening of the new ASB building. Yuen encouraged monthly updates.

Councilmember Carol Fukunaga -- Councilmember Fukunaga distributed a newsletter and reported the following:

• Newsletter: Councilmember Fukunaga requested board support for her requested $200,000 addition to the City Capital Improvements Projects (CIP) Budget to eliminate the Sun Yat-Sen Park bunker and the concrete bench.

• Accountable: Councilmember Fukunaga noted that there are ways to get the City Administration to expedite programs to help people being housed and served in locations that do not disturb businesses. More money will likely be appropriated for these services in the current budget but the City should be held accountable for getting things done.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Support: Shubert-Kwock noted support for proposed changes to Sun Yat-Sen Park.

2. River of Life: Shubert-Kwock urged Councilmember Fukunaga to speak with River of Life about possibly relocating their feeding program to the new Hygiene Center as there will be a dining room in the facility. Councilmember Fukunaga agreed with the suggestions and reiterated the need for the community to demand faster action by the City.

Shubert-Kwock moved and Mollring seconded that the Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board No. 13 support the proposed amendment to the Fiscal Year 2018 CIP budget to construct a smaller electrical facility in Sun Yat-Sen Park to replace the outdated electrical "bunker" facility and remove the bench seating feature. The motion was APPROVED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 6-0-0 (AYE: Au, Chang, Mollring, Shubert-Kwock, Tom, and Yuen; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

3. Iwilei: Mollring voiced concern with the tent city near the Iwilei Senior Citizen Housing. Councilmember Fukunaga noted that Councilmember Manahan has introduced Bill 13 to extend "sit-lie" prohibitions to the Kalihi and Iwilei Industrial areas.

Governor David Ige's Representative -- Laurel Johnston, Deputy Director of the Department of Budget and Finance highlighted the monthly newsletter and reported Governor David Ige will be taking a trip to San Francisco to make a case for increasing Hawaii's bond rating.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed: Thanks: Mollring thanked the Governor's administration for considering decreasing the 10% to 1% that the state keeps as administration costs for the general excise tax (GET).

Senator Karl Rhoads -- Senator Rhoads provided a handout detailing all the issues being followed-up by his office and noted the following:

• River Street: Part of the reason for the crosswalk project on Vineyard Boulevard and River Street is due to the idea that pedestrians should be able to walk from the harbor up into the valley. Bids went out in January 2017. The awards should be given out in May 2017. Construction should begin in November 2017 and work should be complete by July 2018. $750,000 was appropriated for the project but recent estimates state the project should cost $650,000.

• Art at the Capitol: Art at the Capitol will be occurring at the State Capitol tomorrow, Friday, April 7, 2017 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• Issues: Senator Rhoads highlighted his handout of several issues that were forwarded to the City.

• Hosoi Garden Mortuary: A complaint was received regarding the installation of a new incinerator at Hosoi Garden Mortuary. The problem was forwarded to the Department of Health (DOH) and DOH responded that H

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Downtown Neighborhood Board No. 13 Minutes Posted for THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017 Meeting

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