Downtown Neighborhood Board No. 13 Minutes Posted for <font color="red"><b>THURSDAY, JUNE 1st, 2017 </b></font> Meeting

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Downtown Neighborhood Board No. 13 Minutes Posted for THURSDAY, JUNE 1st, 2017 Meeting
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With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office

DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO 13

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2017

ONE ALOHA TOWER, MULTI PURPOSE ROOM 2

CALL TO ORDER -- Chair Alvin Au called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m., with nine (9) members present, establishing quorum. 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, Dolores Mollring, Bob Tom, Stanford Yuen, Kevin Lye, Lori McCarney, Chu Lan Shubert-Kwock, and John Donaldson-Selby.

Guests -- Captain Kenneth Kahahawai (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant Harold Chi (Honolulu Police Department); Laurel Johnston (Governor Ige's Representative); Councilmember Carol Fukunaga; Megan Muramatsu (Mayor Caldwell's Representative); Pat Lee (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation); Glen Young (Senator Karl Rhoads' Representative); Representative Daniel Holt; Honglong Li (Department of Transportation Services); Director Sandy Pfund (Department of Land Management); Executive Director Marti Townsend (Sierra Club); Lee Stack (Chinatown Improvement District); Karen Seddon and Stuart Kritzen (Michaels Development Corporation); Amy Lum and Michelle Bartell (American Savings Bank); Bill Hanrahan (Mental Health Kokua); John Shead, Randy Chu, Peter Lloyd, Kathleen Lee, Raul Torres De Si, Rick Keene, Ronald Higa, Anthony Marlin, David Amodo (videographer); and Sultan White (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) -- Captain Kenneth Kahahawai reported the following:

• May 2017 Fire Statistics -- There were 6 nuisance fires, 1 cooking fire, and 1 activated alarm (no fire). There were 172 medical emergencies, 2 motor vehicle collisions with pedestrians, 1 hazardous materials incident, and 3 motor vehicle crashes/collisions.

• Fire Safety Tip -- Smoke Alarms: Working smoke alarms save lives by decreasing the risk of dying in a home fire in half. Smoke alarms should be installed and maintained in every home. Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button. If the smoke alarm has a nine-volt battery, change it annually. The entire smoke alarm should be replaced every ten years. The HFD will conduct its Smoke Alarms for Everyone or SAFE program on Tuesday, June 6, 2017. If you are interested in in receiving a free SAFE smoke alarm installation, please call 723-7168 for more information.

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

• May 2017 Crime Statistics -- There were 3 motor vehicle thefts, 15 burglaries, 68 thefts, 17 unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV's), 15 assaults, 5 sexual assaults, 5 graffiti incidents and 6 drug offenses. A total of 2,367 calls were placed for service.

• Safety Tip -- Hurricane Season: Hurricane Season has started and will last through November. Families should prepare a Go Kit (if forced to leave the home to a shelter) and a Stay Kit (essentials for staying at home). Have plenty of water, medicine and flashlights. Have a rain catcher if possible. Listen to the radio for State safety broadcasts and have extra batteries.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed:

1. Comment on Statistics: Shubert-Kwock thanked HPD for their high number of drug arrests in April 2017, but mentioned that there seemed to be a lot of thefts and burglaries still. Sergeant Chi said that there are many hidden places in Chinatown that makes it easy for burglars to hide. The best thing to do is have good neighbors and secure your home as best as possible.

2. Arrests or Calls: Lye asked if the sheet represented arrests or calls. Sargeant Chi said that the arrests statistics are usually higher.

3. Purse Snatch: Mollring thanked HPD for the Kamali'i park cleaning. She said that she witnessed a purse snatching. Sergeant Chi said to be careful at night, and walk in lit areas. Make sure not to leave your purse unattended, in a shopping cart for example. Be aware. If a purse snatching does occur, be sure to get a good description and report it to the police.

4. Homelessness: Tom asked if the expansion of the sit-lie ban would drive more homeless people back into Chinatown. Sergeant Chi said that his officers address homelessness daily. He said that homeless people drift to where HPD takes no action.

Neighborhood Citizen's Patrol (NCP) -- Dolores Mollring reported that they have not seen any prostitution or drug dealing during their walks.

Public Concerns

• 2017 Best of Honolulu Festival: Raul Torres reported that on Saturday, August 5, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Honolulu Hale Civic Grounds, American Savings Bank will present the 2017 Best of Honolulu Festival. It is a free, family-friendly event featuring ‘ono food, keiki zone, entertainment and a marketplace. There will also be a fun run for the adults and kids. They estimate 500 to 1,000 people will attend. Find free parking at the Frank Faci Municipal Building parking garage.

• Chinatown Improvements: Honglong Li reported that the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) plans to make the district more pedestrian/bike friendly. They will install 14 wayfinding signs. The signs will direct pedestrians to popular attractions in Chinatown. They will begin the additions on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 and end mid-July 2017. Construction hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. They will never close more than one (1) traffic lane. If you have further questions call 768-5472.

• River of Life: Yuen commented that the River of Life is outgrowing their current space and need a new location. He suggested the City help River of Life move with grants or a land exchange. He commented that moving River of Life would also move homeless people out of Chinatown.

• American Savings Bank: Yuen suggested that the City invest in the restaurants and small businesses in Chinatown to prepare for the opening of American Savings Bank, which will be the neighborhood's biggest business entity. American Savings Bank will bring in 600 new employees and potential customers to Chinatown.

• Chinatown Functions: Peter Pao, the owner of a new sandwich shop in Chinatown, raised concerns about not being notified when functions open. He said that promoters should notify shop owners before hosting block parties in Chinatown.

NEW BUSINESS

Information Update on Halewai'olu Senior Residence Development -- Karen Seddon reported that they are completing due diligence. They need to complete HRS Chapter 6E and the National Historic Preservation Act in order to move forward. She mentioned that the cost of construction has gone up, so they are working on securing funding. There will be 150 units. 120 will be single bed units. 30 will be double bed units. There are planning to have 19 floors with 10 units per floor. Right now they are working on the concept, efficiency and costs. The first funding round will be in the first quarter of 2018 with construction beginning late 2019.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. National Prehistoric Preservation Act: Shubert-Kwock asked what the National Historic Preservation Act entails. Seddon responded that it is a federal architectural survey process. They must fill out paperwork and hold public meetings.

2. Community Center: Shubert-Kwock mentioned that the public does not want to lose the community center. Seddon answered that they are still going strong, and that they may add more affordable units to secure more funding.

3. Fence: Lye asked and Seddon pointed out where the fence was on the diagram.

4. Sense of Place: Lye asked if the architecture of the building would blend into Chinatown's aesthetic. Seddon answered that it would, and that the concept drawing is not completely finished.

5. Approval: Yuen reminded the Board and the public that two (2) years ago the Board endorsed the conceptual plan.

Director Sandy Pfund reported that the Department of Land Management is supporting and strongly encouraging Michaels Development Corporation to complete Halewai'olu. There are delays, but they are working through them. They will share details with the community as updates occur. An Environmental Assessment (EA) will be conducted, which will be open to community input. The EA will be shared with the Board.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Zoning: Shubert-Kwock asked if the height limit could change for the building. Director Pfund said that they were trying to get as many units as possible. They have not yet reached the height limit, but until due diligence is completed they are not sure how much taller they can make the building.

Noise Variance Application for American Savings Bank Construction -- Director of Communications & Community Advancement Michelle Bartell reported that they have a noise variance on 300 North Beretania Street on Friday, June 9, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. They are pouring 600 cubic yards of concrete. They must do it at night since there are a lot of trucks. Even though they have a long block of time for the noise variance, they only expect the pour to last six (6) to eight (8) hours. They sent letters to immediate residents.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Fair Notice: Chair Au said that it is important to give fair notice to all of the residents in the affected area. Director Bartell gave notice to residents in the immediate impact area, but acknowledged they could have expanded the radius of who they contacted.

2. Time: Shubert-Kwock asked if the pour would last 15 hours. Director Bartell answered that even though they have 15 hours allotted, they will only use six (6) to eight (8) hours.

3. Finish Earlier: Shubert-Kwock asked if they can finish the pour by 10:00 p.m. by starting earlier. Director Bartell said that if they moved it up earlier it would affect rush-hour traffic. They will be done between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. It will not affect businesses, but unfortunately will affect residents.

4. One Night: Yuen asked and Director Bartell answered that the pour would only last one (1) night. Yuen stressed it is important to be transparent and open with the community.

5. Mauna Kea Street: Chair Au asked and Director Bartell answered that the trucks will not park on Mauna Kea Street.

Resolution to Protect Oahu Groundwater Resources from Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Tanks -- Executive Director of Sierra Club Marti Townsend reported on water security at Red Hill. The Board of Water Supply (BWS) has informed Sierra Club that in the event of a catastrophic fuel release at Red Hill, the neighborhoods that get water from the Halawa Shaft and Moanalua Wells would be affected (metropolitan Honolulu area spanning Moanalua to Hawaii Kai, which has approximately 40,000 residents and visitors). Passing the following resolution would demonstrate solidarity and support for protecting our precious groundwater and drinking water resources from potential fuel contamination at Red Hill:

Resolution to Protect Oahu's Groundwater Resources from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Tanks

WHEREAS, clean, unpolluted drinking water is a basic human right and held in trust and to be protected for the benefit of the people pursuant to Article XI, Sections 1 and 7 of the Hawai'i State Constitution; and

WHEREAS, the Red Hill Facility contains twenty tanks, each able to hold 12.5 million gallons of fuel that are located 100 feet above a sole source aquifer designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1987 as a major source of drinking water for O'ahu residents and visitors; and

WHEREAS, on January 13, 2014, the U.S. Navy reported a 27,000 gallon leak of jet fuel from its Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility; and

WHEREAS, since its construction in the 1940s, the U.S. Navy's Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility has leaked more than thirty times, releasing at least 155,000 gallons of fuel into the environment; and

WHEREAS, water samples from the groundwater near the tanks show traces of petroleum contaminants that are hazardous to human health; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Navy, the Defense Logistics Agency, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Hawai'i State Department of Health agreed to an Administrative Order on Consent that is expected to take at least twenty-two years to complete; and

WHEREAS, the Administrative Order on Consent does not guarantee that the tanks will not leak in the future or that future leaks can be cleaned up; and

WHEREAS, the Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board No. 13 would be directly affected if the sole source aquifer beneath the Red Hill Facility were contaminated with fuel; now, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board No. 13 is very concerned about where these tanks are located in relation to a sole source aquifer on O'ahu; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board No. 13 supports precautionary measures to be taken to ensure there is no additional leaks or contamination of our groundwater resources now and into the future; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board No. 13 deems the twenty-two year timeline of the Administrative Order on Consent to be too long to ensure the safety of our groundwater and drinking water resources; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board No. 13 urges the Navy, the Defense Logistics Agency, the Department of Health, and the Environmental Protection Agency to take urgent action to protect O'ahu's groundwater resources and find a solution to upgrade, retrofit, or decommission the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility; and be it

ORDERED, that copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Director of the Department of Health, the members of the Honolulu City Council, the members of the Hawai'i State Legislature, and the Hawai'i Congressional delegation.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Other Boards: Chair Au asked which Boards have passed the resolution so far. Executive Director Townsend said that the Manoa Board has passed the resolution. The Downtown-Chinatown Board is the second to hear the resolution.

2. Lawsuit: Chair Au asked if Sierra Club is filing a lawsuit. Executive Director Townsend said that they have only initiated the lawsuit process. They have asked the Department of Health (DOH) to rewrite regulations for water tanks.

3. Public Pressure: Shubert-Kwock asked if the resolution would only add pressure. Executive Director Townsend answered that it would add public pressure, which worked beneficially for other cities who dealt with similar problems.

4. Timeline: Shubert-Kwock asked the timeline on their plan. Executive Director Townsend answered that they would get all the Neighborhood Board resolutions by the end of summer 2017 and continue community outreach to 100,000 people.

5. Construction: Tom mentioned that there are trace elements in the water already, so if construction started immediately how long would it take for the tanks to be fixed. Executive Director Townsend said that was a question for the Navy. He said that the Navy could do more to be faster and more protective, but that would cost more money. By the end of 2017 they will know when it will be completely finished.

6. Priority List: McCarney asked if anyone was resisting or if they are trying to push the issue up the priority list. Executive Director Townsend replied that they are trying to move it up the priority list.

7. Decommissioned: Lye asked if it was likely that the tanks would be decommissioned. Executive Director Townsend said that would only happen if the tanks are not repaired.

8. Congressional Delegation: Yuen asked if they have contacted the Congressional delegation. Executive Director Townsend said he has, and that they have all been supportive.

9. Congressional Delegation: Chair Au and Yuen suggested that when Sierra Club meets with the Navy to have members of the Congressional delegation present.

Shubert-Kwock moved and McCarney seconded that the Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board No. 13 support the Resolution to Protect Oahu's Groundwater Resources from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Tanks as drafted. Discussion followed:

1. Common Sense: Shubert-Kwock said that it was common sense to protect the water supply.

2. Cost: Lye asked the cost of the repairs. Executive Director Townsend said they do not yet know the costs, but they are ramping up to that step. Studies show that it will be expensive, but protecting water is worth it.

3. Money Source: Lye asked the source of the money for the repairs. Executive Director Townsend said it would be the Navy.

The motion was APPROVED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0; (AYE: Au, Chang, Mollring, Lye, Tom, Donaldson-Selby, McCarney, Shubert-Kwock and Yuen; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Bikeshare Hawaii -- CEO Lori McCarney passed out information on Biki. She reassured the community that there would be no advertising at the stations. The stations in each neighborhood would have a different sense of identity. Chinatown has been assigned the color red. The program opens on Thursday, June 28, 2017. Installation begins on Thursday, June 8, 2017. Each station will finish being constructed within two (2) hours.

Change of Park Closure Hours for Kamalii Mini Park -- Chair Au announced that even though the Board approved the change on park closure hours for Kamalii Mini Park from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. during the May 2017 meeting, since it was not on the agenda there needs to be an opportunity for opposition to speak.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Constituents: Councilmember Carol Fukunaga said that the request came from constituents who were concerned about illegal activity in the park.

2. Fence: Shubert-Kwock mentioned that changing the hours will not keep people out of the park. There should be a fence. Councilmember Fukunaga said that changing the hours would bring the issue to attention. She circulated a handout with alternative uses for the park, such as moped and bike parking.

3. Parks Board: Megan Muramatsu said that the request is already on its way to the Department of Parks and Recreation Board.

Shubert-Kwock and Lye seconded that the Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board No. 13 support the change of park closure hours for Kamalii Mini Park from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The motion was APPROVED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0 (AYE: Au, Chang, Mollring, Lye, Tom, Donaldson-Selby, McCarney, Shubert-Kwock and Yuen; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Cinco De Mayo Festival After Action Review -- The Board engaged in the following discussion:

• Issues: Shubert-Kwock said that the block party was not well organized. She said that there should be tougher regulation on the Block Parties in Chinatown. She was disappointed with the Cinco De Mayo party and stated more trash cans and portable toilets were needed. She said that ambulances were called four (4) times for drunk people. The party was too loud. There needs to be a change in policy by the Department of Transportation Services (DTS). One visit to a Neighborhood Board meeting is not sufficient notice.

• DTS response: Chair Au said he spoke to Ty Fukumitsu of DTS on Friday, May 5, 2017. Chair Au said that Fukumitsu said DTS did not receive any verbal complaints from HPD or users. Chair Au said that Fukumitsu said the party was okay, and that the street closures were smaller than what was requested. Chair Au said that Fukumitsu said street closures can be given without Board approval.

• Complaint: Shubert-Kwock said that she sent a video and an email complaint to HPD and DTS.

• Complaint: Donaldson-Selby also sent a complaint about security being too aggressive.

• Beer Garden: A resident suggested that beer gardens would be a better option to contain the drinking to one area. The resident also suggested that the party could be in an indoor space on private property.

• Board Power: A resident said that the Board does have the power to make change, even though it is an advisory board. Shubert-Kwock responded that it was difficult because DTS has the power to do whatever they want, so the policy itself must change.

• Standards: McCarney suggested a guideline and standards for promoters who want to hold block parties in Chinatown be created.

• Post-Event Report: Councilmember Fukunaga said that the area legislature has requested post-event reports from the promoter. They should be obtained quickly. The community can file complaints to the liquor commission.

• Letter: Shubert-Kwock suggested the Board write a letter and Chair Au asked for her to write it.

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant Liquor License -- Chair Au announced that there is a temporary extension of liquor license premise permit for Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant on Friday, June 2, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for a special event.

101st Annual King Kamehameha Celebration -- Chair Au announced that there was a traffic advisory for the parade on Saturday, June 10, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS

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

Safe Haven -- No representative was present. No report was given.

Honolulu Rail Transit (HART) -- HART Representative Pat Lee announced that HART would like to notify area residents and businesses that it will be conducting Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) work along Nimitz Highway near Iwilei Road, and continuing east to Halekauwila Street. Work will continue on Halekauwila Street to Ward Avenue. The work will then move to a portion of Queen Street between Cummins Street and Waimanu Street. Work will take place weekdays beginning on Monday, June 12, 2017 and is planned to run through Monday, July 17, 2017. Work is scheduled to take place 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., although some weekend and night work may be required. There may be some light noise from construction, and HART apologizes for any inconvenience. If you have any questions or comments, please call 808-566-2299 or visit www.honolulutransit.org.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. X-Ray: Tom asked what they are investigating. Lee responded that they are using a ground penetrating radar to take x-ray pictures under the soil to locate utilities.

2. Red Cross: Chang asked what would happen to the Red Cross building. Lee responded that they would be doing construction within 11 feet of the building. Red Cross wants HART to purchase the entire building so that they could move elsewhere. They are still in discussions.

Chinatown Business & Community Association -- Shubert-Kwock reported that in May 2017 the community experienced some issues with violent assaults by criminal elements preying on lone individuals at bus stops or parks. Stores were robbed when owners left to go bathrooms, cash from registers was taken, and goods were stolen. One liquor retailer was struck over the head with a steel pipe when only $20.00 was in the cash register. The retailer was an older lady in her 70s. The robbers were three (3) males. Another elderly lady was waiting for the bus outside Walmart in Downtown. She was kicked in the head by a large male, then taken in critical condition to Queens Medical Hospital. Across from Pacific Club three (3) young men attacked a male with a machete. He suffered slash wounds to his face and neck. It is advised to be careful when waiting for a bus or a ride. We must be aware and alert. Do not travel in the dark alone and do not be careless about leaving the shop unwatched. Continue to call 911 when illegal activity is witnessed. Our HPD Commander has deployed more resources recently. There were more HPD patrols and more drug arrests in April 2017. There were 18 drug arrests which is the highest in six (6) years on a per month data count. Chinatown and Waikiki need HPD resources and presence more than elsewhere. The community needs Community Police back as HPD will be doubly effective with cooperation and trust from the community.

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

• Seminars: CID will have their second series of Historic Preservation Seminars, cosponsored by Historic Hawaii Foundation. They will be held at the Hawaii National Bank Building on the 5th Floor from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month. They are free and open to the public.

• Taste of Chinatown: The festival will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2017. It will be at the Smith Beretania Park. They may close part of Smith Street to add more booths, vendors and crafts. If they decide to do a street closure, they will come to the Board for a presentation.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Tables and Tents: Shubert-Kwock suggested that tables and tents be provided since it was hot last year. Stack responded that grant funding was cut, so it would be difficult to provide tables and tents for everyone.

Arts, Culture, Merchants, Etc. (ACME) -- No representative was present. No report was given.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative -- Megan Muramatsu from the City Managing Director's Office provided updates on questions from the last meeting.

• Noise Complaint: Corporal Steven Matsuda of the District 1 (Central Honolulu) Community Policing Team met with Joshua Mandelstam, manager of the Ong King Arts Center, located at 184 North King Street. Mr. Mandelstam is aware of the noise complaint and wants to be a responsible and good neighbor. It appears that the loud noise is from an open rear door from the establishment to a patio area where the partying continues. The patio has an internal stairwell that leads to an area that is adjacent to the Chinatown Manor building. Mr. Mandelstam said he will limit or not allow his patrons to socialize in the patio area during the late evening hours, or possibly keep the door closed. He also will try to end the live music earlier in the evening. In addition, according to Lee Stack of the Chinatown Improvement District, Ong King's lease will not be renewed when it expires in June 2017.

• Cyclist Signs: The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) has confirmed that according to the State of Hawaii Traffic Laws Section 291C-148, "Unless otherwise prohibited, a bicycle may be driven at a speed of ten miles per hour or less on a sidewalk or sidewalk area; provided that the driver of the bicycle shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian and that bicycle riding shall be prohibited on sidewalks in business districts." A "business district" is defined as "The territory contiguous to and including a highway when within any six hundred feet along such highway there are buildings in use for businesses or industrial purposes, including but not limited to hotels, banks, or office buildings, and public buildings which occupy at least three hundred feet of frontage on one side or three hundred feet collectively on both sides of the highway." Therefore, bicyclists adhering to this section should not be riding a bicycle on the sidewalk in the Downtown/Chinatown area. This is an enforcement concern and the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) is aware of this ordinance relating to bicycling on sidewalks and can site violators without the presence of signs. As such, by copy of this response, we will be informing the HPD of this concern for their action. The DTS also recommends that the HPD be notified whenever violations are observed. As such, "No Bicycling on Sidewalk" signs do not appear to be necessary at this time.

• 1270 Queen Emma Street: The Department of Community Services is confirming that 1270 Queen Emma Street is not a City project and the City is not involved with the project.

• Potholes: Fort Street between Kukui Street and Beretania Street is identified as in need of resurfacing and is part of the Department of Design and Construction's (DDC) Rehabilitation of Localized Streets, Phase 12D construction project. Potholes were patched on Saturday, May 13, 2017. The Phase 12D project is still in the design phase and projected date for repaving has not been scheduled yet.

• Cost Impact: The establishment of an Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency (CCSR) was mandated by City and County of Honolulu voters in November 2016 when 54.5% of Oahu residents voted in the affirmative to create the Office. There is no current cost to the City and County in the current FY-2018 budget for the CCSR. This is due to the fact that the current Executive Director of the CCSR also serves as the City's Chief Resilience Officer, a position that is supported entirely by a 2017-2018 grant from 100 Resilient Cities (100 RC), a project of the Rockefeller Foundation. The grant also provides approximately $1 million in other in-kind and technical support at no cost to taxpayers of the City and County of Honolulu, as well as free services from "platform partners" such as Microsoft and others that could bring millions of dollars in additional assistance to the city over the next three (3) years. While the 100 RC grant provides support for the Office's resilience work, the city is committed to honoring the mandate of Oahu voters to ensure long-term sustainability for our communities and prepare for the impacts of climate change--which will have profound (negative) infrastructure and fiscal implications to the city. The Mayor has requested $269,000 in the FY-2018 budget for the CCSR to pursue programs that reduce the city's energy costs, increase water efficiency, prepare the city for climate change-related sea level rise, and other sustainability initiatives. These programs are expected to conserve taxpayer dollars over both the short and long-term. Beyond the two (2)-year grant agreement with 100 RC, grant funds will no longer be available to support the Chief Resilience Officer position, but free services from platform partners will remain available and provide significant financial support to city projects and programs.

• Sun Yat Sen Park Light: Street light was repaired on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 as requested.

• Power Cleaning: DFM power washed River Street on an emergency feces/urine call on Thursday, May 4, 2017 and returned to power wash the Nuuanu Street to River Street area about Wednesday, May 10, 2017. DFM is tentatively scheduled to power wash the Nuuanu Street to River Street area on or about June 6 pending available resources. Unfortunately it is difficult to provide schedules due to emergency situations that arise such as power washing of bus stops or areas where defecation/urination have occurred.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Pothole: Mollring said that a pothole was not filled on Fort Street between South Kukui Street and Beretania Street. She said it is by the second parking meter where the Hawaii Pacific University vans park, so it might have been hidden at the time.

2. Street Cleaning: Schubert-Kwock would like a regular street cleaning schedule for the neglected streets in Chinatown. She said that there used to be two (2) street cleaning machines, but there is one (1) now. She wants two (2) again.

3. Ong King: A resident thanked the City for helping with the noise issue at Ong King.

Councilmember Carol Fukunaga --Councilmember Fukunaga reported the following:

• Kamalii Park: Community stakeholders are pursuing new uses for Kamalii Mini Park to curb illegal activities. Some uses include a Bikeshare Hawaii station and moped parking.

• Sun Yat Sen Park: The appropriation for park improvements has been increased to $561,000, based on updated Department of Design and Construction (DDC) estimates for installation of a smaller electrical facility and removal of the existing bench seating area.

• Parking Fees: Bill 12 will double the parking fees in Downtown, Chinatown and Waikiki.

• Reception: There will be a reception to honor the Board members at the Plaza Waikiki on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at 3:00 p.m.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Parking Fees: Shubert-Kwock asked not to increase the parking fees. Councilmember Fukunaga responded that these areas were selected because they have not been increased for a while. Yuen asked the rationale for picking Chinatown for increasing the parking fees. Councilmember Fukunaga answered that Downtown, Chinatown and Waikiki were all identified as having the specific hours for having the fees imposed.

2. Bill 44: Shubert-Kwock said the Bill 44 should be modified to include a special amendment to exclude Chinatown. Councilmember Fukunaga said that Bill 44 was deferred due to many disagreements, so there is time to work on it.

3. Kamalii Park: Lye mentioned that increasing moped parking at Kamalii Park could disturb the residents due to increase in noise. Councilmember Fukunaga said that moped activity usually stops in the afternoon, and that she hopes Bikeshare Hawaii becomes a much more robust part of the community.

Governor David Ige's Representative -- Laurel Johnston, Deputy Director of the Department of Budget and Finance highlighted some points on the monthly newsletter:

• Priorities: Deputy Director Johnston said that Governor Ige is pleased to have passed some of his top priorities in the 2017 legislative session, which are written in the newsletter.

• Japan-Hawaii Economic Summit: This is the first time Kailua-Kona has hosted a summit. Hawaii's relationship with Japan continues to thrive because it is rooted in historical, cultural and business connections. The State wants to find new ways to build on that solid foundation with increased tourism, trade, student exchanges and clean energy projects for mutual benefit.

• Special Session: The Director of Finance is working with the Legislative leadership to get a special session to vote on the Rail.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed:

1. Immigration Ban: Shubert-Kwock is proud of Hawaii for suing on the immigration ban.

2. Education: Shubert-Kwock raised concerns about the new selection of the Education Chief coming from out-of-state. She said they would not be familiar with how education in Hawaii works.

3. Airport: Lye asked when Uber and Lyft would be allowed at the airport. Deputy Director Johnston said that she will check and believes it is an issue for the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Shubert-Kwock said to upgrade the airport.

Representative Daniel Holt -- Representative Holt distributed a newsletter and reported that in the past session he worked diligently to secure the funds necessary for a wide array of projects that will benefit the most individuals, including monies dedicated to the arts, homelessness, Kupuna, schools, transportation needs and highway safety. He introduced legislation to increase police presence in Chinatown, but it did not go through. He gave his praise to Bikeshare Hawaii. He agrees that Chinatown could use an upgrade before American Savings Bank arrives.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed:

1. Graffiti: Shubert-Kwock raised concerns about graffiti in the area. Representative Holt said that they are working hard to provide funding for cover ups. Mollring suggested that if the graffiti is not removed within 48 hours than the building owner be fined, which is done in other cities. Representative Holt said there are positives and negatives to that proposal. There should be discussion to figure out how to address the graffiti problem.

2. Bidding: A resident asked if there was an update on the bidding to manage most of the Downtown properties. The Mayor's Office will bring an answer for that.

Senator Karl Rhoads' Representative -- Glen Young said that Senator Rhoads' office is open for any ideas for new legislature.

APPROVAL OF MAY 4, 2017 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES -- McCarney motioned and Mollring seconded to approve the May 4, 2017 regular meeting minutes as written.

BOARD BUISNESS AND REPORTS

Chair's Report -- Chair Au thanked Stanford Yuen and Anthony Chang for being dutiful Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board Members. The community and the neighborhood are appreciative. He also recognized Tom Smyth for his service. He announced that the Installation Ceremony would be on Saturday, June 24, 2017 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. He reminded that new Members need to respond by Tuesday, June 13, 2017. He reminded that if any Member does not attend the event then they must take the online Sunshine Law Certification.

Neighborhood Commission Updates -- No report was given.

Office of Information Practices Report -- No report was given.

Treasurer's Report -- Treasurer Mollring reported a remaining balance of $74.26 for April 2017. The report was filed.

City and County Affairs -- No report was given.

Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) -- Mollring volunteered to be on the Water Committee. Chair Au will contact Mollring via email to appoint Mollring as the representative for the Water Committee.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Meeting -- The next Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board No 13 meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 6, 2017 at the Hawaii Pacific University, One Aloha Tower Drive, Multi-Purpose Room 2 at 7:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT -- The meeting adjourned at 9:39 p.m.

Submitted by: Sultan White, Neighborhood Assistant I

Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Neighborhood Assistant I

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Downtown Neighborhood Board No. 13 Minutes Posted for THURSDAY, JUNE 1st, 2017 Meeting

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