Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board Meeting January 2018 Minutes

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Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board Meeting January 2018 Minutes
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With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018
ONE ALOHA TOWER, MULTI PURPOSE ROOM 2

CALL TO ORDER - Chair Au called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Quorum was established with nine (9) 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, Ernest Caravalho, Kevin Lye, Lori McCarney, Dolores Mollring, William Moore, John Smiley, Chu Lan Shubert-Kwak, and Robert Tom.

Board Members Absent - None

Guests - Sergeant S. Masaki II and Sergeant E. Robertson (Honolulu Police Department); Laurel Johnston (Governor Ige's Representative); Senator Karl Rhoads; Councilmember Carol Fukunaga; Megan Muramatsu (Mayor Caldwell's representative); Pat Lee (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation); Puni Chee (Department of Transportation Harbor Division); Sandra Pow (CAE); Brent Imonen (Great Aloha Run); Sam Moku (Hawaii Pacific University); Nicole Reid (ACME); John Sell, Lori Lum, Carter Churchfield, Allison Mikuni, Rick Keen (Residents); and Dylan Whitsell and Harry Cho (Neighborhood Commission Office).

INTRODUCTION OF BOARD MEMBERS - The Board members introduced themselves. Chair Au reminded those present to speak into the microphone when addressing the Board.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - No representative was present; a report was not provided.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - Sergeant Masaki II reported the following:
• December 2017 Statistics: There were 14 motor vehicle thefts, 3 burglaries, 63 thefts, 38 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV), 24 assaults, 2 sex assaults, and 5 drug incidents.
• Safety Tip: Pedestrian Tips:
o Be safe and seen. Make yourself visible to all drivers
Wear bright/light colored clothing and reflective materials
Carry a flashlight when walking at night
Cross the street in a well-lit area
Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars, or other obstacles before crossing so drivers can see you
o Be smart and alert. Avoid dangerous behaviors
Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic
Stay sober; walking while impaired increases your chance of being struck
Do not assume all vehicles will stop. Make eye contact with drivers and do not just look at the vehicle. If a driver is on a cell phone, he or she may not be paying enough attention
Do not rely solely on pedestrian signals. Look both ways before you cross the road
Be alert to engine noise or backup lights on cars when in parking lots and near on-street parking spaces
o Be careful at crossings; look before you step
Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections
Obey traffic signals such as WALK/DO NOT WALK signs
Look left, right, and left again before crossing a street
Watch for turning vehicles. Make sure the driver sees you and will stop for you
Look across all lanes you must cross and visually clear each lane before proceeding. Even if one motorist stops, do not presume drivers in other lanes can see you and will stop for you.
Do not wear headphones or talk on a cell phone while crossing

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Clarification: Sergeant Masaki II noted that it is not against the law to talk on cell phones while crossing, however it is now illegal to view your cell phone screen while crossing a street.
2. Crossing: Smiley asked and Sergeant Masaki II responded that when making a turn whilst a pedestrian is crossing, divide the road and half and make the turn so long as the pedestrian is not walking on your half of the road you are turning on to.
3. Drug Activity: Smiley asked and Sergeant Masaki II responded that if you are approached by someone attempting to solicit you with drugs, it is best to ignore them and to call the police. If you are near the police substation, you can walk in and report the activity.
4. Security Cameras: Shubert-Kwock asked and Sergeant Masaki II responded that he is unsure of how many cameras are currently working in Chinatown. Shubert-Kwock stated that there is a discrepancy between what was reported in the news and what was reported at the Neighborhood Boards.
5. No Turn Signs: Mollring asked and Sergeant Masaki II responded that if there is a "No Turn on Red" sign posted, the driver should not be turning as it is illegal.
6. Bird Feeding: Lye asked and Sergeant Masaki II responded that there may be an ordinance against feeding birds, however like many crimes the activity has to be physically observed by the police and he personally has not cited anyone for feeding birds.

Neighborhood Citizens Patrol - Mollring reported that things have been quiet during the patrols.

Public Concerns - Assault: Shubert-Kwock read a letter from a resident describing a recent assault that took place, as well as a description of the perpetrator; a Caucasian man wearing a dress. She wanted to make the community aware of the man in order to identify him.

NEW BUSINESS

State Department of Transportation (DOT), Harbor Division update on Kapalama Container Terminal Project - Howard Chee provided a power point presentation describing the current plans for construction of the Kapalama Container Terminal. Chee noted that Hawaii imports 80% of its goods, 98.6% of which move through Port Hawaii. The Harbor's modernization plan includes reducing harbor congestion, expanding the harbor system capacity, and making the system more adaptable to industry needs. The modernization plan includes relocations of tenants to accommodate new, expanded facilities, new cargo container terminals and piers, land acquisitions, demolition of existing structures, and maximization of operational efficiencies. Phase I, Landslide Improvements, includes removal and demolition, as well as new construction. Chee stated that a website will soon be online with updates on the project and provided his phone 587-3667 for inquiries.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Groundbreaking: Tom asked and Chee responded that groundbreaking will take place in January 2018. The developer is Kewitt Infrastructure.
2. Costs: Smiley noted the current costs of shipping containers and raised concerns regarding the further increases in importing costs to the island. Chee stated that right now the primary focus is on modernization upgrades of the Terminal as it would cost more to not make any improvements than it would to move forward with the modernization and efficiency project.
3. Impact: McCarney asked and Chee responded that with all other projects, they will seek to have as little community impact as possible during construction.
4. Impact (continued): Caravalho asked and Chee responded that the goal is to have minimal impact on the road ways and businesses for people living in the area.
5. Recycling: Tom asked and Chee responded that they will work to try and recycle as much as possible, including using concrete as fill on other lands.

Street Closure; Great Aloha Run - Brent Imonen announced the 34th Annual Great Aloha Run which will take place on Monday, February 19, 2018 from 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The street closure will be on Bishop Street, Bethel Street, Nuuanu Avenue, Smith Street to King Street, and North Nimitz Highway. There is an expected 18 thousand to 20 thousand participants this year. More information can be found at www.greataloharun.com.

Shubert-Kwock moved and Smiley seconded the motion to support the 34th Annual Great Aloha Run. The motion WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0; (AYE: Au, Caravalho, Lye, McCarney, Mollring, Moore, Smiley, Shubert-Kwak, Tom; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Request to Increase Hourly Duration Time on Street Parking Meters from one (1) to two (2) hours - Nicole Reid from Art Center Merchants Etc (ACME) requested the Board's support for increasing the hourly duration of street parking meters from one (1) to two (2) hours on Bethel Street, Nuuanu Avenue, Smith Street, from Nimitz Highway to Beretania Street, and on Pauahi Street from Maunakea Street to Bethel Street. Reid stated that she had spoken and surveyed around 30 small businesses in the area and merchants in these particular locations tend to be restaurants and other establishments in which one (1) hour is not sufficient time to shop and dine. Reid noted that there is parking in municipal parking garages however street parking is preferable for businesses.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Support: Shubert-Kwock noted her support for the increase in the meter times. Shubert-Kwock stated that she had spoken to some merchants and they are not opposed to the increase.
2. Time: McCarney asked and Reid clarified that the one (1) hour time limit is not sufficient for shopping and dining. McCarney asked if customer turnover would be better for these businesses and Reid clarified that the types of merchants in the area are restaurants and other businesses that would benefit from longer parking times.
3. Merchants: Smiley stated that he believes some merchants are parking in the street parking spots which takes up spaces for consumers. Reid stated that the Smart Meters that were installed no longer allow you to continue to feed the meters.
4. Support: Caravalho noted his support and reiterated that one (1) hour is not enough time for dining.
5. Opposition: Lye asked and Reid responded that the only opposition she received from surveyed merchants was one (1) merchant who was indifferent to the matter.
6. Next Step: Tom asked and Reid responded that the next step would be to speak with the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) and submit a formal request.
7. Bulbouts: Lye noted that the bulbouts already affected the roads and adding extended parking may also impact the streets as well. Reid noted that the areas she would like to see the parking meter times extended are not areas that have as much grab-and-go stopping.
8. Plan: Chair Au noted that the DTS has its own plan for the streets regardless of public input.

Shubert-Kwok moved and Caravalho seconded the motion to support the increase of hourly duration time on street parking meters from one (1) to two (2) hours. The motion WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0; (AYE: Au, Caravalho, Lye, McCarney, Mollring, Moore, Smiley, Shubert-Kwak, Tom; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Chinatown Status Update on the Newly Constructed American Savings Bank - A representative provided an update on the American Savings Bank being constructed on North Beretania Street. Construction is on track and by the end of January 2018 construction should be finished on the parking garage. Completion of construction should be finished by the end of 2018 and opening should take place in the second quarter of 2019. Adjustment of the crane will take place from Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 7:00 a.m. with lane closures on Beretania Street. Contraflow will help to minimalize impact. The crane will be up until May 2018.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Support: Shubert-Kwock noted the Board's support for the construction project but noted that there has been difficulty with traffic and pedestrian traffic.
2. Current Lane Closure: Smiley asked and the representative replied that current lane closures are due to the staging of trucks due to lack of space on the site.

Walk on the Wild Side - Sandy Pohl reported that the Walk on the Wild Side Event will take place on Saturday, March 10, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Mini Park and Fort Street Mall, and Nuuanu Avenue from Chaplin Lane to Hotel Street. Pohl stated that this is the third event and is a joint event with the City and County of Honolulu and the National Kidney Foundation. There will be three (3) music stages, interactive activities, and food. The National Kidney Foundation is the major sponsor of the event. About three (3) thousand to five (5) thousand people are expected to attend. Pohl provided more information on kidney disease and the foundation.

1. Support: Mollring stated it is a great event and that there is even an option to do blood testing for kidney health, as well as tents set up with health professionals. Pohl noted that Project Vision, another sponsor, will also be giving free eye screenings.
2. Public Attendance: Tom asked and Pohl responded that about two (2) thousand people attended last year. Pohl noted that the public is encouraged to park in municipal parking structures. Buses will not run on Nuuanu Avenue.
3. Street Closure: Chair Au asked and Pohl responded that Hotel Street will not be closed. Pohl noted that the more compact the area is, the more successful the event will be.

Shubert-Kwok moved and Smiley seconded the motion to support the Walk on the Wild Side event. The motion WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0; (AYE: Au, Caravalho, Lye, McCarney, Mollring, Moore, Smiley, Shubert-Kwak, Tom; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Discussion on the United States (US) Navy Update Regarding Red Hill Fuel Facility - Chair Au stated that although the Red Hill fuel storage tanks are not in the Downtown/Chinatown area, the impact of potential leakages affects everyone on Oahu. Chair Au stated that Rear Admiral Fort of the US Navy provided a letter in which a representative of the US Navy Facilities could attend the Board meeting upon request to discuss the issue. Caravalho reiterated that the Red Hill Fuel tank issue affects everyone on the island, noting that there has been fuel tank leakages in the past. Morris stated that a representative from the Sierra Club should also attend the Board meeting to hear their perspective on the issue. Smiley noted he had toured the facility and supports having representatives attend to discuss the matter further.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS

Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) - Sam Moku provided an update on HPU noting that school will start on Tuesday, January 16, 2018. Aloha Tower had its New Year's Eve fireworks with about 7,000 people in attendance. There were no issues to report.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Lights: Mollring noted that the walkway outside near the parking lot is very dark as it is not lit. She raised concerns for student safety as a result.
2. Gaming Room: Moku noted that on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, the grand opening of the E-Sports gaming room on campus will open with a competition between Roosevelt High School and Damien High School from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
3. Spaghetti Factory: Shubert-Kwock asked and Moku responded that the Spaghetti Factory will move locations to Aloha Tower in May 2018.

Safe Haven - No representative was present; a report was not provided.

Honolulu Rail Transit (HART) - Pat Lee reported the following:
• Construction: Over on the west side, work continues on the rail project with all nine stations from Aloha Stadium to East Kapolei under construction to be completed in time for the interim opening of the first ten miles to revenue passenger service.
• Maintenance and Storage Facility: The train Maintenance and Storage Facility and Rail Operations Center in Waipahu is completed. Core Systems, which are the train vehicles, controls and operating system; work is on-going with trains being tested up on the guideway. Vehicles are being manufactured and delivered to HART.
• Further Planning and Construction: The Airport Guideway and Stations (Aloha Stadium to Middle Street with stations at Pearl Harbor, Airport, Lagoon and Middle Street) is estimated to be completed by middle of 2021. Planning, engineering and advanced utility relocation work for the City Center guideway and stations between Middle Street and Ala Moana Center continues. HART is evaluating public private partnership opportunities, referred to as "P3", for this final segment of the rail system and has hired the firm of Ernst and Young Infrastructure Advisors as the P3 consultant to assist HART in its evaluation.
• Risk Management and Cost Containment: HART is concentrating on risk management and cost containment, as risk is the biggest factor in construction expenses and change orders due to unknown field conditions such as discovery of existing underground utilities in the wrong place or not identified on "as built" maps and drawings.
• Bus-Rail Coordination: HART and DTS continue the planning and coordination for bus-rail integration in anticipation of the start of revenue passenger service.
??? Opening: HART plans to open the first 10 miles (from Aloha Stadium to East Kapolei) for revenue passenger service in late 2020. The full 20-mile system's operation to Ala Moana Center is pending the completion of the CCGS contract and segment, with a target date of December 2025.
• HART Poster Contest: Just a reminder about the HART poster contest, which is open to all Oahu high school students, grades 9 through 12; entries are due by February 28th. Details can be found on the project website www.honolulutransit.org, call the project hotline at 566-2299 or email at info@honolulutransit.org.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Chinatown Station Plans: Shubert-Kwock asked and Lee responded that the plans for how the stations and guideway proceed will be up to the next contractor. Shubert-Kwock raised concerns about Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and would like to see elevators in the station plans.
2. Rail Extension: Lye asked and Lee responded that regarding the extension of the rail to the University of Hawaii (UH) Manoa, the discussion is on future planning. There is a want to preserve the ability to get onto Kapiolani Boulevard. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was done about 10 years ago and since that time there have been many high-rise buildings built. HART has asked the City Council to look at the requirements to get to UH Manoa someday. A new or supplemental EIS may have to be done in the future. The current conversation is to start planning now for a potential extension before too many buildings block any feasible routes. Lye asked and Lee responded that regarding price discrepancies of land acquisition, Lee's take on the issue is concerning compensation for the property. Landowners are seeking just compensation for property value today. Lye asked and Lee responded that there was planning in the Locally Preferred Alternative plans to have a rail route going to Waikiki. Lee noted that in the past there was quite a bit of resistance from the public having a route running through Waikiki.
3. Climate Change: Caravalho asked and Lee responded that climate change is a concern not just to HART but to everyone on the island. The rail is not the only consideration regarding companies and services that may be compromised by potential sea level rising.

Chinatown Business and Community Association (CBCA) - Shubert-Kwock reported that CBCA held their December monthly meeting at Won Kee Chinese Restaurant and their guest speaker was City Housing Director Marc Alexander. He provided statistics and improvements the City is making to help with homelessness including more affordable housing. A second issue discussed at the meeting was an increase in crime in the Chinatown area, particularly against seniors living in the area. Shubert-Kwock spoke to Commander Nagata and he and his staff have provided moral support as they are aware of the increase in crime. Shubert-Kwock stated they are looking forward to the Chinese New Year with festivities starting on Friday, February 9, 2018 and the Chinatown Parade and New Year's Block Party on Saturday, February 10, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Shubert-Kwock announced that the Miss Narcissus Queen Pageant will be at the Hawaii Theater on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 8:00 p.m. There will be a free concert and Taiwanese traditional puppet show at the East-West Center on Saturday, January 13, 2018 and Sunday, January 14, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. respectively. The next CBCA meeting will be on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Neighborhood Board Meeting: Tom raised concerns that Major Nagata will go to CBCA meetings but does not attend Neighborhood Board meetings. Tom stated that there are homeless on the streets and increased criminal activity and he would like to see more police presence. Shubert-Kwock stated that she believes he does not attend as there are other HPD representatives who come to the Board meeting but he could be invited. Tom stated he would like to have and officer from the HPD command to speak about real solutions.

Arts Cultural Merchants Etc (ACME) - Nicole Reid noted that there will be a new police Major for the Chinatown area; Major Sugimoto will replace Major Nagata. Reid stated ACME has noted an increase in violent crimes at night and it seems to be stemming from gang related violence predominantly from people hanging out at the park. A priority of ACME this year is to work with HPD to create a new program that can help to combat some of these issues. ACME would like to also focus on bringing more events to Hawaii Theater to help bring more people to Chinatown which helps local businesses. Reid stated there have been discussions by merchants on Hotel Street regarding the topic of if buses should continue to run down Hotel Street or if it can be turned into a bike and pedestrian street only.

Chinatown Improvement District (CID) - A representative reported that CID applied for and received grant money to do a study for anti-graffiti measures on historic properties. Regarding homelessness, CID believes this is becoming a public health and safety issue and hopes the Board will bring this to the police as well. Regarding buses on Hotel Street, the representative stated that some businesses like bus stops in front or near their shops as they feel this helps to bring customers to their businesses.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Homelessness: Shubert-Kwock noted that homelessness and crime has increased but it is difficult to get more police response. The representative noted that more merchants are looking at gates to lock up their shops. She noted that based on guidelines properties have to have recessed doors which invites homeless to sleep on their properties and this is part of the issue so businesses are looking at solutions.
2. Homelessness (continued): Caravalho reiterated concerns regarding the homelessness, noting that businesses have to spend time cleaning their store fronts before they open up each morning. The representative stated that there are options to file trespassing violations however due to the procedure some people feel that filing trespassing violations is intimidating.
3. Business Improvement Districts (BID): The representative noted that BIDs do not solve every issue as places such as Waikiki still have homelessness and crime issues despite the fact that Waikiki is a BID. She stated that BIDs tend to affect small businesses as property taxes are raised which only larger businesses can afford. Shubert-Kwock stated that the City owns many portions of Chinatown and therefore they should work to come up with new solutions.
4. Anti-Graffiti Funding: Lye asked and the representative replied that the study has not been conducted yet but they received about $6,000 dollars to conduct the study. This study will also focus on efforts to prevent graffiti as opposed to just removing it.

Biki - McCarney reported that end of year numbers for ridership will be released soon. About 40% of Biki ridership comes from residents. The City will be in receipt of Federal Transportation Alternative Program funds which will allow for the expansion of 30 to 50 Biki stops by the middle of 2018. Surveys will be conducted for new locations for the stops. The City is planning on placing a two-way bike lane on Pensacola Street. There have been 70 new requests for Biki stops to date, with many coming from residents in Makiki. They are looking into expanding to UH Manoa and potential stops at Kapiolani Park as well.

ELECTED OFFICIALS
Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative - Megan Muramatsu reported the following:
• Summer Fun Program: The Department of Parks and Recreation's Summer College Student Employment Program is recruiting applicants for the 2018 Summer Fun program. If you know any college students who want to develop management and programming skills, or recreation and child development skills, or who simply enjoys working with children between the ages of five and thirteen, please encourage them to consider working as a Summer Aide at this year's Summer Fun program. The program runs from the end of May to the end of July, and the pay rate is $12.00 per hour or $14.00 per hour. For more information and the online application form, please check out DPR's webpage www.honolulu.gov/parks/dprsummerfun or call (808) 768-3020.
• Follow-up: Regarding the gate around Sun Yat Sen Park's aesthetics, the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) stated that they plan a cleanup and hope that it will be visually appealing and welcoming to users.
• Follow-up: Regarding the damaged sidewalk on Beretania Street and Fort Street, the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) stated that after inspection the sidewalk area did not reveal any damage. Board Chair Alvin Au indicated the damages to the sidewalk area were at Beretania Street and Bethel Street, adjacent to the Biki bikeshare station. The uplifted sidewalk near the Biki station was patched on Friday, December 22, 2017 on the interim. Reconstruction of the sidewalk by a contractor is scheduled to be performed in the Fall of 2018.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Power Washing: Shubert-Kwock thanked the City for power washing that took place two (2) times in the past month.
2. Fencing: Morris asked for an update on the fencing at Chinatown Gateway Park.
3. Fencing (continued): Mollring reiterated requesting an update on the fencing.
4. Signage: Shubert-Kwock requested an update on the Dr. Sun Yat Sen statue at Dr. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park and if it will be moved to a more prominent location.

Councilmember Carol Fukunaga - Councilmember Carol Fukunaga reported the following:
• Sprinkler Retrofitting: A community forum was recently held regarding the unsprinklered retrofitting requirements which gave condo owners and associations to discuss financing strategies. There are about 350 buildings that were built before the fire code required sprinklers. The Fire Department and Advisory Committee advised that buildings built before 1975 that are more than 10 stories high and with interior hallways must have sprinklers in their individual units, which accounts for about 150 properties. The most common comments during the community forum was that many of the cost estimates were underestimated. Residents in many of the buildings are concerned regarding actual costs. A report will be prepared including these concerns. There needs to be a balance between public safety and consideration of financial costs for condo owners and associations for retrofitting.
• Chinese New Year: Councilmember Fukunaga encouraged the community to enjoy the festivities coming soon for the Chinese New Year.
• Paperless Technology: The City Council will begin implementing paperless technology such as iPad devices for Councilmembers, who will now have access to bills, legislation, and testimonies in a paperless way.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Bulbouts: Shubert-Kwock stated that the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) has not provided an update regarding Complete Streets and an updated plan for the bulbouts. Councilmember Fukunaga stated that Mike Packard is no longer with DTS and there seems to be some leadership changes, so this may be a factor in the delay. Shubert-Kwock noted that DTS also has not yet responded to concerns regarding the Biki bike stop near Dr. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park.

Governor David Ige's Representative - Laurel Johnston circulated a handout and reported the following: Updates: The Capitol Connection Newsletter highlighted various accomplishments over the past year. The State of the State Address will take place on Monday, January 22, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Combustion Vehicles: Lye stated he heard there was an idea to remove combustion vehicles by 2045. Johnston stated that the governor would like to see autonomous vehicles by 2045 but is unsure of the current implementation. There is however a goal to have completely renewable energy by 2045. One of the issues currently is that there needs to be an increase of charging stations for electric vehicles.
2. Combustion Vehicles (continued): Caravalho noted that people should be cognizant of electric car benefits however the public should be aware of where the batteries come from and where they will be thrown away.

Senator Karl Rhoads - Senator Karl Rhoads reported the following:
• Legislative Session: In the 2018 legislative session, Senator Rhoads plans to introduce a resolution requesting the Department of Health (DOH) conduct a survey on the cumulative health of persistent urban noise in Honolulu. This would include noise such as low-frequency repetitive bass music played at outdoor events and sounds generated by individuals congregating around a bar or restaurant after closing.
• Other Bills: Senator Rhoads also plans to introduce other bills such as a bill to make it easier for condominiums to be able to amend their declarations and by-laws, and a bill to appropriate funds to study the high incidence of liver and bile duct cancer in Hawaii which is predominant in our Asian community.
• Meeting: Senator Rhoads will meet with the new Police Chief Susan Ballard and other area legislators regarding the persistent criminal activity in Chinatown. He will report his discussion and action to be taken at the next Neighborhood Board meeting.
• Algae: Senator Rhoads stated a visitor to the Capitol inquired about the algae problem in the reflecting pool and offered a chemical solution to the problem. Senator Rhoads wrote a letter to Roderick Becker, the State Controller, requesting if the State already looked into this possible solution.
• Aala Park Bathroom: Regarding an inquiry to the City regarding the Aala Park bathroom, Mayor Caldwell responded that the bathroom is cleaned and deodorized three (3) times a day and that repairs are frequently made. The Mayor further mentioned that the underlying problem is chronic vandalism and other illegal activity that takes place there. Currently, the City is looking at ways to activate the park and bring forth programs to help minimalize the vandalism.
• Honolulu 311: Senator Rhoads noted the Honolulu 311 cell phone application in which users can take photos of City issues such as potholes and report them to help notify City Departments of issues.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Demonstration: Caravalho noted that during the opening of the legislative session, there will be demonstrations regarding the 125th anniversary of the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Representative Daniel Holt - Representative Holt reported the following:
• Additional Information: Representative Holt distributed a handout with legislative dates and useful numbers to contact.
• DOT Harbors Division: Representative Holt noted that 8 million dollars have been released for the Kapalama Container Terminal design and construction project.
• Feral Birds: Representative Holt noted that the feeding of birds is a Department of Health (DOH) function under Hawaii Revised Statue (HRS) 322-1, abatement of nuisances.
• Free Tax Return Preparation: Free tax preparation services will be held at the Capitol on Monday, January 22, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Calls for appointments are required. Please call 450-4351 for more information.
• Legislation: Representative Holt will be proposing automatic voter registration due to low voter turnout. This would be implemented during driver's license acquisition. Representative Holt will also be proposing another bill for increased police presence in the Chinatown area.

APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 7, 2017 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES - The December 7, 2017 regular meeting minutes were APPROVED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT as circulated, 9-0-0; (AYE: Au, Caravalho, Lye, McCarney, Mollring, Moore, Smiley, Shubert-Kwak, Tom; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

BOARD BUSINESS AND REPORTS
Chair's Report - Chair Au stated he will contact representatives regarding a Red Hill Fuel Storage update as well as provide an update on senior's housing on River Street. Lye requested Senator Josh Green come to the Board meeting to speak on the H-4 Center in Iwilei. Caravalho requested a Candidate's Forum take place.

Neighborhood Commission Updates ??? No report was given.

Office of Information Practices Report - No report was given.

Treasurer's Report - No report was given.

City and County Affairs - No report was given.

Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) - No report was given.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Meeting - The next meeting of the Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board No. 13 is scheduled for Thursday, February 1, 2018 at Hawaii Pacific University, One Aloha Tower Drive, Multi-Purpose Room 2 at 7:00 p.m.

Neighborhood Citizen Patrol - The Neighborhood Citizen Patrol meets each Tuesday on the Diamond Head side of Kukui Plaza at 8:00 p.m. Please join the patrol and support its efforts to express service and pride in our Downtown-Chinatown community.

Olelo - Rebroadcasts of Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board No. 13 meetings are scheduled on 'Olelo channel 49 for every third Thursday at 9:00 p.m., as well as 6:00 a.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. An archive of past meetings may be found on http://olelo.granicus.com/ViewSearchResults.php?view_id=30&types%5BClip%5D=on&phrase=downtown+board.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting adjourned at 9:22 p.m.

Submitted by: Dylan Whitsell, Public Relations
Reviewed by: Kevin Lye, Secretary, Secretary, Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board No. 13

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Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board Meeting January 2018 Minutes

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