downtown neighborhood board no. 13 .. draft –minutes of regular ...

DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 13 .. 

c/o NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION � 530 SOUTH KING STREET ROOM 406 � HONOLULU, HAWAII, 96813 

PHONE (808) 768-3710 � FAX (808) 768-3711 � INTERNET: http://www.honolulu.gov 

DRAFT – MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING 

THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2008 

PAUAHI COMMUNITY CENTER 

CALL TO ORDER –Chair Frank Lavoie called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum of six members 

present. Note: This nine (9) member Board requires a vote of five (5) to call the meeting to order and to adopt a 

motion. 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Alvin Au, Frank Lavoie, Anthony Martin, Lynne Matusow, Tom Smyth, Carl Middleton, 

T.A. Ruby, Stanford Yuen. 

MEMBERS ABSENT: Dolores Mollring. 

GUESTS: Daniel Dolan and John J. Niebuhr (Shamrock Brothers, DBA JJ Dolans), Alan Feliciano (Safe 

Haven), Scott Cheever, Patrick Zukenium (FACE), Sgt. Y. K. Chan, Lt. N. Kau, Officer’s T. Hoopii and R. Fikani 

(HPD, District 1 - Honolulu), James Lynch, Captain Mark Nakagawa (HFD, Downtown), Representative Karl 

Rhoads, Steve Lohse (OH-NO), Senator Gordon Trimble, J. Morimatsu (State Attorney General’s Office), 

Cecilia Chang and Claudia Carvalho (Prosecuting Attorney’s Office), Connie Giesler (OH-NO/FACE), Bill 

Brennan (Mayor’s Office), Lina Le, Albert Del Rio, Al Canopin (Council member Rod Tam’s Office), Rick Murray 

(HPU), Nola J. Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office staff). 

VACANCIES: None 

INTRODUCTION OF BOARD MEMBERS –Board members introduced themselves at this time. 

REPORTS AND PUBLIC CONCERNS: 

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) –Captain M. Nakagawa reported the following: 

� Statistics for the month of June included 6 structure, 5 rubbish, and 1 boat fire; 89 medical, 1 

search/rescue, and 25 miscellaneous calls. 

� Fire Safety Tip: a) With our island on summer break, this is an opportune time to review your home 

surroundings for potentially dangerous situations. Take the time to childproof your home. Check for 

situations that may cause electrical shock, accidental falls, and/or poisoning from unsecured 

medications, cleaning products, and/or houseplants. b) Ensure swimming pools are properly fenced and 

gated. An alarm on the door from the house to the pool can help prevent unattended keiki from 

drowning. C) Keep matches and lighters in a safe secured place away from children. 

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) –Sgt. Y.K. Chan introduced the Weed & Seed and Community Policing 

Teams and reported the following: 

� Statistics for the month of June included 16 assaults, 5 burglaries, 6 drug offenses, 4 D.U.I., 10 family 

offenses, 7 graffiti, 86 M.V.C. (motor vehicle collisions), 4 motor vehicle thefts, 11 property damages, 8 

robberies, 0 sex assaults, 7 prostitution, 11 UEMV (unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle), and 167 

miscellaneous service calls. 

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) All cameras are working. 2) A noise complaint was reported after 10:00 p.m. 

on weeknights from a flower shop located at 111 N. Beretania Street. 

Without objection the agenda was taken out of order to 5. New Business, item 5.B, Presentation by 

Prosecutor’s Office on proposal to reduce crime on Pauahi Street and adjacent parking structures 

through environmental changes such as parking regulations. 

Oahu’s Neighborhood Board system – Established 1973

DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 13 DRAFT MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING 

THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2008 Page 2 of 7 

NEW BUSINESS: 

Presentation by Prosecutor’s Office on proposal to reduce crime on Pauahi Street and adjacent parking 

structures through environmental changes such as parking regulations: 

Cecilia Chang, from the Prosecutor’s Office, and J. Morimatsu from the State Attorney General’s Office 

presented the following proposal –Due to the large amount of drug activity on Pauahi Street (between 

Maunakea & River Streets) both departments are seeking assistance with crime prevention on this street. Illegal 

businesses are unlicensed and do not pay taxes. Outside of the Hale Pauahi Driveway on the public street drug 

activity goes on daily. Due to surveillance, undercover, police funding and arrests, drug activity has subsided. 

City resources are limited. Proposed is the removal of the eight parking meters on the mauka side of Pauahi 

Street and installing “No Parking/Standing” signs, which would allow the police to approach any vehicles 

stopped in that area; HPD patrols would be increased in the area. 

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) Concern was raised regarding a loading zone for delivery people for the 

businesses. Chang replied one option would be zero tolerance. 2) Concern was raised because restaurants 

must have their grease pumped. In answer, if the proposal passes, loading and unloading would not be 

permitted. 3) Since there is no task force, no decision has been made for a trial period. 4) Comment made if the 

parking meters are removed, what’s to prevent the drug dealers from moving around the corner. No answer was 

available, but agreed that the question is fair. 5) It was stated that more funding is needed and it seems the 

community is giving up a lot for the drug dealers. 6) A thirty-day pilot project was suggested to have the parking 

meters covered (it is difficult to find tenants for the mauka side of the street and to get opinions of the 

businesses). In response, the businesses were approached and spoken with. 7) Some agreed there should be a 

‘no parking” area, but have drop-offs for vendors. 8) A comment was made that removing the meters is a 

temporary solution to a permanent problem. Drug dealers are the problems, and the community should not have 

to pay; a different approach was suggested. 9) A question was posed if the parking is eliminated will drug use in 

the area go down. In answer, there will always be drug use and no permanent solution. 10) A suggestion was 

limiting liquor store hours. Marlin reminded the audience member that comments be limited to the parking 

matter. 11) Many Board members were in agreement with a trial period. A comment was added that there is a 

possibility that two stores on River Street are working with the drug dealers. It was suggested other areas up to 

the post office be included. 12) A comment was made relative to the Hale Pauahi parking area where at cars 

drive up to purchase drugs is the problem. 13) Some in attendance were in opposition to the removal of the 

parking meters noting that drug dealers are mobile and that the solution is deeper than just removal of the 

parking meters. 14) A suggestion was to install cameras in city parking lots. 15) A comment was that the 

proposal sounds good, but that the problem would just move somewhere else. 

Smyth moved, seconded by Yuen that the Downtown Neighborhood Board No. 13 supports the 

temporary closure immediately for not more than 45-days. 

Discussion followed: 1) Has HPD given their opinion regarding enforceability. HPD agrees with the Prosecutor’s 

Office and if the Board and the City Department of Transportation Services agree there should be no problem 

with limiting the initiative with dealers, giving HPD more tools. 2) A comment was made that people don’t 

understand City practices; placing plants in the area of the parking meters during the trial period was suggested. 

3) It was suggested that alternatives be looked into. 

The motion was adopted unanimously, 7-0-0 (Middleton, Au, Yuen, Smyth, Marlin, Lavoie, Ruby). 

The agenda order resumed. 

Neighborhood Citizen’s Patrol (NCP) –No report. 

Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) –Rick Murray reported: 

Summer Session IV – June 30 – August 20. 

News –A) Dr. John Kearns ahs been named Vice President of Academic Affairs. B) For the 6 th consecutive year 

John Hopkins University selected HPU to host the Center for Talented Youth one of the most prestigious youth 

summer education programs in the nation. Nearly 200 exceptionally gifted 12 to 16 year olds from around the 

globe will be hosted at the Hawai’i Loa Campus June 29 – July 18 and July 20 – August 8.



Events –A) Last day to register for summer July 7. B) Summer Blood Drive, Downtown campus, July 16, 9 a.m. 

to 3 p.m. (call 544-1116). C) MS in nursing seminar, July 21, 5:30 p.m. (call 544-1135). D) Art Gallery Opening, 

Hawai’i Loa Campus, July 27 – September 16, recent works by Ka-Ning Fong; admission free to the public (call 

544-0287). 

Security – No reportable security incidents. 

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) A comment was made if signage on Fort Street Mall is sufficient for HPU. A 

concern was raised that two-thirds of the mall is without signage, from Hotel to Queen Streets. The reply was 

that HPU security officers do what they must and are sometimes walking/talking signs (explaining to the rules to 

people on the mall). Added to the comment was that it was reported that some of the security officers were 

uncivil to people on the mall, such as there being no signage a woman with a companion dog was told to get her 

dog off the mall; it was suggested that more discretion be used. In answer, complaints were received, but there 

are other security officers on the mall that are not employed by HPU; HPU officers would approach the person 

with the dog and check if it is a service dog. The downtown crew will be informed about the concern. 

Honolulu Culture and Arts District –No representative was present. 

Honolulu High – Capacity Transit Corridor Project –No representative was present. 

Elected Officials: 

Senator Gordon Trimble –Senator Trimble circulated a list of potential vetoes by the Governor. It was not 

known if a special session would be held this year. 

Representative Karl Rhoads –Rep. Rhoads reported: 1) Distributed a copy of a letter sent to longevity 

International Enterprises Corporation regarding early morning garbage truck noise. 2) Attended a Liquor 

Commission hearing for Next Door (the establishment is on probation) on June 19; the next hearing is 

scheduled for July 10, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. 3) Proposed plans for an off-ramp on Kinau Street to get to Queen’s 

Hospital.. Plans are moving forward with the Kinau Street end. 4) A combined Citizen’s Patrol (Chinatown, 

Kukui, Kalakaua) patrolled last Tuesday evening. 

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) Rep. Rhoads was thanked for introducing the prostitution and defecation 

bills which were not vetoed. 2) Concerns regarding early morning trash pick-up in other areas of downtown was 

reported. 3) Concerns were raised relating to loud sirens in the middle of the night. Follow up will be done. 

Councilmember Rod Tam –Al Canopin circulated the written report and highlighted: 

� Budget Bills were approved by the Mayor. 

� Bill 35 (2008), relating to prohibited activities at bus stops and Bill 40 (2008), relating to bicycles was 

introduced by the Council member. 

� Activities –1) July 4, Epilepsy Foundation Freedom Run (6 a.m. –7:30 a.m.); Kailua 4 th of July 

Independence Day Parade (9a.m. – 1:30 p.m.); Kailua 4 th of July Fireworks (8 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.); Ala 

Moana 4 th of July Fireworks Display (8:30 p.m. – 8:50 p.m.). 2) Samoan Culture Arts & Federation 8 th 

Annual Samoan Week Celebration, Keehi Lagoon Park (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.). 

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) A comment was raised stating that the parking facility across from the 

Pauahi Community Center should be reserved for the handicapped. 2) Tree planter along College Walk is 

vacant. 

Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Representative – Bill Brennan reported: 

� The collective bargaining agreement between the Teamsters Local 996 and the bus service 

management contractor, Oahu Transit Services (OTS), Inc. for TheBus service personnel expires June 

30, 2008. The City does not interfere nor participate in collective bargaining. The matter is still at the 

table, with the city presenting a proposal to OTS; personnel are scheduled to vote next week. 

� Regarding illegally parked motor scooters and moped at the corner of Alakea and Queen Streets, patrol 

officers have been issuing citations and will continue to monitor the area and take the appropriate 

enforcement action.



� Regarding a companion dog walking with its owner on Fort Street Mall, in general animals are not 

allowed in Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) controlled properties. Normally there is signs 

posted which state that the following are prohibited: animals are included in this sign. It the animal were 

a service animal it would be allowed on DPR property. At this time DPR does not have employees 

assigned to Fort Street Mall and do not know who asked the woman to leave the mall. 

Questions, comments, concerns: 

1) It was reported there is no signage on Fort Street Mall from Hotel to Queen Streets. 

2) It was noted that a building manager assisted with cutting chains off to remove the unregistered motor 

scooters illegally parked at the bike racks at the corner of Alakea and Queen Streets. All illegal motor scooters 

and mopeds are now gone. 

3) Concern was raised about people sleeping on benches in the Smith/Beretania Park. Benches with dividers 

were suggested to deter people from sleeping on the benches. 

4) It was requested that the previous bus “E” route be reinstated and put bus stops closer to each other. 

5) The bench stolen at the Kamalii Park bus shelter was returned. It was earlier reported that the bench was 

taken off the hinges, broken and was missing. 

6) Kudos to the City for removing the people from Union Mall who had exposed gas cans on the sidewalks. 

7) The City was congratulated for the good job of removing the graffiti from the gray boxes in the downtown 

thoroughfare. 

8) The extension of the crossing light was requested at the intersection of Vineyard Boulevard and Pali 

Highway; and added that the cross button on the mauka Diamond Head side of this intersection was broken. 

9) A concern was raised about people riding bicycles on sidewalks. It was noted that bicycle riding on sidewalks 

is not allowed in the entire downtown area. A comment was mentioned that this is an HPD matter. 

10) Solar LED lights were suggested for the streetlights. 

11) It was suggested to give HPD area permission to remove vagrants sleeping on doorsteps. 

12) Loitering by Happy Legends on the corner of River and Hotel Streets was reported. 

Senator Suzanne Chun-Oakland –The written report was available for interested persons to review. 

Governor Linda Lingle - The written report was available for interested persons to review. 

Community Concerns: 

Safe Haven –The representative was present earlier in the meeting. 

Street Cleaning –No report. 

Without objection the agenda was taken out of order to 5. A. Presentation by TheBoat. 

NEW BUSINESS: 

Presentation by TheBoat –Darin Mar, circulated informational handouts and highlighted: 

Service started on September 17, 2007, with commuter service taking about an hour to reach Aloha Tower from 

Kalaeloa. There is new dedicated bus service on both ends of the ferry’s route. Hours of operation are Monday 

thru Friday, during peak commute hour’s only.The Kapolei Park and Ride is located in the Kapolei Home Depot 

parking lot, with a convenient F-shuttle express stop on Kapolei Parkway, and takes you directly from the Park



and Ride to TheBoat. Parking at Kalaeloa Pier is free with 23 carpool parking stalls within the parking lot 

adjacent to the pier for those cars with two or more occupants. Exact change is required for riders or ticketbooks 

or single tickets may be purchased. Visit www.trytheboat.com for more information. 

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) A back up boat is located at Kalaeloa Pier in case one of the boats is 

cancelled. 2) Bicycles are allowed, free WIFi wireless internet service, two restrooms, snack bars for purchase 

and tables to do work, and guaranteed seating. 3) Since summer is upon us ridership has increased. 4) Shuttle 

bus service will be expanded to the Leeward Coast and Kapolei on August 18. 5) Cost from point-to-point is 

$2.00 or free with a bus pass, allowing two transfers. 6) Members of the audience experiencing TheBoat said 

that the ride is wonderful.7) Life vest on the vessel is in compliance with Coast Guard regulations. TheBoat also 

has defibrillators and first aid kits. 7) Handivan passes are also accepted. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 

Election of Neighborhood Board 13 Secretary –Yuen nominated Middleton for secretary. By unanimous 

consent Middleton was elected Board secretary. 

Without objection the agenda was taken out of order to agenda 4.F Application for new liquor license – 

Loft Gallery Lounge. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 

Application for new liquor license – Loft Gallery Lounge (115 N. Hotel Street) – Daniel Gray, General 

Manager, reported that the lounge’s main focus are after work customers with a sushi bar; fundraisers, local 

events, and a Honolulu Art Collective (every Friday). Hours of operation would depend on the event, but the 

lounge can remain open until 1:00 a.m. 

Questions, comments, and concerns: 1) There will be four security personnel per event, two upstairs and two 

downstairs checking ID cards. 2) Located in the former Wo Fat building, the lounge will be open six days a 

week. 3) It was recommended that two people be at the street level at closing time when patrons are leaving. 3) 

A question was posed regarding excessive noise from the establishment on what should the concerned person 

do. In answer, double glass windows have been installed and there is a decibel meter to measure noise levels 

to help to curb excessive noise. 

Smyth moved, seconded by Middleton is support Loft Gallery Lounge’s liquor application. The motion 

was adopted unanimously, 7-0-0, Aye: Middleton, Au, Yuen, Smyth, Marlin, Lavoie, Ruby. 

Ohana Housing (OH-NO) –Marlin reported the following: 

� Now that Resolution 08-108 has been adopted unanimously by the City Council (June 4 th ) and will help 

establish city policy governing qualifications for prospective developers, owners, and managers of the 

city’s affordable housing projects, the implementation of this policy is the next step. 

� When a Request for Proposal (RFP) draft is ready for review, as described in Resolution 08-108, Cindy 

Aylett and Rae Gee of the Mayor’s office has assured there will be direct communications with 

stakeholders affected by the sell or lease of the properties. 

� OH-NO is committed to ensuring that the residents get the RIGHT BUYER who has the qualifications 

and will to preserve the city’s affordable housing properties-rent affordable-in perpetuity. 

� Manoa Gardens was added to the OH-NO affordable housing community. 

8:33 p.m. Au left the meeting (6 members now present). 

The agenda order resumed. 

8:35 p.m. Matusow arrived (7 members now present) 

Bill 35, Relating to Prohibited Activities at Bus Stops –Discussion followed: 1) The bill introduced by Rep. 

Rhoads is different. 2) A comment was that the bill is too broad and not supported by the American Civil 

Liberties Union (ACLU). 3) It was emphasized that this is not a homeless bill, but a tool to help HPD. 4) It was 

stated that it is important to support the concept of the bill.



Middleton moved, seconded by Matusow to support the concept, intent, and purpose of Bill 35, relating 

to prohibited activities at bus stops. 

Discussion followed: It was noted that Next Step has about 200 spaces, Institute for Human Services (IHS) HAS 

13-15, and the Waianae shelter has several openings. The motion was adopted unanimously 7-0-0, Aye: 

Middleton, Yuen, Smyth, Marlin, Lavoie, Matusow, Ruby. 

Restroom Facilities –Smyth reported he would compile a list of available space. 

Liquor Commission –Marlin reported the Next Door (club/bar) at 43 N. Hotel Street has been fined and put on 

probation by the Liquor Commission due to noise complaints from area residents. Since the probation period 

(January to April), noise complaints have continued. Next Door did not attend their required 3-month probation 

status hearing with the Liquor Commission. Due to the longer agenda hearing held on June 19, 2008, Next Door 

could not present their case. The next scheduled hearing with the Liquor Commission is Thursday, July 10, 

2008 at 4:00 p.m. This establishment has already been given a second probationary period (June to December), 

but the Liquor Commission is interested in the outcome of the July 10 th hearing. Rep. Rhoads and Steve Lohse 

were commended for attending many Liquor Commission hearings on behalf of the community. 

NEW BUSINESS: 

Budgeting of Refreshment Funds - Middleton moved, seconded by Smyth to utilize the Refreshment 

Account of $120 throughout the year. A comment was made that it is a waste of City money. The motion 

was adopted 5-1-0; (Aye: Middleton, Yuen, Smyth, Marlin, Lavoie, Ruby; Nay: Matusow). 

Application of Special Liquor License –Chair Lavoie announced that the New Blue Ocean Entertainment at 

Golden Palace (111 N. King St) will be having a one-night event on July 25. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JUNE 5, 2008 REGULAR MEETING: The following additions/corrections were 

made and approved: 

� Page 1, Honolulu Police Department should read, :…Sgt. Chan, acting Lt. …” 

� Page 2, item 14, 3 rd sentence, “…delete acting…” 

� Page 4, Election of Neighborhood Board No. 13 Officers, Chair should read, “…LaVoie was elected 

Chair…” 

� Page 5, Discussion followed should read, “…1) Smyth; 4) Matusow suggested a letter be drafted by 

Chair Lavoie to Councilmember Garcia requesting a hearing be held on this bill…” 

� Page 6, Announcements should read, “…Mollring will be out of town in July…” 

COMMITTEE REPORTS: 

Chair’s Report –Chair Lavoie read the Board correspondence received. He noted that the Board may have a 

Candidates Forum in August. 

Treasurer’s Report –Matusow reported expenditures in the Operating Account were $26.12, leaving a balance 

of $1160.07; no expenditures in the Publicity Account leaving the balance at $1660; and the $120 from the 

Refreshment Account was spent leaving a zero balance. 

City and County Affairs –Smyth reported that the Revised Neighborhood Plan was approved, but he was 

unsure when it would go into effect. A tentative date for the Commission’s Conference of Chairs is August 16, 

with two Board members allowed to attend. 

Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) – Discussion ensued whether a Citizen’s Advisory 

Committee representative must be a member of the Board; and noted that a representative must be a Board 

member. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:



� The next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 7, 2008, Pauahi Community Center, 171 N. 

Pauahi Street at 7:00 p.m. 

� The Neighborhood Citizen’s Patrol meets each Tuesday on the Diamond Head side of Kukui Plaza at 

8:00 p.m. Please consider joining the patrol and supporting its efforts as they express their service and 

pride in our Downtown/Chinatown community. 

ADJOURNMENT –Chair Lavoie adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m. 

Submitted by: 

Nola J. Frank, Neighborhood Assistant 

Reviewed by: 

Frank Lavoie, Chair

downtown neighborhood board no. 13 .. draft –minutes of regular ...

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