Ala Maoan/Kakaako Neighborhood Board
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2001
MAKIKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH
CALL TO ORDER: Chair John Breinich called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was present. He welcomed everyone and announced that refreshments are available on the side table.
RECOGNIZATION _ Chair Breinich recognized Bobbie Jennings for her many years of contribution to the community (Jennings has been a Board member since 1991. She will not seek reelection and this will be her last meeting because she will be out-of-town in April and the Board will recess in May). Jennings was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation signed by the Mayor, Chair Breinich, and Ben Kama, Executive Secretary of the Neighborhood Commission Office. Jennings also was presented leis from Chair Breinich, Karin Holma, and the Neighborhood Assistant. The Board and the audience gave Jennings a round of applause.
MEMBERS PRESENT: John Breinich, Betty Carter, Bob Chung, Karin Holma, Larry Hurst, Bobbie Jennings, Joyce Kurtz, Dick Morris.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Dyane Sih (excused).
GUESTS: Ben Lee (Managing Director), Malcom Tom (Deputy Managing Director), Joe Magaldi (Mayor's Representative), Chris Ovitt (Council Chair Jon Yoshimura's office), Rick Keller (Governor's Representative), Judy Gold (Senator Carol Fukunaga's office), Art Mori (Senator Rod Tam's office), Captain Melvin Pang (Honolulu Fire Department); Sgt. Robert Green, Sgt. Lester Hite, Lt. Kevin Crouch, Lt. Jerry Inouye, Lt. Mitch Kiyuna, Lt. William Waters, Lt. Ronald Yuen, Cpt. Mark Nagawa and Mjr. Michael Tucker (Honolulu Police Department); Bert Koide (Department of Parks and Recreation), Lorrie Chee (Department of Planning and Permitting), Tom Enomoto (Department of Transportation Services), Duane Pang (Corporation Counsel), John Carroll, Thomas Mendoza and Wally Weatherwax (Liquor Commission), Christine Routola (Group 70), Mark Tonini (Meadow Gold), Pat Beter and Craig Nishida (UFCW Local 480), Ann Sabo (KBA), Ted Gonzales (Pacific Diamond), Kelly Hill (Save Our Sisters), Mary Ann Barnard, Lois Bunin, Florence Chung, Holly Dickson, Norman DuPont, Clarence Gephart, Frank Gornichec, Roy Gritter, Gina and Jurgon Holborff, Guy Ikehara, George K., Linda Keller, Miyoko Kishimoto, Duane Komine, Amy Lam, Alice Low, Lance Marugame, Frances and Clara Morikawa, Diane Mylecki, Doris Nakamura, Roy Nakamura, Ethel Nakao, Gary Omori, Sam Sasai, Lorna Soong, Bob Sweeney, Gordon and Sonia Trimble, Edward and L. Valdez, Niti Villinger, Steve: (Neighborhood Commission Office).
HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD): Captain Melvin Pang reported: 1) Statistics for the month of February include: 38 fires and 153 emergencies. 2) Safety Tip: “Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and the second major cause of death among older adults. If you are cooking and must leave the kitchen, even for only a few minutes, turn off the stove. Keep a fire extinguisher (minimum 2A-10BC) in or near your kitchen and know how to use it.” 3) Keep fire hydrants in your neighborhood clear of obstructions, i.e. parked cars, weeds, or debris.
APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 27, 2001, REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: The Board approved the minutes with the following corrections:
Page 5, under Traffic and Transportation, second paragraph, it should read, “the Ward Avenue on-ramp will be closed for construction.”
Page 6, under Parks and Waterways, first paragraph, delete “Dick Morris said”
ALA MOANA/KAKAAKO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 11
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2001
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TREASURER'S REPORT: Bobbie Jennings reported on the Financial Statement for February 2001. The Operating Account expenses were $84.09, leaving a balance of $909.67. The Publicity Account did not incur any expenses, leaving the balance at $2,327.00. The Refreshment Account did not incur any expenses, leaving the balance at $120.00. The report was accepted subject to audit.
HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lt. Ronald Yuen reported the following:
Feb Jan Dec Nov Oct
Robberies 5 3 6 8 7
Burglaries 19 24 25 24 24
Thefts from Vehicle 50 86 107 124 104
Auto Thefts 32 37 45 54 41
Aggravated Assaults 8 12 7 6 7
Simple Assaults 27 51 43 39 47
Motor Veh. Collisions 157 195 228 206 217
DUI 11 5 12 29 10
Graffiti 11 18 5 11 37
Family Offenses 3 5 11 4 5
Drug Offense 21 7 8 n/a n/a
2) HPD responded to the following liquor establishments (during the period of February 2 to March 25, 2001) in the Ala Moana area. The number of incidents and/or violations is in parenthesis:
Swing Video _ (8) Pango Pango _ (2) Rebecca Karaoke _ (1)
Club Margie _ (2) Bellagio _ (1) Do Ri Mi Karaoke _ (14)
Club Venus _ (14) Exotic Nights _ (7) Junko/Tee Time _ (3)
Club Boots _ (0) Pipeline Café _ (14) Casanova/Club Office/www.ocean.com _ (1)
3) He distributed a map displaying the breakdown of beats in the Ala Moana/Kakaako area.
Morris asked why are the statistics in Beat 176 so high. Hurst displayed a map with the breakdown of the beats (Beat 176 includes Piikoi Street, Kapiolani Boulevard, Kaheka Street, and King Street). The statistics are the monthly average. Beat 176 has more crime than the entire area of Downtown.
RESIDENTS' CONCERNS:
Gas Company's Unannounced Work _ Jennings said she received a complaint from a business on Atkinson Drive regarding a gas company project. The gas company blocked the street in front of his business and customers couldn't access the entrance (the gas company response was to tell the customer to use the rear entrance). A police vehicle pulled up and also blocked the entrance (the officer's response was that he could park anywhere he choose). This project took four days to complete. Jennings called the Planning Department; Office of Customer Service; and the Department of Transportation Services (DTS). Vernon Okamura of DTS had been really helpful.
Speeding _ Resident Holly Dickinson, who lives on Kamaile Street, said motorists' speed down her street. Traffic gets diverted to her street because construction is ongoing at McKinley High School. Chair Breinich suggested calling 911.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2001
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SPECIAL DISCUSSION WITH INVITED GUESTS (Ben Lee, Managing Director; Wally Weatherwax, Liquor Commission; Mjr. Michael Tucker and his Administrative Staff, Lorrie Chee, Department of Planning and Permitting; and Duane Pang, Corporation Counsel) AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY _ ADULT ENTERTAINMENT AND LIQUOR ESTABLISHMENTS - Chair Breinich asked if there were any representatives from Swing Video, Victoria Ward, or Ala Moana Shopping Center? No representative was present from Swing Video (the Board has invited Swing Video to the past five meetings to cooperate with the community and to report on their promised new security system, and no representative has shown up); Christine Ruotola was present, representing Victoria Ward; and no representative was present from Ala Moana Shopping Center. Gary Omori stated he's no longer employed by Ala Moana Shopping Center. He thanked the Board for their support, and he also gave thanks to the shopping center.
Chair Breinich asked everyone who would be speaking to please stand up and identify yourself, for the record. Mjr. Tucker said Cpt. Mark Nagawa would be speaking on his behalf (because he's feeling under the weather).
Swing Video:
1) Ted Gonzales, Pacific Diamond and Switch Watch Repair, said Swing Video, which is open 24-hours, attracts unsavory characters. Endless drug activity occurs in his parking lot. His customers have been harassed and accosted for money. One of his employees had a knife pulled on him. Every five minutes, drug transactions take place from taxis. He has called 911 on 35 different occasions. Due to these incidents: he had to hire a janitor because of the urination smell; and three employees are needed in the morning to watch over the business. He's not sure if anything can be done, but these activities must be stopped.
2) Lance Marugame who also has a business near Swing Video, said drug transactions take place in front of his business. The last few years it has been really bad. Swing Video was evicted from the Downtown area; he wants the same for Ala Moana/Kakaako.
3) Sgt. Lester Hite said HPD shares the frustration. They have conducted undercover operations with Narcotics Division and plainclothes officers and are continuing to monitor the situation. Several search warrants have produced drugs. These individuals are casual users and not heavy drug dealers. Sofos Reality owns the land under Swing Video. They should have done a background check before leasing the property. The attorney's position is that an eviction process can't begin until a conviction takes place. He's concerned that one conviction would not result in an eviction. A similar incident went before the Grand Jury, but he doesn't know the status. An option is the Nuisance Abatement Program, through the Prosecutor's Office. The other issue is the incidents in the parking lot. The attorney for Swing Video has said that they can't be held accountable for anything that happens in the parking lot. The question is: Are the individuals from Swing Video or not? Drug activity is occurring inside the establishment, as well as outside. The majority is taking place outside. The question is: Is Swing Video doing everything possible?
4) Chair Breinich asked if the Weed and Seed Program could be implemented since Swing Video came from a Weed and Seed area (Downtown). Ben Lee, Managing Director, answered he would speak with Steve Alm, U.S. Attorney. Also, the City will be introducing a Convention Center Business District. He asked for the Board's support. They will be going before the City Council in July or August. Lorrie Chee displayed a map the Convention
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REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2001
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Business District would encompass. The district covers from Kapiolani Boulevard to Piikoi Street to Makaloa Street to Kalakaua Avenue to Kaheka Street to Beretania Street. Lee added that Sheridan and Keeaumoku Streets would be included because of concerns from the community.
Other Liquor Establishment Concerns:
1) Jennings said in 2000, HPD respond to: Exotic Nights - 60 times (No citations were issued by the Liquor Commission); Venus _ 97 times (one citation); Pipeline Café _ 86 times (no citation); and Casablanca which changed its name to Tee Time and Radiant which changed its name to Junco _ 21 times (three citations). Wally Weatherwax, Liquor Commission, answered any penal code violation is handled through the District Court. They are bound by due process. The statistics are good information. Chair Breinich asked Weatherwax if they receive the information from HPD. Weatherwax answered in the negative, they can't tell HPD to send it. Greater collaboration between City agencies is a priority. They have been having good cooperation by HPD.
2) Chair Breinich asked about noise arising from liquor establishments. Weatherwax answered they use a decible meter. There is a noise complaint hotline and the number is 523-4194. It's in operation 24-hours per day and some hours with an attendant.
3) Kurtz asked isn't there a State law that states a liquor license can be revoked if an assault has taken place. Weatherwax answered it's not automatic. They can revoke the license by way of State statues and Liquor Commission rules.
4) Sgt. Robert Green said when they respond to a call at a club (Pango Pango/Pipeline Café/Blue Tropics), 99 percent of the time the altercation didn't take place inside the establishment. Regarding the recent stabbing incident at Pango Pango, the victims took themselves to the hospital. The bouncers took the fight outside so the onus is not on the club owner. Even though HPD knows where the trouble came from, they can't pin point it.
5) Weatherwax said he doesn't downplay the Board's concerns. Some of the incidents are criminal and some are nuisance. The Liquor Commission reviews the incidents on a case-by-case basis. All the Liquor Commissioners support the Mayor's proposal for a Convention Center Business District.
6) Jennings said the Liquor Commission has not responded to an inquiry about Golden Dolls Showgirls dated October 2000. Weatherwax answered the law states when a case is in process, it can't be public information. It can be a very long process. All the girls arrested were passed through the Prosecutor's Office and their cases ended up in District Court.
7) Kurtz said in the past six months, four liquor license applicants' (three men and one woman) fingerprints were not readable. Weatherwax answered prior to January 1999, there were no requirements. Some fingerprints are not readable. Fingerprinting is not the only way to do a background check. John Carroll, Liquor Commission, added the number of fingerprints rejected compared to the number of prints taken is not that much. Morris suggested using the big toe. Chair Breinich suggested using palm prints. Weatherwax answered the data base doesn't use toe prints. HPD has equipment to read palm prints. It costs $50,000, which the Commission can't afford.
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8) Resident Holly Dickinson asked what could be done about people who urinate on the sidewalk? Captain Mark Nakagawa answered to call 911.
9) Kelly Hill, Sisters Offering Support (SOS), said she works with women and children who got caught up in the sex industry. There are girls as young as 13 years old working in strip clubs, massage parlors, and escort services. She's asked what repercussions do the pimps face. They make millions of dollars per year. When they are arrested, they only pay a small fine. The impacts that the girls are facing are far more serious than what everyone has been expressing. Owners and managers of these establishments need to be held accountable, along with the pimps. SOS has submitted Senate Bill 864, which prohibits sexual exploitation of minors in exchange for monetary or non-monetary consideration; individuals convicted are subject to forfeiture of property and revoking of all business licenses. The bill has passed the Senate, now it's in the House.
10) A former teenage worker in the sex industry, now a counselor with SOS, said she has lobbied for SB 864. She used to sell drugs and work at a strip club. She worked at the Lollypop when they got busted. The Lollypop and Stargazers had a joint door connecting both clubs (one of the clubs served alcohol and the other did not). The Liquor Commission knew about the door, but did nothing. There were a lot of underage dancers in these clubs. Everyone knew when the Liquor Commission or undercover police officers were in the club. The Bouncers would flip a switch, which would turn on a red light or they would here a ding. Once this signal is sent, the underage girls would go to the back of the room. Some of the undercover officers were being paid off. The owner didn't care about a fine because the money could be made back real fast. Because of the loopholes in the law, the pimps and perpetrators are falling through the cracks (the audience applauded her testimony).
11) A resident questioned why these strip clubs, bars, and adult bookstores keep opening? He asked why this couldn't be stopped? Chair Breinich said the rights of the community are not being recognized. Weatherwax answered liquor licenses are renewed on an annual basis. Jennings read the section on renewals from the Liquor Commission rulebook.
12) Resident Roy Nakamura said he collected 176 signatures, more than 51 percent, from residents opposing the liquor license application for 818 Sheridan Street. Duane Pang, Corporation Counsel, said 51 percent does not apply to renewals, only to new applicants or transfers. The petition really doesn't do anything. A more effective alternative is for residents to testify in person. Jennings noted that residents did testify against Dong Baek, which was denied their application.
13) Nakamura said there were three incidents where women heard gunshots. They did not know where the gunshots were coming from. These types of bars attract organized crime, drugs, and gambling. A federal investigation needs to be conducted by an independent counsel.
14) Chair Breinich said when the Mayor was before the Board in June 2000, he stated that a task force would be formed to look into these liquor establishments. The task force would include HPD, City officials, Liquor Commission, and the Board. He asked the status of the task force? The Board hasn't received any response. Lee had no information. Weatherwax answered they did meet on one occasion. The meeting was a result of Dyane Sih's letter to the Mayor. Lee said the Board would be invited to the next meeting, along with community
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15) members. The Convention Center Business District will address the Board's concerns. He suggested the Board testify on Senate Bill 900, relating to liquor law amendments. Chair Breinich said the Board has already submitted testimony.
BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS) _ No report and no representative was available.
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION _ Bert Koide stated Spring Program is ongoing; 14-and-under basketball will end tomorrow, while 17-and-under basketball will begin on Monday, April 2, 2001.
COMMITTEE REPORTS AND KEY ORGANIZATIONS:
CHAIR'S REPORT _ Chair Breinich had no report.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE: Jennings had no report.
LAND DEVELOPMENT AND UTILIZATION _ Chair Breinich had no report.
Hawai'i Community Development Authority (HCDA) _ No report and no representative was available.
Victoria Ward _ Christine Ruotola said this is the first time she has seen the statistics on the number of violations and incidents on the various bars in the community. She will forward the statistics.
Concerns and comments followed: 1) In response to Jennings, Ruotola answered Exotic Nights is sub-leasing from Victoria Ward. 2) Jennings said a business at 610 Ward Avenue is applying for a liquor license.
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE - Kurtz said Meadow Gold has asked the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) to remove two parking spaces, makai of Elm Street, near Sheridan Street and have signs installed. Meadow Gold and McDonald's are in support of the proposal.
Kurtz moved and Hurst seconded that the Ala Moana/Kakaako Neighborhood Board No. 11 support the removal of two parking spaces on Elm Street. The motion carried unanimously. Kurtz will write a letter to the Department of Transportation Services (DTS).
Hurst said the Piikoi/Pensacola Streets reversal is in OMPO's Top 2025 budget. Kurtz stated it's in the budget, but it's very low priority.
LEGISLATIVE AND GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE _ No report.
HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE _ Hurst had no report.
PARKS AND WATERWAYS COMMITTEE - Morris stated: 1) He asked the Board to take a look at the booklet that members received titled “It Just Got Easier”, which was sent by Councilmember Bainum. 2) He has information on HECO's battle to install overhead lines on Wa'ahila Ridge.
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REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2001
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O'AHU METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (OMPO) CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
(CAC) _ Kurtz asked that the OMPO Top 2025 be added to next month's agenda.
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Governor's Representative - Rick Keller made available Governor's monthly report, at the sign- in table.
Senator Carol Fukunaga _ Judy Gold circulated Senator Fukunaga's monthly report. Copies of this report are available by calling 586-6890.
Senator Rod Tam _ Art Mori circulated Senator Tam's monthly report. Copies of this report are available by calling 586-6450.
Representative Terry Nui Yoshinaga _ No report and no representative was available.
Representative Ken Hiraki - No report and no representative was available.
Mayor's Representative _ Joe Magaldi had no report.
Council Chair Jon Yoshimura - Chris Ovitt circulated Council Chair Yoshimura's monthly report. Copies of this report are available by calling 527-5816.
Resident Doris Nakamura asked the status of a performance audit for the Liquor Commission. Ovitt will follow-up.
Councilmember Andy Mirikitani _ No report and no representative was available.
NEW BUSINESS:
Voyager Charter School on April's Agenda _ After confirming with Morris, Chair Breinich said Voyager Charter School will be on next month's agenda.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1) The next Ala Moana/Kakaako Neighborhood Board No. 11 meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 24, 2001, Makiki Christian Church, 7:00 p.m. 2) The Ala Moana/Kakaako Neighborhood Board No. 11 will recess in May.
Chair Breinich thanked Jennings, again, for her many years of service on the Board and to the community.
ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the Board adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Submitted by:
Steve:
Neighborhood Assistant
