Resolution 18-157 Early Testimony - Granicus

Resolution 18-157Early Testimony

MISC. COM. 368

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From: CLK Council InfoSent: Friday, July 20, 2018 10:37 AMSubject: Public Works, Infrastructure and Sustainability Speaker Registration/testimony

Speaker Registration/Testimony

Name Robert ReedPhone 271-7466Email justaskbobhawaii~hotmai1.comMeeting Date 07-25-20 18Council/PH Committee PublicWorksAgenda Item 3Your position on the matter SupportRepresenting SelfOrganizationDo you wish to speak at the hearing? YesWritten TestimonyTestimony AttachmentAccept Terms and Agreement 1

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From: CLK Council InfoSent: Friday, July 20, 2018 3:44 PMSubject: Public Works, Infrastructure and Sustainability Speaker Registration/testimony


Name Gary BarrPhone 8082956052Email elj @hawaiiantel.netMeeting Date 07-25-2018Council/PH Committee PublicWorksAgenda Item 3Your position on the matter SupportRepresenting SelfOrganizationDo you wish to speak at the hearing? NoWritten TestimonyTestimony AttachmentAccept Terms and Agreement 1

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From: CLK Council InfoSent: Friday, July 201 2018 3:46 PMSubject: Public Works, Infrastructure and Sustainability Speaker Registration/testimony


Name Owen HoPhone 8089556473Email elj @hawaiiantel.netMeeting Date 07-25-2018Council/PH Committee PublicWorksAgenda Item 3Your position on the matter SupportRepresenting SelfOrganizationDo you wish to speak at the hearing? NoWritten TestimonyTestimony AttachmentAccept Terms and Agreement 1

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From: CLK Council InfoSent: Friday, July 20, 2018 7:27 PMSubject: Public Works, Infrastructure and Sustainability Speaker Registration/testimony


Name Sheila P. LippoltPhone 808-277-2125Email sheilalippolt67~gmai1.com0Meeting Date 07-25-2018Council/PH

PublicWorksCommitteeAgenda Item Item 3Your position on

Opposethe matterRepresenting SelfOrganizationDo you wish tospeak at the Nohearing?

The Guide is making disability a focal point in whether a fire sprinkler system is mandatory.Certainly, this brings up questions regarding the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal todiscriminate in housing based on disability. That the guideline says this is for “safety”doesn’t change the fact that the guide is discriminating based on disability.

The Guide is attempting to make people with serious disabilities pay more for their housing,in the form of paying for a fire sprinkler system, which is a violation of the Fair HousingAct.

Written I suggest that you contact the Fair Housing Enforcement Program at the Legal Aid SocietyTestimony of Hawaii who can testif~’ upon request. I also suggest that you contact HUD.

I’m actually opposed to mandatory fire sprinklers since this cost will not be affordable formost apartment owiiers. It will also drive up rent for people renting in older, moreaffordable units. Although to you this is “safety” to me this is an action which will causemore homelessness.

Sheila P. Lippolt999 Wilder Avenue #403Honolulu, HI 96822

TestimonyAttachment

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From: CLK Council InfoSent: Saturday, July 211 2018 5:17 PMSubject: Public Works, Infrastructure and Sustainability Speaker Registration/testimony


Name Phillip M. ArnoldPhone 808-947-1458Email [email protected] Date 07-25-20 18Council/PH

Public WorksCommitteeAgenda Item #3 Resolution 18-157Your position on Supportthe matterRepresenting SelfOrganizationDo you wish tospeak at the Nohearing?

Jam puzzled as to how the HFD can just blatantly take it upon themselves to change theGUIDE(or the MATRIX) that was previously discussed and approved by the ResidentialFire Safety Advisory Committee(RFSAC) that resulted in Ordinance 18-14.

They basically are saying to the City Council and their constituents “the hell with you”, weare going to do what we want. HFD’s philosophy and bias was confirmed in articles inrecent Star Advertiser publications. These articles did not addanything new other than to reiterate to the public 4 deaths and major financial cost thatoccurred and with a strong emphasis on their philosophy of “if there were sprinklersinstalled” this all could have been avoided. Of course, at the same time no mention in thearticles of the HFD’s failure to:

T 1) discover cause of the fire just the locationWritten estimony 2) follow up follow on HFD’s recommendation to the Marco Polo Association on

improving their Fire Alarm system two years previously3) follow up on the ventilated doors that caused the fire to rapidly to two other floors4) failure to rescue one person on the upper floor for well over an hour + (she died in thehospital a few days later)5) have better coordination & communication amongst themselves on site in fire supportefforts of one of the worst high rise fire; e.g. where were the supervisors; why fire hosesappeared to have difficulty reaching the fireIt is clear that HFD’s aim is to have a very restrictive MATRIX so everyone will fail theevaluation and thus have to install sprinklers, and, to hell with the City Council’s view.

Please, I look to you to protect us from HFD’s abuse of POWER]

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From: CLK Council InfoSent: Sunday, July 22, 2018 11:00 AMSubject: Public Works, Infrastructure and Sustainability Speaker Registration/testimony


Name James DiGiambattistaPhone 8087392326Email barry835~yahoo.comMeeting Date 07-25-2018Council/PH

Public WorksCommitteeAgenda Item Resolution 18-157,Your position on Opposethe matterRepresenting SelfOrganizationDo you wish tospeak at the Nohearing?

Fires safety regulation should be treated with more stringency than resolution 18-157suggests. The ability of any resident to exit a building is cause for installing a sprinkler

Written Testimony . .system. The purpose of a condominium is to create a community that shares the costs ANDRISKS of housing.

TestimonyAttachmentAccept Terms and 1Agreement

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Jane PascualOwner Occupant of Nuuanu Brookside

55 S. Judd St., #1703Honolulu, HI 96817

Email: [email protected](808) 384-2322

TO: THE HONOLULU CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS,INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUSTAINABILITYVOTING MEMBERS:Carole Fukunaga, ChairJoey Manahan, Vice ChairBrandon J.C. ElefanteAnn H. KobayashiTrevor Ozawa

PUBLIC WRITTEN TESTIMONY ON:RESOLUTION 18-157 - GUIDANCE FOR USE OF THE BUILDING FIRE AND LIFE SAFETYEVALUATION WORKSI-IEET. Urging the Honolulu Fire Department to hold its guidance for useof the building fire and life safety evaluation worksheet pending public review.

SUBMITTING WRITTEN TESTIMONY to go before the:Committee on Public Works, Infrastructure and Sustainability Agenda Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Good afternoon Chair Fukunaga and Members of the Committee:

Jam submitting testimony as a concerned resident and owner of a unit in a Honolulu high-risecondominium project (Nuuanu Brookside). I am unable to personally attend the committee hearing onthis important topic; hence, this written testimony.

Firstly, I am concerned that the Honolulu Fire Department’s (“Fire Dept”) process might becircumventing the law, and allowing the Fire Dept to proceed, might be nullifying the intent of the law. Ifeel it is important for the Fire Dept to educate all interested parties of high-rise dwellings, beforecontinuing with its Scoring System, as I wouldn’t want the intent of a law to be nullified. As I understandit, the ultimate goal is the safety of high-rise building dwellers, particularly from fire.

I believe it is premature for the Fire Dept to forge ahead with its procedures, as there are still several high-rises being built (particularly in Kaka’ako/AIa Moana), and more to be built as land mass is limited onthis island; hence the need to build UP, instead of out.

It would be prudent for the fire department to explain its scoring system --which was supposed to be fairand objective according to the law---now appears to be penalizing buildings with older residents or thosewith medical ailments, leading to numeric scores mandating sprinklers. Many buildings testing thescoring system ended up with “have to install sprinkler’ scores, no matter what other mitigating optionsthey adopted.

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Surely, installing fire sprinklers is a very costly endeavor. Since these buildings are being mandated toprovide the sprinkler systems and weren’t given time to budget for this huge cost, there should at least bea partial (government) subsidy program, or public co-op program available so the cost is not soexorbitantly unbearable, especially for older buildings, housing many elders on fixed incomes.

I ask that Fire Dept scoring be halted for the time being, until ALL involved are fully educated onwhat/whether modifications need to be made to buildings, and that the Fire Dept explain the reasoningand need for each scoring factor initially implemented.

My assumption is that the “fair” sprinkler law was crafied to be fair to ALL involved. But now, it appearsthe resulting rating system is too heavily weighted to force sprinkler installation-- which is not the spiritor letter of the underlying law. The road ahead is not as clear as it appears.

Again, my testimony is to urge the Honolulu Fire Department to hold its guidance for use of thebuilding fire and life safety evaluation worksheet, pending public review.

Mahalo for your time and consideration of my testimony.

Sincerely,

(electronically submitted)

Jane PascualOwner/OccupantNuuanu Brookside55 S. Judd St., #1703Honolulu, HI 96817(808) 384-2322iane.pascualc2~hawaiiantel.net

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My name is Eric Johnson.

I would like to thank Council Member Fukunaga for shinning a light on the “NewUser Guide for the Evaluation Worksheet for High-Rise Buildings”.

I am in support of Resolution 18-157.

I agree that there needs to be a public review and discussion on all the pointspresented in Resolution 18-157.

The “New User Guide”, does not follow the original worksheet for Evaluation forHigh-Rise Residential Building, (Red Box examples), as determined and developedby the HFD and presented to the City Council and used as a guide for evaluationand testimony by the condominiums.

The intent of Bill 69 was to add common sense fire and safety measures to thebuildings, without putting owners out of their homes due to the huge financialassessment. In doing the quick math on the new User’s Guide Evaluation Matrix,very few if any condominiums would pass.

We look forward to testifying once we have time to do a full review of the “NewUser Guide” as it applies to the Evaluation Work Sheet. With only a quick glancewe see more issues that will need to be discussed.

Contact information:

Eric Johnson

2825 S. King St., #3201

Honolulu, HI 96826

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: 808-946-5372

From: JOAN SCANLAN [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2018 10:54 AMSubject: Fire Safety Resolution 18-157

I’m a condominium owner and I support Resolution 18-157 to hold guidance on Fire Safetychecklist. I have concerns about costs to individual condominium owners to comply with apassing score.

Joan Scanlan

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Monday, July 23, 2018 9:59 AMSubject: Re: FIRE SAFETY RESOLUTION 18-157/REQUEST FOR TESTIMONY

I am in favor of Resolution 18-157.Is the Fire Department setting up condos to fail? I appreciate its concern for everyone’ssafety. So, why didn’t the Fire Department call for sprinklers in single family homes after acouple died in their home fire earlier this year? Maybe, the Fire Department could alsomandate a cat or dog in each unit to alert residents as happened recently in two fires. I’d likethe Fire Department to spend more effort telling us how all the fires started and how they couldbe prevented. I could live with an inspection of my unit each year checking wiring or safetyhazards.

Pat Paterson2825 S. King St.#904Honolulu, HI

Joanne Ninomiya, Owner in Nuuanu Brookside

55 S. Judd St. #1210 Honolulu, HI 96817

Email: [email protected]

TO: THE HONOLULU CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ONPUBLIC WORKS, INFRASTRUCTURE ANDSUSTAINABILITY VOTING MEMBERS: Carole Fukunaga,Chair, Joey Manahan, Vice Chair, Brandon J.C. Elefante, Ann H.Kobayashi, Trevor Ozawa

PUBLIC WRITTEN TESTIMONY ON:RESOLUTION 18-157 - GUIDANCE FOR USE OF THE BUILDING FIRE ANDLIFE SAFETY EVALUATION WORKSHEET. Urging theHonolulu Fire Department to hold its guidance for use of thebuilding fire and life safety evaluation worksheet pending publicreview.

SUBMITTING WRITTEN TESTIMONY to go before theCommittee on Public Works, Infrastructure and SustainabilityAgenda Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Dear Councilmember Fukunaga and Committee Members:

The proposed scoring system by the Fire Department, is not fairand objective. It will penalize buildings with older residents andthose with health problems, which will lead to mandatingsprinklers. Nuuanu Brookside Condominium is taking measures tobe vigilant about detecting fires, and enhancing fireproofing in thebuilding.

The Fire Dept scoring should be halted until all condo owners areeducated on building modifications.

Joanne Ninomiya, Condo Owner Zip Code 96817

TESTIMONY BEFORE THE CITY COUNCILCOMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS, INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUSTAINABILITY

RELATED TO RESOLUTION 18-157

July 25, 2018

I am Jim Morrow, president of the Pacificana Atlas Residential owners association. We wish toexpress our strong SUPPORT for Resolution 18-157.

The Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) User’s Guide purports to have been developed by theResidential Fire Safety Advisory Committee (RFSAC), but the Guide appears to provideinterpretations of Evaluation Worksheet requirements that were specifically considered ordeveloped by the RFSAC. These interpretations amount to substantive changes to the evaluationprocess and thus violate the provisions of Ordinance 18-14 which require Council approval ofsuch changes.

The HFD’s Guide should in fact be identified as an initial draft document and subjected tothorough review by the Council, the RFSAC, affected parties, and the general public beforebeing designated as the final guidance document.

Thank you for this opportunity to comment on this important resolution.

James W. Morrow, DrPHPresidentAOAO Pacificana Atlas Residential(808) 942-9096jwmorrow~att.net

AOAO Pacificana Atlas Residential 7/25/18

From: CLK Council InfoSent: Monday, July 23, 2018 8:54 PMSubject: Public Works, Infrastructure and Sustainability Speaker Registration/testimonyAttachments: 20180723205428_Resolution_i 81 57_Testimony_7_25_i 8.docx


Name Theodore SakaiPhone 8087223111Email [email protected] Date 07-25-20 18Council/PH Committee PublicWorksAgenda Item Resolution 18-157Your position on the matter SupportRepresenting OrganizationOrganizationDo you wish to speak at the hearing? YesWritten TestimonyTestimony Attachment 20180723205428_Resolution_i 81 57_Testimony_7_25_l 8.docxAccept Terms and Agreement 1

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Association of Apartment Owners999 Wilder Avenue Condominium Project

July 25, 2018

To: Council Member Carol Fukunaga, ChairCommittee on Public Works, Infrastructure and Sustainability

From: Sheila Lippolt, PresidentAssociation of Apartment Owners, 999 Wilder Avenue

Subject: Resolution No. 18-157. Urging the Honolulu Fire Department to Hold It’sGuidance for Use of the Building and Life Safety Evaluation Worksheet Pending Public Review

The Board of Directors of the AOAO of 999 Wilder Avenue strongly supports Resolution 18-157.

999 Wilder Avenue is a 17 story condominium building with 82 living units. Our building isabout 87% owner occupied. The building was constructed in 1966, before some of the currentfire and life safety ordinances were adopted. We take fire safety very seriously and are fullyaware of the need for systems that protect our residents, staff, and guests. Over the years, wehave taken affirmative steps to implement improvements that enhance the safety from fire forour residents, guests, staff, and firefighters. We had serious concerns with the proposed Billthat would have mandated fully automated fire sprinklers in all existing high rises. The cost ofautomatic sprinklers would be prohibitive for our relatively small association. We havedeveloped a careful maintenance schedule to address the significant issues that face our 50+year old building. This includes the financing of needed repairs and replacement of majorsystems. We recently financed a $3.6 million total replacement of the waste lines in ourbuilding and make a monthly payment of over $18,000.

Therefore, we fully supported an amended version of Bill 69, which was eventually enacted asOrdinance 18-14. This new ordinance would allow a building to “opt out” of automaticsprinklers if it receives a passing score on the building and life safety evaluation through theimplementation of alternative fire prevention and life safety systems. This would enhance thelevel of protection for our building at a cost that may be within reach of our residents.

We understand that the Honolulu Fire Department has recently published an “EvaluationWorksheet for High Rise Residential Buildings User’s Guide”. This Guide will assist designprofessionals in conducting building fire and life safety evaluation. We understand that theGuide may contain requirements and interpretations that are more onerous than intended. Ifso, we are concerned that we may eventually be required to install costly, unaffordableimprovements, such as automatic fire sprinklers, that may not be necessary. We thereforesupport Resolution 18-157, so that the people who have the most at stake — residents, guestsand employees of high -rise buildings — can provide input.

Sheila Lippolt, President

From: CLK Council InfoSent: Tuesday, July 24, 2018 12:35 AMSubject: Public Works, Infrastructure and Sustainability Speaker Registration/testimony


Name Carl TakamuraPhone 808-395-2275Email [email protected] Date 07-25-2018Council/PH

PublicWorksCommitteeAgenda Item 3Your position on

Supportthe matterRepresenting OrganizationOrganization Parkland Gardens AOAO Board of DirectorsDo you wish tospeak at the Nohearing?

The Parkland Gardens AOAO Board of Directors supports Resolution 18-157. On an issueas important as this, we feel that it is both appropriate and necessary for the public to be

Written able to be informed and be able to provide input before it is finallzed. Parkiand Gardens isTestimony one of the many buildings affected by Ordinance 18-14 and we would like to be able to

better understand and consider the impacts, both intended and unintended, of the proposedGuidance.

TestimonyAttachmentAccept Terms and 1Agreement

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From: Lani Borton [email protected]>Sent: Monday, July 23, 2018 10:01 PMSubject: RE: FIRE SAFETY RESOLUTION 18-157/REQUEST FOR TESTIMONY

Honolulu City Councilmembers,

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review the proposal. I agree that HFD should holdoff on enacting this proposal until more public review. The section that alarms me the most iswhere a single resident who is “not movable” will affect the entire building assessment as “notmovable”. That is indeed a hardship on all residents. It raises the possibility of discriminatingresidents based on their physical capabilities or underreporting such residents merely to avoidan accurate assessment. What does HFD propose to do? Physically meet to assess each personor put the onus on the Board and Resident Manager to determine such? This needs furtherthought and consideration and I support a review of Resolution 18-157.

Lani Borton, PresidentMakiki Royal AOAO

From: Carol Imal [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Monday, July 23, 2018 10:49 PMSubject: Re: FIRE SAFETY RESOLUTION 18-157

Honolulu City Councilmembers,

I live at Kapiolani Manor, 1655 Makaloa Street. One of the buildings targeted for thenew rules. While I understand and appreciate the HFD’s desire to protect the public, Ialso feel that those of us who live in the targeted buildings are being unfairlytargeted. There are many more homes burned than apartments. And then to add the ‘notmovable” requirement only for the targeted buildings is totally unfair. We do not andcannot discriminate as to who can live in the buildings and yet we will be forced to benegatively impacted by having even one such person living in the building. Those of uswho live in the targeted buildings do so because currently this is what we can afford. Ifwe could all afford top of the line super safe apartments we would be living in those. Butthe reality is we live where we can afford and try to make it as safe as possible withinreason and within affordable constraints. Not all of us can afford a Rolls Royce so webuy an affordable older used cars and try to keep them as safe as possible within ourmeans.

We already face costs to install sprinlders in the common areas as well as our ownapartments. To be unfairly designated as a “not movable” building makes it evenworse. Who would choose to purchase an apartment in a building so designated? Whatabout our insurance rates? And even if so designated, does it make the building any saferthan it is now? Even in buildings with sprinklers, would a person who is “not movable”truly survive? While I agree to save a life from fire is important, if we cannot afford tolive here and now, there is no life for us. Honolulu already faces such a shortage ofaffordable housing. Why are the powers trying to make it even more difficult to haveaffordable housing? I truly hope that this portion of the new rules is not included andlornot passed. I suppOrt Resolution 18-157.

Carol Imai

From: CLK Council InfoSent: Tuesday, July 24, 2018 11:05AMSubject: Council/Public Hearing Speaker Registration/Testimony

Speaker RegistrationlTestimonyName Michele K. MasterfanoPhone 610-613-6684Email [email protected] Date 07-25-2018Council/PH CouncilCommitteeAgenda Item Resolution 18-1 57Your position on Commentthe matterRepresenting SelfOrganizationDo you wish tospeak at the Nohearing?

There could be someone who is temporarily not movable, such as myneighbor, who currently has metastatic lung cancer. He is currentlyambulatory, but given his prognosis, he could be in a not-movablecondition at some point. What if our fire safety review happens during

Written his final period of life? It is a sad time to contemplate, and will soundTestimony cold-hearted to bring up, but our building will most likely not be the

only one that will face a situation such as this. There must be severaldifferent circumstances under which a person is only briefly notmovable and thus will penalize an entire building for somethingbeyond the control of themselves and their neighbors.

TestimonyAttachmentAccept Terms 1and Agreement

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From: Rebecca Nadler [mailto:[email protected]: Friday, July 20, 2018 2:18 PMcc: ContessaSubject: Support for Resolution 18-157

Dear Ms. Fukunaga,

I am absolutely in favor of Resolution 18-157.

I am amazed and appalled that the Honolulu Fire Department believes that it is acceptable toestablish new conditions that violate the provision of Ordinance18-14 prohibiting changes or modifications form without Council approval. Perhaps the lawdoes not apply to them. Absolutely stunning and disgustinu behavior.

Sorry to end on a bad note but this is unbelievable.

Sent from my iPAD,

Aloha, Rebecca Nadler2825 S King St Apt 2703Honolulu, HI. 96826-3 535Contessa Owner

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Friday, July 20, 2018 4:20 PMSubject: Resolution 18-157

To Council member Carol Fukunaga

I am in favor of Resolution 18-157, Thank You

SincerelySteven Wallschlaeger2825 South King St. #3401Honolulu, Hawaii 96826“The Contessa”

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Friday, July 20, 2018 4:46 PMSubject: ** SPAM ** Yes to Resolution 18-157

Dear Councilwoman Fukunaga,

Please vote in favor of Resolution 18-157. We need affordable alternatives to losing ourcondo.

Sincerely,

Fenner-Marie Shupe

The Contessa

From: C K [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Friday, July 20, 2018 6:17 PMcc: [email protected]: ** SPAM ** Re: ‘YOU ARE IN FAVOR OF Resolution 18-157”

To Carol Fukunaga

As requested, we are resending our last testimony. We would like to add that in addition to theconsiderable cost, we also do not want this due to the invasive work that would need to be doneto install the sprinklers. In addition, as we do not have anyone we could stay with withoutimposing a hardship/great inconvenience, fUrther expenditure would have to be spent onaccommodations. Also, we feel this is a knee-jerk response to what, statistically, is a situationunlikely to happen and are willing to take our chances on the slim chance of being in such asituation.

From: Jose Gonzalez [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2018 7:34 AMSubject: Resolution 18-157

To Whom It May Concern:I strongly support the implementation of resolution 18-157.

Furthermore it does no good to allow the “all eggs in one basket”expedition, Bill 69 CD2, FD2, Mandated Sprinklers forCondominiums.New guidelines from HFD. The design of this action is designed tounfairly expunge any sincere and integral compliance in regard to fireprevention and safety in condominiums. In short this is an attempt toexpunge credible compliance, record, and improvement of fire safetywhich has made the criteria of previous requests moot.In short the actions of HFD make their new motion an attempt to haveany efforts of compliance and record designed to fail simply becausethey want to change criteria mid stream to benefit their sole entityregardless of solution, compliance and improvements to fire safety onthe behalf of legitimate condominiums, owners and associations.

Each case has its own engineered design and build to deal withfire safety. The efforts of credible parties and well built structuresshould not be undermined, ignored or deemed inadequate bycircumventing the efforts, record and compliance of condominiumssimply by changing language to benefit the“All eggs in one basket theory.

Please support Resolution 18-157. Thank youAttn: Carol Fukunaga

Sincerely,Jose S.K. Gonzalez

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2018 8:16 AMcc: ContessaSubject: Resolution 18-157

I, MARGARET CANON IGO, AM IN FAVOR OF RESOLUTION 18-157.

The Council of the City and County of Honolulu should urge the Honolulu Fire Department towithhold it’s guidance for use of the building fire and life safety evaluation worksheet pendingpublic review. This guidance should be reviewed by the Council, affected individuals andorganizations, and the public at large so that they can be given the opportunity to scrutinizeand provide input on the “Evaluation Worksheet for High-Rise Residential Buildings User’sGuide”.

Respectfully,Margaret Canonigo2825 S. King St., Apt. 3601Honolulu, HI 96826808-941-7351

From: Nicholas Wong [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2018 8:24 AMcc: [email protected]: Resolution 18-157 - IN FAVOR

Council Member Fukunaga:

We are IN FAVOR of Resolution 18-157.

The new guidelines are different and do not reflect what was testified to in review of Bill 69.

Sincerely,

Victoria and Nicholas Wong

From: Tom Sheeran [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2018 10:09 AMTo: Fukunaga, Carol Acc: [email protected]: In Favor of Resolution 18-157


I strongly support your Resolution 18-157.

I have attached my letter of support.

MahaloTom SheeranMo’ il i’ i Ii

Thomas Sheeran2825 South King Street • Apartment 303 • Honolulu, HI 96826 • 808.951.5002

Councilmember Carol FukunagaHonolulu HaleHonolulu, HI

21 July2018

Re: IN FAVOR of Resolution 18-157

Dear Councilmember Fukunaga,

lam strongly in favor of your Resolution 18-157 that:

• The Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) guidance for the fire and safety evaluation worksheet should undergopublic review before being put into practice, and that

• The HFD hold its guidance pending that public review, and that

• The resulting review should be undertaken by the Council and affected individuals, organizations, and thepublic at large.

Mahalo

Tom Sheeranrvlo’ili’ili

From: Karl R. Dye [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2018 10:45 AMSubject: Resolution 18-157

I AM IN FAVOR OF Resolution 18-157.

This is typical of the Honolulu inept fire department to change the guidelines after the fact.The idea that a single resident determined to be “not movable” means the whole building must bedetermined “not movable”is ludicrous. If the fire chief decides not to attend a 7 alarm fire, does that mean the whole firedepartment should not attend?The fire department could have an exercise like “RIMPAC”. They could practice running up stairs andrescuing people, carrying their gear and actually putting out a fire in a timely manor in under 4 hours.Last but not least - the fire department does not have any faith in property managers and apartmentowners. Why should we have any faith in them after the remarks made by the fire chief following theMarco Polo fire?

Karl R Dye28255. King St. Apt 2402Honolulu, HI 96826Owner and Occupant

From: Ronald Lynch [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2018 4:38 PMcc: [email protected]: I am in favor of Resolution 18-157

July 21, 2018

Dear Council Member Fukunaga,

I am in favor of resolution 18-157.

It is unfair for the Honolulu Fire Department to unilaterally alter the evaluation process via theevaluation worksheet guide after the public review.

Moreover, the guide considers occupant mobility as one of the parameters. This could pressure high-riseresidences to attempt to bar people with mobility issues or people most likely to have mobility issues inthe future (such as, the elderly) from occupying units in the building so as to achieve or maintain apositive evaluation. This is both legally and morally objectionable. The evaluation should not be basedon the age, physical ability, or mental capacity of the occupants.

Indeed the instructions for Table 1 recognizes that the fuel characteristics and arrangement of furniture,equipment, and supplies should not be included as parameters in a safety evaluation because they canvary with time. Since the mobility and similar characteristics of the occupants can also vary with time,they should also be excluded as a parameter for safety evaluation.

Further, if the evaluation is so heavily stacked against high rise projects which lack sprinkler systems thatfew, if any, can pass, then the underlying concept of the compromise solution allowing projects to ‘opt

out’ is fraudulent and the evaluation should be scrapped in favor of an all-voluntary arrangement.

Thank you for your consideration,

Ronald A. Lynch2825 S. King St., Apartment #602Honolulu, HI 96826Email: [email protected].: 808-946-6928

From: Patricia Polansky [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2018 11:49 AMcc: ChuckSubject: For Carol Fukunaga: Resolution 18-157

Dear Council Member Carol Fukunaga,First, let me say that I am strongly in support of Resolution 18-157.Second, I am extremely disappointed that the Honolulu Fire Department has become a law unto

themselves. The Matrix was approved by the Residential Fire Safety Advisory Committee, and resultedin Ordinance 18-14. Now HFD wants to override it?

Third, there are still many questions about the Marco Polo fire. From what I have heard fromresidents who live there and in various newspaper articles, it seems to me that HFD has a lot to answerfor--primarily passing the building for many years in their inspections.

Fourth, I think what was learned from the work done in getting Ordinance18-14 passed is that sprinklers are not the only answer to a safe building. There are many factors thatgo into this. Eric Johnson, the President of our Board, the board, and our management company areVERY pro-active and have taken many steps already to make us safe.

As I wrote last time...the idea of having a sprinkler project forced on us with the heavy costsassociated with that....wiIl insure that as an elderly person just near retirement, that I will not be able tostay in my home.

Aloha, Patricia PolanskyThe Contessa, 2825 So. King St. #1701, Honolulu 96826

From: Hélène DAVIS [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2018 3:58 PMCc: [email protected]: Resolution 18-157

Dear Council member Fukunaga,

This is to let you know that I am in favor of Resolution 18-157 introduced on July 19, 2018.

Thank you for your support.

Aloha,

Hélène Davis2825 5. King Street #903Honolulu, Hi 96826

From: Lynn T [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2018 5:25 PMcc: [email protected]: I am in favor of Resolution 18-157

Dear Councilwoman Fukunaga:

Public review is needed for the new guidelines issued by the Honolulu Fire Departmentfor the Evaluation Work Sheet for High-Rise Residential buildings.The new guidelines are not what we testified to during the review of Bill 69. I am infavor of Resolution 18-157.

Mahalo,Lynn TeruyaThe Contessa2825 S. King Street, #2403

From: Allexander Inmagna [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2018 8:39 PMSubject: Resolution 18-157

Carol Fukunaga. I agree, Richard Allen.

From: Daniel Allen [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2018 8:55 PMSubject: ** SPAM ~‘ Resolution 18-157

I’m a resident of The Contessa and I’m in favor of Resolution 18-157.

From: [email protected] [mailto:marle-bone@hawaiianteLnetjSent: Sunday, July 22, 2018 9:29 PMcc: Contessa; Vuki YamaSubject: In support of Resolution 18-157

Council Member Carol Fukunaga:

I am strongly in favor of resolution 18-1 57 which would urge the Honolulu FireDepartment to hold its guidance for use of the building Fire and Safety EvaluationWorksheet pending public review.

It appears the HFD is attempting to force all condominiums to install sprinklersthroughout their buildings in opposition to previously agreed guides. These guidesrequired fire and safety evaluations at 3 and 6-year intervals to determine that fire safetymeasures earned a passing score based on criteria agreed to during recent publichearings and resolutions.

These new HFD guidelines are so restrictive that it appears the obvious intended resultis that no building can pass the evaluations and all would therefore be required to installsprinklers throughout the buildings.

Rather than apply judgement based on conditions of a particular building, the one sizefits all approach is short sighted and does not take into consideration the majordifferences in buildings in the county. E.g., in the case of the sad event at the MarcoPolo, it appears there were many dry-wall interior room dividers which contributed tofueling the fire. On the other hand, in our building, most of the interior walls are solidconcrete which would reduce the probability of a fire spreading from unit to unit. Inaddition, we have already increased the number of fire extinguishers and smokedetectors required for each unit, a major first line of defense for a fire in our type ofbuilding. In addition, requirements for such fillings as draperies and carpets to be fireresistant also add to the fire safety protections in our building.

I can respect the HFD’s desire to reduce the physical danger to residents as well as firefighters. However, the financial danger to condominium residents must also beconsidered. Our management has evaluated the costs to retrofit our building and findthe numbers are far in excess of what was presented in previous hearings on the needfor 100% retrofit of buildings. Causing huge assessments to residents for sprinklersystems in cases where there is already reasonable protection from fire needlessly putsthe financial health of residents at risk. Honolulu does not need to increase itshomeless population because many residents could not afford huge assessments forsprinkler installation.

The HFD must be required to provide an explanation of its reasoning with regard to theguidance that was initially published on its website and public review must determine if

I

there are issues which must and should be resolved before the new guidelines are usedas a part of the building fire and life safety evaluation process.

I request that all City Council members support Resolution 18-157.

Sincerely,

Ida M. Holtsinger2825 S. King Street, #702Honolulu, HI 96826

2

From: Chizuko Allen [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2018 9:45 PMSubject: Resolution 18-157


How are you? I’d like to let you know that I am in favor of Resolution 18-157.

I strongly believe as a condominium owner that the Honolulu Fire Department’s new guidelinesmust be very carefully reviewed first. Thank you for your assistance.

Chizuko Allena “Contessa” (2825 S King St) unit owner/resident

From: CAROLYN HIROKO NAKACAWA [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Monday, July 23, 2018 8:06 AMcc: [email protected]: Resolution 18-157

To: Councilmember Carol Fukunaga

From: Carolyn Nakagawa, The Contessa, 2825 South King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii

I AM IN FAVOR OF RESOLUTION 18-157

Sent from Windows Mail

From: Darryl Choy [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Monday, July 23, 2018 9:39 AMcc: [email protected]: Resolution 18-157

Council member Carol Fukunaga,

I am an owner of unit 1504 at the Contessa on 28258 King St and this is to inform you that I am infavor of Resolution 18-1 57.

Mahalo,

darryl choy

From: Hitomi Nihei [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Monday, July 23, 2018 11:22 AMcc: contessa0lSubject: The review of Bill 69


My name is Hitomi Nihei, the owner and resident in the Contessa condominium at 2825 SouthKing Street Honolulu Hawaii 96826.

I would like to express that I am in Favor of Resolution 18-157.

I do not support the new guidelines which are different and not what we testified to during thereview of Bill 69.

Please take it into your consideration.

Thank you

Sincerely,

Hitomi NiheiThe resident! ownerThe Contessa2825 5. King St. Apt. 2504Honolulu HI 96826-3535Mobil Phone: (808) 223-2474Email: drhitominihei~gmail.com

Hitomi Nihci, Psy.D LLCClinical PsychologistPhone: (808) 223-2474(In case of emergency, please call 911)

From: Phillip Ogata [mailto:[email protected]: Monday, July 23, 2018 12:44 PMcc: The ContessaSubject: In Favor of Resolution 18-157


I am a resident/owner at The Contessa Condominium located at 2825 South King Street, Honolulu HI96826.

I’m writing to state that I’m in favor of Resolution 18-157, urging the Honolulu Fire Department to holdits guidance for use of the Building Fire and Life Safety Evaluation Worksheet, pending public review.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration in this matter.

Sincerely,

Phillip J. OgataThe Contessa Condominium2825 South King Street, #604Honolulu, HI 96826

DATE: July 23, 2018

TO: Councilmember Fukunaga

FROM: Leslie Johnson

RE: BILL 69

I am whole-heartedly in favor of Resolution 18-157.

Thank you,

£~~Leslie Johnson, Owner

2825 S. King St. #3201

Honolulu, HI 96826

(808)375-8248 cell

[email protected]

cc: Contessa

(contessa)

From: mraloha777 [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Monday, July 23, 2018 6:51 PMcc: CONTESSA, JIM SAWYER, MGRSubject: RESOLUTION 18-157

Council Member Carol FukunagaCity CouncilCity and County of Honolulu

Dear Council Member Carol Fukunaga,

My wife and I are STRONGLY IN FAVOR OF RESOLUTION 18-157. The HFD shouldNOT be able to unilaterally make such drastic modifications to the building fire and lifesafety evaluation form.

A very concerned resident (over 40 years) of the Contessa condominium. The Contessacondominium owners are doing our utmost to protect our hard-earned home ownership withoutbecoming financially strapped.

While my wife and I greatly appreciate the life-saving efforts of the HFD, they should also giveequal weight to the financial impact to the owners (ESPECIALLY TOWARDS THE RETIRED,SENIOR RESIDENT-OWNERS). Will you be able to sleep in peace knowing that a life-changing financial impact will likely occur if installation of automatic fire sprinklers ismandated? We are on a fixed income and dread the thought of having to sell our unit at ourbeloved Contessa Condominium (LIKELY BELOW MARKET VALUE). There are manyContessa resident-owners in the same financial situation. We will likely have to move to anotherstate where real estate prices are less expensive. Some may not be able to do that.

Mahalo for your favorable consideration,

Allan Kuwahara (75 year-old, C & C of Honolulu retiree)Myong Chon (Wife)Resident-owners of Contessa Unit 1402

Sent from my Galaxy Tab® A

From: Chris Chun [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Tuesday, July 24, 2018 11:53 AMcc: [email protected]: Resolution 18-157

To Councilwoman Carol Fukunaga,

I am in favor of Resolution 18-157.

Christine ChunContessa Condominium2825 S. King Street, #3103Honolulu, Hawaii 96826

Sent from my iphone

Resolution 18-157 Early Testimony - Granicus

Documents

Transcript of Resolution 18-157 Early Testimony - Granicus