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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-05-31 Transportation Commission County of Hawaii Agenda May 31, 2016 CALL TO ORDER Corporation Counsel, William Brilhante called the meeting to order at 10:02 a.m. ROLL CALL Present: Amy Bircher, Wendy Davis, Alton Nosaka, Kris Hoke, Radford Hirai, Michael Akau Absent: Ken Obenski (10:45 present) William Brilhante, Corporation Counsel Tiffany Kai, Mass Transit Administrator Sari Kogasaka Cantor, Transit Assistant APPROVAL OF AGENDA Corporation Counsel, William Brilhante, moved to change the order of agenda items. Election of Officers changed to item 3, Approval of Agenda item 4, Approval of minutes, item 5. Commissioner Bircher moved that agenda be changed, seconded the motion by Michael Akau, and it carried unanimously. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN Commissioner Akau nominated Commissioner Nosaka for Chairman, seconded by Commissioner Hoke. Roll call. 6 ayes, 1 absent. Chairman Alton Nosaka accepts. Chairman Nosaka opened nominations for Vice Chairman. Commissioner Akau nominated Comm. Hoke, seconded by Comm. Bircher. Roll call. 6 ayes, 1 absent. Commissioner Hoke accepts. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 12, 2015 MINUTES Commissioner Akau moved to approve the minutes, Commissioner Kris Hoke seconded the motion, no discussion, and it carried unanimously. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS: Jon Olsen, Former Commissioner, Pahoa: Welcomed the new commissioners. Mentioned that no copies of the agenda were available. Also stated that Public Statements should have been done prior to the Elections of Officers to allow the public to voice their opinion. Addressed Mass Transit and the planning process. Felt that the agency needed to be informed of the population growth and the increased ridership, especially in the Puna district. Neal Herbert, Former Commissioner. Welcomed the new commissioners. Did not receive minutes with the amendments. Will email him the amended minutes for the February meeting. Stated that the Adhoc Committee was not listed on the agenda. Voiced his concern regarding the viability of the Transportation Commission, urged the new commissioners to look carefully at how process is done. Not all items discussed at previous meeting is on this agenda. Daniel Brouillette, Kurtistown. Concerns referring to the Taxi’s and resolution to the parking at the Farmers Market. Limited parking and the taxi companies are there soliciting rides from public. Farmers Market provides free transportation, feels there is a conflict with regards to the taxi’s being there. Feels the taxi’s should be moved to across the street, and parking to be identified “for taxi”. Police have been called on several occasions when confrontations get out of hand due to the limited parking space. Corp. Counsel, William Brilhante, asked if Mr. Brouillette would remain, as this item is on the agenda and would like for him to be available to answer any additional questions that may arise. Mr. Brouilette agreed. Chairman Nosaka made a motion to close the Public statement section, as seeing no further individuals who wanted to speak, Comm. Bircher second motion. 6 ayes. Closed. VI. New Business A. Review taxicab application for NEW Certificate of Public Convenience & Necessity to operate in the County of Hawaii. Ace 1 Taxi LLC dba Ace 1 Taxi 415 Olu Street Hilo HI 96720 CH520 521 522 (3) + 2 additional. Comm. Hirai moved to approve the applications, Comm. Bircher seconded the motion. Applications approved. 6 ayes Herminigildo & Estrelita Rafol dba Estee Taxi 73-4356 Lula Street Kailua Kona HI 96740 CH 523 550 (2) Comm. Bircher moved to approve the applications, Comm. Hirai seconded the motion. Applications approved. 6 ayes Rakuen Taxi LLC DBA Nice Taxi PO Box 1198 Kamuela HI 96743 (1) Comm. Bircher moved to approve the application, Comm. Hoke seconded the motion. Application approved. 6 ayes Venice M. Martinez dba Venice Taxi 1408 Kuulei Street Hilo HI 96720 CH524 (1) Comm. Akau moved to approve the application, Comm. Hirai seconded the motion. Application approved. 6 ayes Christopher Leimbach dba CJays Taxi 81-1061 Captain Cook Road Capt Cook HI 96704 CH 525 (1) Comm. Bircher moved to approve the application, Comm. Hirai seconded the motion. Application approved. 6 ayes Jewel I Carvalho DBA Ilima’s Taxi & Tours LLC PO Box 2234 Kailua Kona HI 96745 CH 526 (1) Comm. Hoke moved to approve the application, Comm. Hirai seconded the motion. Application approved. 6 ayes Jeri K. Wells DBA Auntie Jeri Taxi 73-4260 Kauwila Street Kailua Kona HI 96740 CH 527 (1) Applicant not present. Applicant requested that application be withdrawn as she had an accident and is unable to secure a vehicle at this time. Letter on file. Application withdrawn. Jelsa Isidro DBA Hawaii Taxi PO Box 207 Kailua Kona HI 96745 CH 528 531 532 544 (4) Comm. Hirai moved to approve the applications, Comm. Hoke seconded the motion. Applications approved. 6 ayes Artemio Miranda DBA Armi Taxi 74-5157 Hokulii Pl Kailua Kona HI 96740 CH 529 (1) Comm. Akau moved to approve the application, Comm. Hirai seconded the motion. Application approved. 6 ayes Victor Quiros DBA A1 Taxi PO Box 37-7505 Ocean View HI 96737 CH 530 (1) Not present. Rescheduled to #33 on the agenda. Applicant was reached by phone-traveling in from Ocean View. Amador Cabudol DBA A’s Taxi PO Box 906 Kailua Kona HI 96745 CH 534 (1) Comm. Akau moved to approve the application, Comm. Hirai seconded. Applicant was asked to explain speeding tickets, and if this was while operating a taxicab. Per applicant, not while operating a taxicab and per traffic abstract, no further moving violations since 2009. Application approved. 6 ayes Johnny & Weixia Ye Yu DBA WJJ Taxi & Tours 48 Leihala Drive Hilo HI 96720 CH 535 (1), Ownership change CH 416 Comm. Nosaka moved to approve the application, Comm. Hoke seconded. Application and ownership change approved. 6 ayes Reynaldo T. Batalla DBA Fil-Am Taxi PO Box 885 Honokaa HI 96727 CH 536 (1) Comm. Bircher moved to approve the application, Comm. Hoke seconded. Discussion: Comm. Davis asked applicant to explain the DUI charges. These were prior to driving or owning a taxi. Application approved. 6 ayes Ken Johnson DBA And Taxi 77-6525 Seaview Circle Kailua Kona HI 96740 CH 537 (1) Comm. Hoke moved to approve the application, Comm. Bircher seconded. Application approved. 6 ayes Mary Kelly Williams and Ian Work DBA World’s Coolest Cab PO Box 564 Captain Cook HI 96704 CH 538 (1) Comm. Bircher moved to approve the application, Comm. Hoke seconded. Application approved. 6 ayes Albrecht Pfizenmaier DBA Marek’s Taxi & Tours PO Box 385413 Waikoloa HI 96738 CH 539 (1) Comm. Akau moved to approve the application, Comm. Hirai seconded. Application approved. 6 ayes Elsa Sampson DBA Levi Taxi 68-3519 E. Makuahine St Waikoloa HI 96738 CH 540 (1) Comm. Akau moved to approve the application, Comm. Hirai seconded. Application approved. 6 ayes Patricia Mayfield DBA Big Island Express 73-4411 Kakahiaka #4204 Kailua Kona HI 96740 CH 541 (1) Comm. Hirai moved to approve the application, Comm. Hoke seconded. Application approved. 6 ayes Emielyn Romolor DBA Jedae Taxi PO Box 1332 Kailua Kona HI 96745 CH 542 (1) Comm. Akau moved to approve the application, Comm. Hirai seconded. Application approved. 6 ayes Larry Domingo DBA Loren’s Taxi & Tours PO BOX 4593 Hilo HI 96720 CH 543 (1) Comm. Bircher moved to approve the application, Comm. Hirai seconded. Application approved. 6 ayes Randy Lucero DBA R & L Taxi PO Box 6698 Kamuela HI 96743 CH545 546 547 (3) Comm. Hirai moved to approve the applications, Comm. Akau seconded. Applications approved. 6 ayes Mario Labiano DBA Daniels Taxi PO Box 385 Keaau HI 96749 CH 548 (1) Comm. Akua moved to approve the application, Comm. Bircher seconded. Application approved. 6 ayes Kona Taxi LLC DBA Kona Taxicab PO Box 4704 Kailua Kona HI 96745 CH 549 (1) Comm. Hirai moved to approve the application, Comm. Akau seconded. Application approved. 6 ayes Robert Portus DBA Cruz’n Taxi PO Box 4999 Kailua Kona HI 96745 (2) Not present, unable to reach applicant, therefore Chairman Nosaka moved to place Mr. Portus at the bottom of section. Comm. Bircher seconded. Robert John Battersby DBA Robert’s Taxi PO Box 2233 Kailua Kona HI 96745 (1) Comm. Akau moved to approve the application, Comm. Bircher seconded. Discussion: Applicant request that he be able to place vinyl siding on his taxi with “Kona Taxicab” Unable to use that name as another active taxi is currently using that name, taxi’s can advertise only their name-this assists the public to identify taxi. Applicant also stated that his vehicle will be changed. Due to significant changes on the application, applicant is requested to withdraw application, and make any changes, then add to next Transp. Comm. Meeting. Mary Jo Victorino & Roylin Kunishige Jr. DBA Kwiki Taxi LLC 159 Kalanikoa St Unit 110 Hilo HI 96720 (3) Comm. Hirai moved to approve the applications, Comm. Hoke seconded. Applications approved. 7 ayes Maile Madrona DBA Hello Kitti Taxi & Tours 248 Hoomalu St Hilo HI 96720 CH 533 (1) Comm. Olsen moved to approve the application, Comm. Akau seconded. Application approved. 7 ayes Destiny Benford DBA A Phil & Lil Taxi PO Box 34 Mt View HI 96771 (1) Applicant not present, therefore, the certificate was not review for consideration. 5 minute Break Branden Henson DBA BH Taxi 66-1311 Ahuli Circle Kamuela HI 96743 (1) Chairman Nosaka moved to approve the application, Comm Hoke seconded. Discussion: request explaination as to why another existing taxi is under revocation for applicant. CH462: under revocation as applicant did not complete all necessary documentation for renewal in June 2015. Due to Chapter 18, applicant was given several extension to complete requirements, unable to do so. He is re-applying for another taxi. Applicant is aware of time frame and requirement to complete application process. Application approved. 7 ayes Jonas Montgomery DBA Aloha Joe’s Taxi PO Box 3603 Kailua Kona HI 96745 (1) Comm. Hirai moved to approve the application, Comm. Hoke seconded. Application approved. 7 ayes Jhovy Razo DBA Ohana Taxi PO Box 5068 Kailua Kona HI 96740 (1) Comm. Hoke moved to approve the application, Comm. Akau seconded. Application approved. 7 ayes Da Best Taxi LLC DBA Da Best Taxi 18 Pilipaa St Hilo HI 96720 (1) Comm. Hoke asked to recuse herself due to avoid conflict of interest. Comm. Hirai moved to approve the application, Comm. Olsen seconded. Application approved. 6 ayes 1 no vote Victor Quiros DBA A1 Taxi PO Box 37-7505 Ocean View HI 96737 CH 530 (1) Not present. Rescheduled to #33 on the agenda. Applicant was reached by phone-traveling in from Ocean View. Applicant is still not present-Representing him is Christopher Leimbach. Per telephone verification with Victor Quiros, he authorizes Christopher Leimback to represent him as he is driving in from Ocean View. Chairman Nosaka moved to approve the application, Comm. Olsen seconded. Application approved. 7 ayes Robert Portus DBA Cruz’n Taxi PO Box 4999 Kailua Kona HI 96745 (2) Still unable to reach applicant, therefore, the certificate was not reviewed for consideration. Application withdrawn and rescheduled for next meeting. B. Hearing on revocation of the following Certificate of Public Conveniences due to the discontinuance by the carrier of the business of transporting passengers as a common carrier of passengers operating upon and using the public highways for a period of thirty consecutive days or more or failure to renew his/her taxicab license for the year. CH462 BH Taxi Branden Henson Per earlier discussion, operator was unable to secure all necessary documents needed for renewal by June 30, 2015. License revoked. Applicant did apply for a new license. CH398 CH493 Mr. K’s Taxi Gayne Kobayashi Applicant not present. Letter on file. No vehicles available. CH234 CH377 Aloha Taxi Keith & Cody Bergfalk Applicant not present. Licenses were not renewed in June. CH499 Value Taxi Jules Beaty Applicant not present. License was not renewed in June CH489 808 CAB Ward Jackson Applicant not present. License was not renewed in June. CH501 G’Z Big Island Taxi & Tours Jeremy Coyaso Applicant not present, License was not renewed in June CH473 EJ Taxi Jonathan Rafol Letter on file-due to high cost of insurance, applicant will not be renewing license. CH461 My Taxi Marty Beck Applicant not present. License was not renewed in June CH439 RP Taxi Rodolfo Palilio Applicant not present. License was turned in to office, will not be renewing. CH437 Mauna Kea Taxi Hironori Inoue Applicant not present. Letter on file. Will not be renewing license. CH482 CH434 CH433 Keoki’s Taxi George Tadeo Applicant not present. Moved out of state. Will not be renewing license. CH426 CH467 CH496 Amay Taxi Aung Ko Ko Applicant not present. Moved to Oahu. Will not be renewing license. CH373 Kona Limosine Service Kiyotaka Nakabayashi Applicant not present. Letter on file. Not renewing license. CH271 Miranda’s Taxi & Tours Ermelicio Miranda Applicant not present. Letter on file. Not renewing license. CH226 K & V Taxi Wesley Varron Applicant not present. License was not renewed in June. CH505 Big Island Taxi Sigrid Hinze Applicant not present. Letter on file. Due to high cost of insurance will not renew license. CH515 Rakuen Taxi LLC Patrick Sullivan Applicant present. Was unable to get vehicle ready in allocated time. Did apply for another CH license. CH494 ABRA Taxi Ralph Soriano Applicant not present. License was not renewed in June CH057 KC’S Taxi Kristy Cheng Applicant not present. Letter on file. Operator will retire. CH021 Hilo Harry’s II Angela Ogata Applicant present. No vehicle to replace with. License not renewed. Will reapply when she has a vehicle. Establishment of Road Taxi Stands at the Mooheau Bus Terminal Taxi Stands under Section 18-37.2 Establishment of road taxi stands. The Council may establish road taxi stands on public streets and County-Controlled facilities upon the recommendation of the commission. Currently, complaints are that the taxis are parking in public parking spaces, or in areas available for active buses at the bus terminal for pick up/drop off of passengers. There is a need to establish a parking/queing area for the taxis. Daniel Brouillette present. As previously stated, from representative from the Hilo Farmers Market, Daniel Brouillette, situation at times become hostile, and no penalties imposed or enforced. Statements from David Sherwood and Angela Ogata, taxicab operators/owners, also present. They are aware of the situation. As far as the parking, the Police were called-all parking is public so the taxis are allowed to park there, but active soliciting with signs, passing out flyers, or business cards is not permissible. It would help to provide the much needed parking area. Recommendation to the Council that the Commission would like to establish an assigned parking area for the taxis. Public Works Department has agreed to put up signs at the Mooheau bus terminal by the Kiosk. There will be two stalls, on a first come basis. Motion to recommend to the Council by Comm. Bircher, seconded by Comm. Akau and Hirai. Administrator Kai to email picture of area where signs to be posted to Chairman Nosaka. Item to be placed on next agenda for follow-up, in addition Corp. Counsel Brilhante agreed to update the Commissioners regarding County Council outcome. Transit Administrator’s Report Administrator Kai reported that the department is currently establishing a Para-transit service starting July 1, 2016 called “Hele-On-Kakou”. It will be an origin to destination service for those individuals who are unable to use the current public transportation services. Currently buses cover ADA services which are fixed route, this new service will allow deviation from the fixed route. County will contract out these services, bids are currently out, and will cover the Hilo and Kona area. They will provide a call center to schedule rides and assist individuals with the qualification process. Commissioner Olsen voiced his concern with regards to the current bus schedules and maps available to the public. He feels there is a need for a user friendly web-page that provides updates, application on phones for public use, information in the current phone book, and that routes should be assigned numbers instead of the destination area names, as most of the public may not know the area or island. Administrator Kai to work with Comm. Olsen regarding his concerns. Currently a consultant firm is handling the Transit Master Plan for Hele-On. The consultant plans to meet with the community and obtain feedback. Information to be shared with the Transit Agency. Shared Ride Taxi Program-since the last meeting, the program is now open to all taxi companies that are interested in participating. Concerns and complaints from ridership regarding long waits and no cabs available have definitely decreased due to added services available. Currently no services on the Kona side. Next Meeting Concern: Request Parking Permits for upcoming meetings. Per Counsel: Chairman to create agenda. Commissioners may send directly to Chairman items they would like placed on the agenda. Items that were requested to add by Comm. Olsen: 1-Discussion regarding the validity and future of the Commission. 2-Discussion of creating an Adhoc committee for the Shared Ride Program. 3-Administrator update on the Shared Ride Program. Due to 1) interim period of no chairperson and 2) 6 new members to the commission, above items were not placed on agenda as these members have no background information the situation. Chairman Nosaka to discuss with Administrator Kai, and then decide what items will be placed on agenda. Next meeting tentatively scheduled for September. Will base meeting place on a rotation between Hilo and Kona. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 12:37 p.m. HAWAII COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION The meeting place or facility is accessible to persons with disabilities.  Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication to participate in this meeting should contact the Mass Transit Agency at (808) 961-8744 as soon as possible, but no later than May 18, 2016.