Minutes of the 9th Meeting of
Culture, Leisure & Social Affairs Committee (2014-15)
Central and Western District Council
Date
Time
Venue
: 10 September 2015 (Thursday)
: 2:30 pm
: Conference Room
14/F, Harbour Building
38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong
Present:
Chairman
Mr CHAN Chit-kwai, BBS, JP*
Vice-chairlady
Ms SIU Ka-yi
Members
Mr CHAN Choi-hi, MH
Mr CHAN Ho-lim, Joseph
Mr CHAN Hok-fung, MH*
Ms CHENG Lai-king
Mr CHEUNG Kwok-kwan, JP
Mr CHEUNG Yick-hung, Jackie
Mr HUI Chi-fung
Mr IP Kwok-him, GBS, JP
Mr KAM Nai-wai, MH
Dr Malcolm LAM
Mr LEE Chi-hang, Sidney
Miss LO Yee-hang
Mr MAN Chi-wah, MH*
Mr NG Siu-keung, Thomas, MH, JP
Mr WONG Kin-shing*
Mr YIP Wing-shing, BBS, MH, JP
Co-opted Members
Ms CHEUNG Kai-yin
Mr NG Siu-hong
Ms WONG Mi-hing, Shirley*
(2:33 pm - end of meeting)
(2:33 pm - 6:24 pm)
(2:30 pm - 4:29 pm) ; (5:47 pm - end of meeting)
(2:37 pm - end of meeting)
(2:30 pm - 7 pm)
(2:59 pm - 3:53 pm)
(2:36 pm - 4:15 pm) ; (6:16 pm - end of meeting)
(2:30 pm - 5:13 pm)
(2:30 pm - 4:58 pm)
(2:30 pm - 3:59 pm)
(2:47 pm - 3:59 pm)
(3:46 pm - 6:56 pm)
(2:30 pm - 6:16 pm)
(2:30 pm - 3:34 pm)
(2:36 pm - 4:19 pm)
(2:30 pm - 4:50 pm)
Remarks: *Members who attended the whole meeting (
-1-
) Time of attendance of Members
Guest
Item 4
Ms WONG Wai-man
Ms MAN Siu-kuen, Ada
Mr Vince KONG
Item 5
Miss AU Wing-yan, Christine
Mr CHU Ho, Larry
Mr YU Wai-shing, Frederick
Item 6
Dr C C LUK
Dr Wendy W S TSUI
Dr Alfred S K KWONG
Ms. Mabel KWONG
Item 7
Dr Lesley LAU
Senior Building Surveyor/Slope Safety (HKW),
Buildings Department
Building Surveyor/Slope Safety 2, Buildings
Department
Senior Engineer, Ove Arup & Partners Hong
Kong Limited
Principal Assistant Secretary (Harbour),
Development Bureau
Assistant Secretary (Harbour)1, Development
Bureau
Assistant Secretary (Harbour) SD, Development
Bureau
Cluster Chief Executive, Hong Kong West
Cluster, Hospital Authority
Chief of Service, Department of Family
Medicine & Primary Healthcare, Queen
Mary Hospital
Associate Consultant i/c Sai Ying Pun Jockey
Club General Outpatient Clinics, Department
of Family Medicine & Primary Healthcare,
Queen Mary Hospital
Public and Community Relations Officer,
Hospital Authority Hong Kong West Cluster
Mr Johnny CHIU
Head (Art Promotion Office), Leisure and
Cultural Services Department
Head of Arts and Creative Industries, British
Council
Executive Director, AECOM
Ms Lenona NG
Director, Sinclair Communications
Ms Levina LI
Event Horizon Project Consultant
Ms Meijing HE
Item 8
Dr C C LUK
Dr Wendy W S TSUI
Dr Alfred S K KWONG
Cluster Chief Executive, Hong Kong West
Cluster, Hospital Authority
Chief of Service, Department of Family
Medicine & Primary Healthcare, Queen
Mary Hospital
Associate Consultant i/c Sai Ying Pun Jockey
Club General Outpatient Clinics, Department
of Family Medicine & Primary Healthcare,
Queen Mary Hospital
-2-
Ms Mabel KWONG
Item 9
Mrs KWOK WONG Mun-yi
Mr CHU Kam-sing, Daniel
Mr WONG Chak-sun, Jason
Miss YU Yan-yan, Rosanna
Item 10
Mr Albert SU
Mr Ivan YIU
Ms Ivy LAU
Item 11
Ms Ruby WAN
Ms Queenie MAK
Item 13
Dr CHAN See-ka, Scarlet
Item 14
Mr CHAN Hon-cheung, John
Mr LAM Chi-hang, Augustine
Mr WONG Cheuk-him, Jason
Ms Esther WONG
Ms Melanie MOORE
In Attendance:
Miss CHOW Ho-kiu, Cheryl, JP
Miss LAM Bing-bing, Erica
Ms WONG Ming-wai
Mr CHU Kam-sing, Daniel
Public and Community Relations Officer,
Hospital Authority Hong Kong West Cluster
Senior School Development Officer (Central
Western and Southern) 2, Education Bureau
Assistant District Social Welfare Officer
(Central Western, Southern and Islands),
Social Welfare Department
Senior Property Manager (Acquisition,
Allocation & Disposal)Projects & Special
Duties, Government Property Agency
SEO (District Management), Central and
Western District Office, Home Affairs
Department
Chief Executive, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals
Community Services Secretary, Tung Wah
Group of Hospitals
Administration Secretary, Tung Wah Group of
Hospitals
Project Director, Young Artists Development
Foundation
Project Manager, Young Artists Development
Foundation
Senior Medical and Health Officer (Community
Liaison)2 (Acting), Department of Health
Senior Landscape Architect/VM(U&Is),
Highways Department
Landscape Architect/VM(HKC&W), Highways
Department
Landscape Architect/ VM(SD), Highways
Department
Representative, St. Stephen’s Neighbour
Concern Group
Representative, Alliance for a Beautiful Hong
Kong
District Officer (Central and Western)
Assistant District Officer (Central and Western)
Senior Executive Officer(District Council),
Central and Western District Office
Assistant District Social Welfare Officer (Central
-3-
Ms Doris CHUN
Mrs KWOK WONG Mun-yi
Dr CHAN See-ka, Scarlet
Mr LAI Fai-keung
Mr CHEUNG ka-lok
Ms CHOI Suk-kuen, Shirley
Ms LEE Wing-yee, Winnie
Ms CHOW Pui-shan, Cindy
Secretary
Miss TAI Lok-tung, Jovy
Absent with Apologies:
Mr CHAN Hiu-fun
Ms LEUNG Shuk-yi, Emily
Mr NG Wing-yan, MH
Western, Southern and Islands), Social
Welfare Department
Senior Community Relations Officer,
Independent Commission Against Corruption
Senior School Development Officer (Central
Western and Southern) 2, Education Bureau
Senior Medical and Health Officer (Community
Liaison)2 (Acting), Department of Health
Neighbourhood Police Co-ordinator, Police
Community Relations Office, Central
District, Hong Kong Police Force
Neighbourhood Police Co-ordinator, Police
Community Relations Office, Western
District, Hong Kong Police Force
Senior Manager (Cultural Services) Hong Kong
West, Leisure and Cultural Services
Department
Manager (Hong Kong West) Marketing,
Programme and District Activities, Leisure
and Cultural Services Department
Deputy District Leisure Manager (District
Support) Central and Western, Leisure and
Cultural Services Department
Executive Officer (District Council) 5
Central and Western District Office
Absent due to illness
Opening Remarks
The Chairman welcomed all to the 9th meeting of the Culture, Leisure & Social
Affairs Committee (CLSAC) (2014-15) under the Central and Western District
Council (C&WDC). The Secretariat had received a notification of absence with
supporting document from Mr CHAN Hiu-fun before the meeting, indicating that he
could not attend the meeting due to illness. Pursuant to Section 49 of the Standing
Order, the C&WDC should only give consent to notifications of absence filed on
grounds of sickness or attendance at another meeting or an activity on behalf of the
DC. The C&WDC gave consent to the application of absence of Mr CHAN
Hiu-fun.
-4-
Item 1: Adoption of the Agenda
2.
As there were no comments from Members, the agenda was adopted.
Item 2: Confirmation of the Minutes of the 8th CLSAC Meeting (2014-15)
3.
As Members had no comments on the draft minutes of the 8th CLSAC
meeting, the minutes were confirmed.
Item 3: Chairman’s Report
4.
The Chairman had nothing particular to highlight.
Item 4: Proposed Phase 1 Slope Remedial Works Adjoining the Rear of Kau U
Fong Children’s Playground
(C&W CLSAC Paper No. 32/2015)
(2:35 pm - 2:46 pm)
5.
Ms Ada MAN, Building Surveyor/Slope Safety 2 of the Buildings
Department (BD) consulted the Committee on the proposed Phase 1 slope
remedial works adjoining the rear of Kau U Fong Children’s Playground.
6.
The Chairman invited discussion on the paper.
Members were as follows:
The questions and views of
(i)
Mr CHAN Choi-hi said that the works would take six months to complete
which, in his opinion, was too long. He enquired if it would be possible to
shorten the construction time.
(ii)
Mr MAN Chi-wah inquired if the BD had any contingency measures in
relation to one park light’s being temporarily disabled.
(iii) Mr CHEUNG Kwok-kwan enquired about the schedule for Phase 2 and
Phase 3 works and wished to know if the BD had discussed subsequent
works with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD).
(iv) The Vice-chairlady hoped that the BD would provide other details of the
works.
(v)
7.
Mr HUI Chi-fung enquired if the BD had consulted the local residents.
Besides, he asked why the BD failed to reach any consensus in relation to the
works with the owners of the said site that the BD needed to carry out the
remedial works on behalf of the owners.
Ms Ada MAN of the BD gave a consolidated response as follows:
(i)
In response to Mr CHAN Choi-hi’s enquiry about the works schedule, she
indicated that there were quite a lot of public holidays during the
construction period. That the works would take six months to complete was
a conservative estimate, and it was expected that the works would take only
four months to complete.
-5-
(ii)
8.
In response to Mr MAN Chi-wah’s enquiry about the lighting system, she
said that the impact of having one park lamp fewer would not be significant.
If necessary, the BD would provide a temporary lighting system on the
hoarding of the works area.
Ms WONG Wai-man, Senior Building Surveyor/Slope Safety (HKW) of the
BD responded as follows:
(i)
In response to Mr CHEUNG Kwok-kwan’s enquiry about the works
schedule, she indicated that the BD had already made preparations for Phase
2 works, which would involve the surrounding area of the public toilets.
The public toilets, however, would not need to be closed. Since an old tree
was involved in Phase 2 works, commencement of the works was subject to
the LCSD’s and the LandsD’s approval of the report submitted by old tree
experts. Phase 3 works area was at the rear portion of the Central District
Health Centre at Kau U Fong. Discussions with the Health Centre as
regards the alterations to existing facilities in the works area would be
required before Phase 3 works could commence.
(ii)
As regards the impact on the vicinity about which Members had enquired,
she said the BD had several discussions with the LCSD in relation to noise,
air, waste water and noise nuisance in hopes of keeping the impact to a
minimum.
(iii) In response to Mr HUI Chi-fung’s enquiries about the difficulties
encountered, she indicated that since there was no owners’ corporation at
3-15 Gough Street, the BD had been discussing with the owners during the
past few years but failed nevertheless to gather all owners to pay for the
works. As a result, the BD had to carry out the remedial works on behalf of
the owners and would recover the cost from the owners later.
(iv) In response to Mr HUI Chi -fung’s concern as to whether or not the
residents had been consulted, she said since the works area was only within
the park, the BD had not conducted any resident consultation and it was not a
usual practice of the BD to conduct any consultation either. As regards
owners of Nos. 3 to 15 Gough Street, the BD had issued written notifications.
9.
The Chairman enquired about the details of the old tree within the works
area.
10.
Ms WONG Wai-man of the BD responded that the said tree had been
included in the Register of Old and Valuable Trees.
11.
Mr HUI Chi-fung hoped that the BD would consider notifying the Health
Centre and the residents in the neighbourhood of the works and the impact
thereof, which in his opinion was a must.
Item 5: Temporary Uses at the New Central Habourfront
(C&W CLSAC Paper No. 36/2015)
(2:45 pm – 3:55 pm)
-6-
12.
Miss Christine AU, Principal Assistant Secretary (Harbour) of the
Development Bureau (DEVB), updated Members on the latest progress of
the temporary uses in Area A as well as Areas D and E of the new Central
Harbourfront, and sought Members’ views on the way forward of the two
temporary uses.
13.
The Chairman invited discussion on the paper.
Members were as follows:
The questions and views of
(i)
Mr HUI Chi-fung enquired about the tendering procedure and criteria of the
sites, and hoped that the DEVB would explain why the length of tenancy
varied from project to project. He suggested that the DEVB consider all
sites including the military dock as one single entity while planning the uses.
He hoped the DEVB would respond in relation to the contents of the
re-amended motion.
(ii)
Mr NG Siu-hong opined that the harbourfront sites were all used by major
groups at present, and enquired if the DEVB would consider including small
vendors to operate in the form of a fair or bazaar to facilitate the participation
of the general public.
(iii) Ms CHEUNG Kai-yin enquired what difficulties there would be in opening
the military dock facilities for public access prior to the handover of such
facilities to the Hong Kong Garrison of the People’s Liberation Army. She
enquired about the eligibility criteria groups would need to fulfill for leasing
the harbourfront sites, and suggested that the DEVB include small vendors or
non-commercial activities to facilitate the participation of the general public.
(iv) Mr Joseph CHAN enquired about the use of Site 3 for comprehensive
development. He wished to be informed about the scale and height of the
commercial buildings, and also expressed his concern over the significant
impact of major developments on traffic, environment, lighting and
ventilation in the vicinity.
(v)
Mr CHAN Choi-hi hoped that the DEVB would elaborate on the
justifications for extending the lease of Areas A, D and E. Besides, he
hoped that the DEVB could consult the C&WDC in advance on the uses of
the harbourfront. He opined that the role of the DEVB as regards the uses
of the harbourfront sites was too passive, and suggested that the DEVB take
initiative to design and organise events, for instance, reference could be made
to large-scale carnivals organised in Toronto during summer.
(vi) Ms CHENG Lai-king found the proposals in the paper distressing and
pointed out that the DEVB failed to provide any elaboration in relation to the
Comprehensive Development Area (CDA). She sighed about the DEVB’s
dividing up the harbourfront sites for different commercial uses. She hoped
that the DEVB would explain if the harbourfront sites were intended for
profit-making or public enjoyment.
(vii) Mr IP Kwok-him opined that the harbourfront had now been returned to the
people and became an ideal leisure open space for the public during holidays.
-7-
He opined that instilling vitality to the harbourfront by organising activities
at the sites would be a better option than providing merely a large piece of
lawn. He suggested that the DEVB consider organising some regular events
at the harbourfront sites.
(viii) Mr CHAN Hok-fung indicated that activities organised at the harbourfront
had been well received by members of the public and opined that such uses
were what members of the public would like to see. He was of the opinion
that what would need to be considered now was the ways to keep the vitality
of the harbourfront and that different kinds of activities could be held at the
sites, be it day or night. He was concerned about the future use of Site 3 for
commercial purposes and hoped that the DEVB could elaborate more on the
said plan. He enquired about the progress of the judicial review case related
to the military dock and hoped that the site could be opened up for public
access as soon as possible.
(ix) Mr YIP Wing-shing commended the existing uses of the harbourfront. He
opined that when organising large-scale events at the harbourfront,
contractors should be required to reserve some free tickets for the
disadvantaged groups in the district to facilitate their participation. He
agreed to the proposal of reserving part of the harbourfront sites for
commercial developments, but opined that it would be imperative for the
DEVB to consult the C&W DC prior to the development. He reiterated that
the C&W DC had already requested that the DEVB, after the handover of the
military dock facilities to the Hong Kong Garrison of the People’s Liberation
Army, open the berth for public access when it was not in military use. But
he understood that since judicial proceedings were still underway, the
military dock could not be open to public access in the meantime.
(x)
14.
(i)
The Chairman expressed his support for the proposals in the paper. He
opined that the harbourfront now became increasingly vibrant and hoped that
such vibrancy was not transient. He was of the view that the DEVB should
proactively study ways to enhance the accessibility of these sites.
Miss Christine AU of the DEVB thanked Members for the enquiries. She
indicated that the Planning Department completed the “Urban Design Study
for the New Central Harbourfront” (UDS) in 2011 which was a detailed
planning for the long-term development of the new Central Harbourfront.
During the study, a 2-phase public engagement exercise was conducted to
extensively gauge public views. She pointed out that the public generally
supported the use and development of the harbourfront with diversity at that
time, and the DEVB would make reference to the proposals of the UDS
when considering the long-term development of the new Central
Harbourfront in the future.
As regards Members’ enquiries about the details of the comprehensive
development at Site 3, she said there would be a large landscaped deck and
at-grade public open space at the subject site and emphasized that such
development would further enhance the accessibility of the harbourfront, so
that members of the public could access the harbourfront directly from the
-8-
hinterland. She pointed out that the UDS recommended that the building
height of the CDA be +30m principal datum (PD), +40mPD and +50mPD.
(ii)
In response to Mr HUI Chi-fung’s enquiry about the tendering procedures,
she said the purpose of submitting the present paper was to seek Members’
views on the proposed extension of the temporary use of Area A for operating
an observation wheel and that of the temporary use of Areas D and E for
organising events and activities. Subject to Members’ support for the said
temporary uses, the DEVB would discuss with related departments details of
pressing ahead with the said uses in accordance with established procedures.
(iii) As regards Members’ suggestion that they should be consulted in advance on
events and activities to be held, she said that the DEVB had at present
commissioned a private operator to source suitable events and activities
worldwide, and had advised the operator that the C&W DC be notified prior
to organising events and activities.
(iv) In response to Mr HUI Chi-fung’s enquiry about why the proposed length of
tenancy for different temporary uses varied, she explained that it was because
the long-term development of different sites was expected to commence at
different times.
(v)
15.
In response to Members’ concern over the opening up of the military dock,
she indicated that construction works of the Central Military Dock had been
completed, however, it could not be open to public since proceedings of
judicial review were still underway. She said that the Government could
not predict when the said judicial proceedings would be completed. The
Government was of the view that it was not appropriate to use the military
dock for any temporary activities prior to the completion of the said
proceedings. She reiterated that the Garrison had confirmed that it would
open the area of the military dock site to the public when it was not in
military use.
The Chairman invited second round of discussion on the paper.
of Members were as follows:
The views
(i)
Mr HUI Chi-fung opined that there was insufficient information in the paper
and no mention of whether members of the public would have alternative
options of activities. He also hoped that the DEVB could provide more
information and timetable in relation to the military dock such as the
progress of the judicial review, so that members of the public could have an
idea when the military dock would be open to the public.
(ii)
Mr IP Kwok-him expressed his support for the proposals in the paper, but
hoped that the policy bureau could pay more heed to the role and the views
of the C&W DC.
(iii) Ms CHENG Lai-king enquired of the DEVB if both Areas D and E would
offer 120 days for free public use.
-9-
(iv) Mr CHAN Hok-fung opined that Members should have a positive attitude
towards the activation of the harbourfront.
16.
Miss Christine AU of the DEVB responded that the DEVB had sought views
of stakeholders including the C&W DC a couple of years ago on whether the
two sites concerned should be used for operating an observation wheel and
for organising events and activities. The proposals had been supported
then. The present paper was submitted to consult stakeholders again on the
proposed extension of the temporary uses of the said sites in hopes of
understanding the latest views and opinions of Members.
(i)
In response to Ms CHENG Lai-king’s enquiry, she indicated that it was
stated in the existing lease of Areas D and E that a minimum of 120 days per
year and at least half of the venue’s space would have to be allocated for free
public use or organising activities in which members of the public could
participate for free. The operators had complied with relevant requirements
in the first year of the lease. The DEVB would continue to ensure the
fulfilment of the requirements concerned.
(ii)
In response to Mr IP Kwok-him’s suggestion, she said the C&W DC had all
along played an important role in pushing forward the harbourfront
enhancement. She thanked Members for their contribution during the past
few years in making the Central and Western District Harbourfront more
accessible, vibrant and attractive.
(iii) In response to Mr HUI Chi-fung’s enquiry about the procedures upon
completion of the judicial review, she said that after the completion of the
said proceedings, related departments would continue to study the follow-up
to tie in with the handover of the military dock, such as considering the
possibility of legislation.
17.
Mr CHAN Hok-fung, Mr IP Kwok-him, Mr CHEUNG Kwok-kwan, Mr
Jackie CHEUNG, Mr MAN Chi-wah and Mr Sidney LEE opined that it was
inappropriate for the Chairman to accept the re-amended motion proposed by
Mr HUI Chi-fung. They were of the view that it was illogical to propose a
re-amended motion while the original motion had not been altered at all, and
considered it as not taking the DC and the Chairman seriously.
18.
Mr HUI Chi-fung indicated that the Chairman’s acceptance of the amended
motion proposed by Mr CHAN Hok-fung was inappropriate per se since the
content of the amended motion in question ran counter to that of the original
motion and had almost completely amended the wordings of the original
motion. He pointed out that such a maneuver to amend a motion deviated
from the usual practice of the DC, and suggested that Members propose a
separate motion if they disagreed with the original motion so strongly, or
vote against the original motion at the meeting, rather than altering all
wordings of the original motion. He opined that the same problem had
occurred many times in C&W DC already, which could not be solved by
revising the Standing Order. Improvement of the parliamentary culture of
the DC would have to rely more on the self-discipline of Members.
- 10 -
19.
Mr Jackie CHEUNG indicated that as stipulated by Section 21 (2) of the
Standing Order, if a re-amended motion constituted a direct negation of the
original motion, the Chairman had the right to determine whether to accept
the further amended motion. He opined that the Chairman could choose not
to accept the further amended motion. To maintain the dignity of the DC,
he decided to walk out in protest.
20.
The Chairman asked Members to vote on the further amended motion.
After voting, the following motion was defeated:
“The C&WDC requested the Government to take into account, at the time of
planning the temporary uses at New Central Harbourfront, the importance of
visual impact of the planned uses on the harbourfront, the removal of the
fence separating the facilities of the military dock, the conduct of a study on
developing the said site to appropriate short-term uses by other government
bureaux/departments, the C&WDC and organisations other than the
Government, etc. through short term tenancy prior to handover of such
facilities to the Hong Kong Garrison of the People’s Liberation Army, as
well as the opening of the site to the public as soon as possible for better
utilisation of the temporary sites at the New Central Harbourfront and the
space in the vicinity and for returning of the promenade to the public for
enjoyment.”
(4 Members voted for the re-amended motion: Mr HUI Chi-fung, Ms
CHEUNG Kai-yin, Mr NG Siu-hong and Ms Shirley WONG);
(14 Members voted against the re-amended motion: Mr CHAN Chit-kwai,
Mr CHAN Hok-fung, Mr CHEUNG Kwok-kwan, Mr Jackie CHEUNG
(authorised Mr NG Siu-keung to vote on his behalf), Mr IP Kwok-him, Dr
Malcolm LAM, Mr LEE Chi-hang, Ms LO Yee-hang, Ms SIU Ka-yi, Mr
MAN Chi-wah, Mr NG Siu-keung, Mr Yip Wing-shing, (authorised Mr
CHAN Hok-fung to vote on his behalf), Mr CHAN Hiu-fun (authorised Mr
CHAN Chit-kwai to vote on his behalf) and Ms LEUNG Shuk-yi (authorised
Ms SIU Ka-yi to vote on her behalf));
(1 Member abstained from voting: Mr Joseph CHAN).
21.
The Chairman asked Members to vote on the amended motion.
voting, the following motion was passed:
After
“The C&WDC supported the Government to extend the temporary uses of
Central Ferris Wheel and Central Harbourfront Event Space at New Central
Harbourfront prior to implementation of long-term development there. The
C&WDC requested the Government to conduct a new tendering exercise for
the temporary uses of the three sites. It also requested the Government to
arrange for takeover of the military dock by the Hong Kong Garrison of the
People’s Liberation Army (“Hong Kong Garrison”) as soon as possible upon
completion of the judicial review regarding the said dock with a favourable
ruling, and requested the Hong Kong Garrison to open the site to the public
during periods of non-military use for better utilisation of the sites at New
- 11 -
Central Harbourfront and the space in the vicinity and for returning of the
promenade to the public for enjoyment.”
(15 Members voted for the amended motion: Mr CHAN Chit-kwai, Mr
Joseph CHAN, Mr CHAN Hok-fung, Mr CHEUNG Kwok-kwan, Mr
CHEUNG Yick-hung (authorised Mr NG Siu-keung to vote on his behalf),
Mr IP Kwok-him, Dr Malcolm LAM, Mr LEE Chi-hang, Ms LO Yee-hang,
Ms SIU Ka-yi, Mr MAN Chi-wah, Mr NG Siu-keung, Mr Yip Wing-shing
(authorised Mr CHAN Hok-fung to vote on his behalf), Mr CHAN Hiu-fun
(authorised Mr CHAN Chit-kwai to vote on his behalf) and Ms LEUNG
Shuk-yi (authorised Ms SIU Ka-yi to vote on her behalf));
(4 Members voted against the amended motion: Mr HUI Chi-fung, Ms
CHEUNG Kai-yin, Mr NG Siu-hong and Ms Shirley WONG);
(0 Member abstained from voting).
Item 6: Hong Kong West Cluster 2015/2016 Annual Plan
(C&W CLSAC Paper No. 39/2015)
(3:55 pm - 4:17 pm)
22.
Dr C C LUK, Cluster Chief Executive, Hong Kong West Cluster of the
Hospital Authority (HA) introduced the Annual Plan of Hong Kong West
Cluster for 2015/2016. He indicated that additional healthcare staff would
be recruited in the coming year to allay staff shortage, services targeting at
the chronically ill, surgical instruments and clinical safety would be
enhanced and additional outreach services would be provided. He said the
HA was currently handling issues of the renovation of out-patient clinics. It
was hoped that upon completion of the renovation works, members of the
public could make appointments or enquiries by phone more easily via the
phone enquiry system at Queen Mary Hospital (QMH).
23.
The Chairman invited discussion on the paper. Questions and views of
Members were as follows:
(i)
Mr CHAN Hok-fung opined that the waiting time for follow-up consultations
at the QMH was too long at present. He hoped the HA could take measures
to alleviate the problem of long waiting time, and suggested that the HA
consider transferring cases of follow-up consultations to other out-patient
clinics.
(ii)
Mr IP Kwok-him was satisfied with the annual plan in this paper. He
enquired if the redevelopment of the QMH would have any impact on the
existing services of the hospital.
(iii) Mr WONG Kin-shing relayed views of the Tung Wah Hospital (TWH) that
the hospital opined that it had sufficient space available for addition works.
He enquired of the HA if it would consider undertaking addition works to the
TWH.
- 12 -
(iv) The Chairman enquired if existing services of the hospital would be affected
by the redevelopment of the QMH. He hoped that the HA could elaborate
on “enhancing ‘communication with patients and carers’” and “Continue to
establish the centralised theatre sterilisation service unit (TSSU) in QMH and
roll out the surgical instrument tracking system to GH” as stated in the paper.
24.
Dr C C LUK of the HA thanked Members for their enquiries and responded
as follows:
(i)
In response to Mr CHAN Hok-fung’s concern over the waiting time, he
indicated that a dedicated team would be set up to follow up on views in this
regard. At present, Dr Wendy TSUI, Chief of Service, Department of
Family Medicine & Primary Healthcare of the QMH was concurrently
overseeing the SOPC. The HA would review the waiting time at the SOPC
in the future.
(ii)
In response to Members’ concern over the redevelopment works, he said the
works at this stage did not take place within the main areas of the QMH, so
that services of the hospital would not be affected. He pointed out that the
construction works of the new building would commence in 2017 and
services of the hospital might then be affected. The HA would, however,
consult the C&W DC again prior to the commencement of works.
(iii) In response to Mr WONG Kin-shing’s enquiry about the addition works to
the TWH, he said that the project was already included in the HA’s agenda.
The HA would first complete the redevelopment of the QMH and was now
awaiting the Government’s approval for the redevelopment of the Grantham
Hospital (GH). As soon as the redevelopment of the GH was approved, the
HA would start working on the redevelopment project of the TWH.
(iv) In response to the Chairman’s enquiry about the out-patient service, he
indicated that phone enquiry systems would be set up at QMH and additional
staff would be recruited to man the phones. It was expected that the issue of
calls’ being unanswered would then be significantly alleviated. He said the
C&W DC would be consulted again on related matters in the future.
(v)
In response to the Chairman’s enquiry about the surgical instrument tracking
system, he indicated that the said system would be deployed for tracking
instruments being used in cases of high-risk diseases so as to reduce the risk
of disease transmission.
25.
Dr Wendy TSUI of the QMH indicated that the existing queuing system at
Central District General Out-patient Clinic could clearly show members of
the public the queuing status. However, given the large number of patients
at the SOPC, it would take some time for the HA to work out a better
solution to alleviate the situation.
26.
Mr CHAN Hok-fung opined that the improvements at the QMH were
self-evident, for instance, the lift queuing arrangement had become clearer.
However, since population of the Central and Western District would keep
growing rapidly, he was concerned that the QMH might still fall short of
- 13 -
coping with the increase in population even after the redevelopment. He
hoped that apart from the hardware, the QMH would also give weight to the
recruitment of additional manpower.
Item 7: Event Horizon
(C&W CLSAC Paper No. 40/2015)
(4:17 pm – 4:46 pm)
27.
Dr Lesley LAU, Head (Art Promotion Office) of the Leisure and Cultural
Services Department (LCSD), said the project, presented by British Council
Hong Kong, would be installed in Central and Admiralty. The LCSD would
offer assistance in relation to venues.
28.
Ms Meijing HE, Head of Arts and Creative Industries of the British Council,
said that the British Council was a non-profit-making organisation and the
project was a city-wide public art project. All members of the public in the
territory were encouraged to take part in this non-commercial project Event
Horizon.
29.
Mr Johnny CHIU, Executive Director of AECOM Asia Company Limited,
gave a PowerPoint presentation to show pictures of the project being
installed in different cities worldwide, and indicated that Hong Kong would
be the first city in Asia to install this public art project. There would be 27
sculptures mounted at building tops and four at street level across Hong
Kong’s Central and Western districts. He said this internationally acclaimed
public art project would encourage the community to interact with art, slow
down the hectic pace of the city and help cement Hong Kong’s status as a
global art hub. He pointed out that the project would enhance public
understanding of the history of Central and Western District, and could help
enrich the cultural life of the residents.
30.
The Chairman invited discussion on the paper. Questions and views of
Members were as follows:
(i)
Mr CHAN Hok-fung supported arts development. He was worried that
people might be misled by the sculptures being mounted at building tops that
someone was trying to jump off the building. He hoped the organiser could
study how misunderstandings could be avoided.
(ii)
Mr IP Kwok-him supported activities that would cultivate an interest in the
arts. He suggested that the organiser step up publicity efforts and educate
members of the public how to interact with works of art.
(iii) Ms CHENG Lai-king was worried that the sculptures, if all black or all white
in colour, might cast a dreary mood. As such, she hoped the organiser
would step up publicity and education efforts. She opined that the
sculptures could hardly be seen if mounted at building tops.
(iv) Miss LO Yee-hang put forward suggestions in relation to the proposed
locations for displaying the sculptures. She was of the view that
commercial buildings in Hong Kong were taller and more densely built than
- 14 -
their counterparts abroad, mounting the sculptures at such building tops
would make them hard to be seen by members of the public. She pointed
out in particular that the proposal to place the sculptures on Pedder Street
was inappropriate. She opined that there was heavy traffic on the said road
section and would easily lead to traffic disturbance.
(v)
Mr WONG Kin-shing supported the project in this paper but wished to know
more about the maintenance of the sculptures. He was worried that placing
nude sculptures on the road or pavement would trigger a negative response or
even lead to vandalism. He suggested that the sculptures be placed at
locations with lower pedestrian flow.
(vi) The Chairman supported this art project. He hoped the organiser would
study the locations for placing the sculptures again to reduce the likelihood
of causing any disturbance. He appreciated the project’s proposal to
organise guided tours and arts education activities.
31.
Ms Meijing HE of British Council Hong Kong said that the artist had
received invitations from many Asian countries but had in the end chosen
Hong Kong as the first city in Asia to install this public art project. She
indicated that the proposed locations listed in the paper had all been picked
by the artist himself after having inspected the ceiling height and building
height of the buildings in question. The organiser already contacted the
buildings concerned to discuss the feasibility of mounting the sculptures after
the artist had selected the locations.
32.
Ms Lenona NG, Director of Sinclair Communications, introduced how arts
education and this project would be promoted. She said that press releases
had been issued and various media invited earlier to feature the project.
Online platforms such as an official website, Facebook page and Instagram
had also been used. She said that talks and seminars would be held later in
primary and secondary schools as well as various organisations. In
addition, they had also contacted quite a lot of government departments to
introduce the project to them.
33.
Dr Lesley LAU of the LCSD said that in line with the notion that “arts make
life better”, it was hoped that Hong Kong could move one step closer
towards internationalisation.
34.
Ms Meijing HE of British Council Hong Kong said the sculptures were made
of iron and nudity was not very conspicuous, hence she believed it would be
very safe. She indicated that according to previous experience of installing
the project in other cities, members of the public were very keen on
interacting with the sculptures such as touching. She said enhanced efforts
in education and publicity would be made in this connection, and additional
manpower would be deployed for crowd control when necessary.
35.
Ms Shirley WONG opined that installation art was indispensable for Hong
Kong’s becoming an international metropolis. She was of the view that it
was a wise decision of the artist to install the project in Central and Western
District. She was worried that there might be members of the public who
- 15 -
would attempt to cover the private parts of the sculptures with various
objects, which would then become an international laughing stock.
36.
Ms Meijing HE of British Council Hong Kong said both the organiser and
the artist would welcome members of the public to interact with the
sculptures, for examples, putting clothes and hats on the sculptures.
Item 8: Request for Additional Provision of General Out-patient Service on
Sundays and Public Holidays
(C&W CLSAC Paper No. 30/2015)
(4:46 pm – 4:56 pm)
37.
Dr Wendy TSUI of the QMH said general out-patient services managed by the
HA were primarily targeted at serving the elderly, the low-income group and
the chronically ill. The Cluster currently had a total of 15 000 patients with
diabetes mellitus and 25 000 with hypertension who required long-term
follow-up consultations, among whom 8 000 diabetes mellitus patients and 15
000 hypertension patients belonged to the Central and Western District.
General out-patient clinics (GOPCs) would assign chronic disease patients
requiring follow-up consultations a visit timeslot after each consultation. She
said the Nurse and Allied Health Clinic (NAHC) at Tsan Yuk Hospital
provided annual assessments or physiotherapy services. As for patients with
episodic diseases, she said the GOPCs would provide priority discs to the
elderly and the low-income patients, so that they could be assigned a visit
timeslot more easily through HA's telephone appointment system. She
indicated that the HKWC had increased the number of quotas to 28 000 since
2011. Since 9 August this year, Sai Ying Pun Jockey Club GOPC provided
800 quotas daily, while the daily quotas of Kennedy Town Jockey Club GOPC
and Tung Wah Hospital GOPC were 80 and 90 respectively. She pointed out
that among the 18 districts, the increase in the number of patients in the
Central and Western District was not severe, and would therefore be allocated
less resources. Besides, she said that there was still available capacity at
Violet Peel GOPC in Wan Chai for the provision of service on Sundays and
public holidays. Residents of the Central and Western District could access
the clinic by public transport easily. She said that emphasis was now on
Public-Private Partnership. Over 200 doctors in the Central and Western
District had enrolled in the Primary Care Directory, allowing members of the
public to seek medical advice at private medical clinics for a consultation fee
of $45. It was hoped that the scheme could be launched in 2016-17.
38.
The Chairman invited discussion on the paper. The Vice-chairlady wished
to know more about the Public-Private Partnership. In addition, she also
enquired about the progress of the renovation works at Sai Ying Pun Jockey
Club GOPC, and wished to be informed about the progress of the barrier-free
access retrofitting works at the clinic and Eastern Street.
39.
In response to the Vice-chairlady’s enquiry, Dr Wendy TSUI of the QMH
said that the report of the study conducted by the Head Office in relation to
the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) would be completed and details of the
study would be released in end of this year. It was hoped that the PPP could
be launched in 2016-17. She indicated that the renovation works at Sai
- 16 -
Ying Pun Jockey Club GOPC would be carried out in different phases and
were expected to be completed in 2017. At present, works at the nursing
care services division had been completed, whereas those in the consultation
area were still in progress. She said all works nowadays would comply
with the guidelines to provide barrier-free access facilities.
40.
The Chairman expressed his hope that the HA would submit the attendance
rates and related statistics of the general out-patient services after the
meeting.
Item 9: Request for Provision of Day Care Services for the Elderly and Quality
Pre-primary Services at the Former Western Magistracy Building
(C&W CLSAC Paper No. 31/2015)
(4:56 pm – 5:09 pm)
41.
Mr Jason WONG, Senior Property Manager (Acquisition, Allocation &
Disposal) Projects & Special Duties of the Government Property Agency
(GPA) said that under the Government’s existing policy, priority will be
accorded to allocate government-owned premises to meet departments’
accommodation needs. The Former Western Magistracy Building (Ex-WMB)
was government-owned and its space had already been allocated to
government departments for long-term usage. The user departments therein
did not have any reprovisioning plans to move out from the Ex-WMB.
Should there be any vacant space in future, the GPA would make appropriate
allocation in accordance with the relevant policy and needs. If the C&WDC
had any suggestions on the provision of community facilities/services in the
Central and Western District, it might raise the suggestions directly to the
departments responsible for such facilities/services for follow-up action
while the GPA would provide assistance as appropriate. Regarding the
tenancy of the Social Welfare Department (SWD)’s Central and
Western/Islands Social Security Field Unit at Tung Che Commercial Centre,
the GPA was following up the matter with the SWD and the landlord of the
subject premises. As regards the revitalisation of the Ex-WMB, he said
Members might refer to the Development Bureau (DEVB)’s views on the
issue provided to the Food, Environment, Hygiene and Works Committee of
the C&WDC on 17 February 2015. As far as he knew, “Revitalising
Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme” of the DEVB would in
general only consider revitalising government-owned historic buildings
which were decommissioned or had no planned use.
42.
Miss Rosanna YU, Senior Executive Officer (District Management) of the
Central and Western District Office (C&W DO) said that renovation works to
convert the second floor of the Ex-WMB to a community facility had
commenced on all fronts in March 2015. The works were expected to be
completed in the beginning of the fourth quarter this year so as to open the
said facility for public use as soon as possible.
43.
The Chairman invited discussion on the paper. Questions and views of
Members were as follows:
- 17 -
(i)
Mr WONG Kin-shing said that it had been repeatedly requested that
government departments in the Ex-WMB which did not provide public
services (such as the Drainage Services Department) relocate to other places,
so that the entire Ex-WMB could be used for community purposes. He was
dissatisfied with the reply in which it was repeatedly mentioned that “its
space had already been allocated to government departments for long-term
usage”.
(ii)
Mr CHAN Hok-fung pointed out that the Ex-WMB was conveniently located
in the city centre. The purpose of submitting the paper was to open the
entire Ex-WMB for public use. He said that the Drainage Services
Department (DSD) could for instance be relocated to a revitalised industrial
building, so that more room could become available in the Ex-WMB for
social welfare agencies and so on to serve members of the public.
(iii) The Chairman suggested that the GPA consider moving the DSD out from
the Ex-WMB so as to free up some space for providing more public services.
44.
Mr Jason WONG of the GPA supplemented that the GPA had taken heed of
Members’ and public views and allocated part of the second floor of the
Ex-WMB to the C&W DO for use as a community facility. Should there be
any government departments moving out from the Ex-WMB in the future,
the GPA would invite related departments to consider and would make
appropriate allocation in accordance with the relevant policy and needs.
Regarding the tenancy of the Social Welfare Department (SWD)’s Central
and Western/Islands Social Security Field Unit at Tung Che Commercial
Centre, the GPA was following up the matter with the SWD and the landlord
of the subject premises in hopes of reaching related agreements with the
landlord as soon as possible.
Item 10: Festive Procession in Memory of Emperors Man and Mo
(C&W CLSAC Paper No. 34/2015)
(5:10 pm – 5:35 pm)
45.
Mr Albert SU, Chief Executive of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals
(TWGHs), said the Autumn Sacrificial Rites was a major event of the
TWGHs, which had been held as an internal activity in the past. As it
happened to be the 145th anniversary of the TWGHs this year, the Autumn
Sacrificial Rites would be made a community event so that residents could
learn more about the services provided by the TWGHs while promotion of
the Autumn Sacrificial Rites, which was on the list of Hong Kong’s
Intangible Cultural Heritage, could be further enhanced. A festive parade
would be included in this year’s ceremony, of which the exact date and
details had already been made known to the government departments and
community organisations concerned.
46.
Ms Ivy LAU, Administration Secretary of the TWGHs, pointed out that the
origin of the festive procession could be traced back to the opening of the
Tung Wah Hospital in 1872 where the parade had Man Mo Temple as the
starting point. The procession this year would take place on 1 November
2015 (Sunday). The 30-minute opening ceremony would be held at Sheung
- 18 -
Wan Cultural Square with Mr Matthew CHEUNG Kin-chung, Secretary for
Labour and Welfare, as the officiating guest. The parade would wind
through Morrison Street, Queen’s Road Central, Possession Street and
Hollywood Road, then end at Man Mo Temple. The Autumn Sacrificial
Rites would begin upon the arrival of the parade around 12:00 noon. The
event would have a total of 16 collaborating organisations and C&W DC,
Intangible Cultural Heritage Office of the LCSD and many kaifong welfare
associations were among the supporting organisations. A number of
government departments had already approved the festive procession while
the application for a Temporary Places of Public Entertainment Licence was
being vetted currently. Bus companies had been contacted and appropriate
arrangements would be made accordingly for routes which would be affected
during the festive procession. A stage and four rows of seats would be set
up at Sheung Wan Cultural Square to accommodate approximately 200
spectators. There would also be temporary road closure on the road section
of Bonham Strand surrounding the Square and on Morrison Street to ensure
the safety of spectators. The parade would stay on the right side of the road
when passing Morrison Street and then on the left when winding through
Queen’s Road Central so as to avoid affecting road traffic. There would be
two performance stops along the parade route, namely, the first one being off
Sheung Wan Cultural Square and the second one on Queen’s Road Central
near Circle K convenience store, at which the parade would halt briefly to
give performances such as dance. As for the section on Possession Street,
there would be a complete closure to facilitate public viewing of the parade,
while the footbridge above would be used for photography and filming
purposes by media or members of the public. When entering Hollywood
Road, the parade would proceed on the right lane and head directly to Man
Mo Temple. Since the parade would halt briefly at the first and second
performance stops, the Police would help close the road sections in question
temporarily. As regards the parade, ten units would be taking part in it and
led by the bunrei (分靈體) of Emperors Man and Mo and two sedan chairs,
which would be carried by the staff from the starting point all the way back
to Man Mo Temple, accompanied by directors of the TWGHs in traditional
long gowns and magua as well as students of the TWGHs Lee Ching Dea
Memorial College in traditional Chinese costumes playing the role of
ceremony deacons. Regarding performances, there would be lion dance and
dance of a 100-feet golden dragon in the first section. Other performances
would include youth street dance, taichi performance by Tai Chi Qi Yuan
Wellbeing Club (太極耆緣養生會), performance by the Taoist orchestra of
the Hong Kong Taoist Association, folk dance performance by Sai Ying Pun
Kaifong Welfare Association, performance by Marching Bands of TWGHs
Yiu Dak Chi Memorial Primary School and TWGHs S. C. Gaw Memorial
College, retro dance performance arranged by the W&C DC and the dragon
dance performance by TWGHs Kwok Yat Wai College. The performance
of the Third Prince of the Dragon King would take place at Possession Street,
which would have a crossover electronic music performance with young
dancers.
47.
The Chairman invited discussion on the paper. Questions and views of
Members were as follows:
- 19 -
(i)
The Chairman enquired how other organisations might apply to become
collaborating organisers. He also enquired about the requirements for
collaborating organisations.
(ii)
The Vice-chairlady indicated that she had noticed the second performance
stop’s being located at the bus stop outside Circle K convenience store, and
enquired about the bus service arrangements then. She also asked if traffic
at Queen’s Road Central and Possession Street would immediately resume
normal as soon as the last performance of the parade was completed. She
enquired further if the TWGHs had invited schools in the district to
co-organise the event.
(iii) Mr CHAN Hok-fung gave his full support to the event. He enquired how
the TWGHs would publicise the event to draw the attention of more
members of the public to the event and to promote TWGHs’ spirit of curing
and caring for all.
(iv) Ms CHENG Lai-king enquired if there would be any vehicle/pedestrian
conflicts during the procession, or if vehicles would be stopped first so that
they would stay on the east of Queen’s Road Central. The said road section
would then be re-opened after the parade turned into Possession Street.
Besides, she enquired if the bus companies would put up notices at the bus
stops concerned to keep members of the public posted on the arrangements
on the day when the event would take place.
(v)
The Chairman opined that spectators, being in high spirits, might fail to pay
attention to the traffic around, while there would be relatively less traffic on
Sunday, he enquired if it would be possible to request a temporary complete
closure of the parade route.
(vi) Mr CHAN Choi-hi opined that there was no mention of arrangements in
relation to staffs of the patrol team and so on in the paper, and expressed his
concern over the number of security personnel and measures to ensure order.
48.
(i)
Mr Albert SU, Chief Executive of the TWGHs, responded as follows:
In response to Members’ concern over road closure, he said that the
pre-requisite for the Police to issue a notice of no objection to processions in
recent years was that the road was to be shared between vehicles and
pedestrians. However, depending on actual circumstances, the road
concerned might be closed completely to ensure the safety of the parade and
other people. He continued that the Police hoped the organisers would not
occupy the entire road during the procession. He gave an example that if
Hollywood Road was closed completely, service of bus no. 26 would have to
be suspended. Besides, as regards bus routes via Queen’s Road Central, the
organiser would simply need to move the bus stops concerned slightly to the
front or to the back on the day of the event, and the impact on members of
the public could then be minimised. He reiterated that if the parade would
need to occupy a larger area of the road, the Police would make
corresponding arrangements. Under normal circumstances, the Police
would re-open all traffic lanes after the parade passed the main route. He
- 20 -
indicated that Possession Street would be the only road section which would
be completely closed on that day, and the Police would start closing the road
around 10:30 am.
(ii)
To address Mr CHAN Choi-hi’s concern over public safety, the TWGHs
would station patrol teams at different locations along the route to ensure
safety.
(iii) In response to the Chairman’s enquiry about participating groups, he said the
event was currently open for enrolment but hoped that interested groups
would enroll as soon as possible, so that they could confirm and notify the
Police of the number of parade teams and the total number of participants.
He emphasised that it was hoped that the procession could finish on time
before 12:00 and the Autumn Sacrificial Rites could begin immediately.
(iv) To address Mr CHAN Hok-fung’s concern over publicity, he pointed out that
the TWGHs would publicise the event via different channels such as posters,
so that organisations in Central and Western District as well as other districts
would become aware of the event. He expected that many photography
enthusiasts would take part in the event. Regarding the schools in the
district, the TWGHs had already invited the Federation of Parent-Teacher
Associations of the Central and Western District to participate in the event,
now awaiting the Federation’s reply.
49.
Mr Ivan YIU, Community Services Secretary of the TWGHs supplemented
in relation to this event that given the fact that similar processions were rare
in Hong Kong, he hoped that with the help of the Chinese Temples
Committee and the Hong Kong Tourism Board to stage a great publicity
campaign for the event, anyone interested in culture of temples as well as
tourists could come and join the procession.
Item 11: “Chinese Ink Staircase”
(C&W CLSAC Paper No. 35/2015)
(5:37 pm – 6:05 pm)
50.
This agenda item was chaired by the Vice-chairlady.
51.
Ms Queenie MAK, Project Manager of the Young Artists Development
Foundation (YADF) presented the ways and proposals to promote “Chinese
Ink Staircase” in Central and Western District, and suggested that “Chinese
Ink Staircases” be produced at the footbridge at Pedder Street, Central near
World-Wide House and at the staircase at the junction of Tai Ping Shan Street
and Upper Station Street in Sheung Wan.
52.
The Vice-chairlady invited discussion on the paper. Questions and views of
Members were as follows:
(i)
Mr CHAN Hok-fung agreed that “Chinese Ink Staircases” should be
produced in Central and Western District. He said that a public engagement
exercise had been conducted in the Central and Western District in which
residents were invited to draw on the staircase on Sands Street. He
- 21 -
suggested that the YADF consider Sands Street as the location was more
spacious, thus allowing members of the public to view the paintings from
different angles.
(ii)
Mr CHAN Choi-hi suggested that Western District be considered as a
location for “Chinese Ink Staircase”. He enquired about the criteria of
YADF in choosing painters and hoped that there would be other options.
Besides, he also enquired about arrangements of maintenance and restoration
of staircases.
(iii) Ms CHENG Lai-king expressed her support for the project, but wished that
participants at the meeting could first introduce the Young Artists
Development Foundation and the Glorious Sun Group. She was concerned
that if commercial organisations were involved and their logos were shown
on the staircases, the C&W DC would in effect be advertising for them.
She opined that the YADF should consult local residents in relation to the
paintings to be stuck on the staircases for fear that the C&W DC would be
held responsible in the future if residents were not happy with the paintings.
She was also concerned that the paintings would later come off from the
staircases and cause danger, she enquired about the arrangements of
insurance and staircase restoration.
(iv) Miss LO Yee-hang suggested that the project of “Chinese Ink Staircases” be
expanded to cover Western District. She enquired about the criteria of
YADF in choosing paintings and hoped that the YADF could elaborate on the
production principle of “Chinese Ink Staircases”. Besides, she was
concerned that high costs would be incurred should the project be expanded
to cover more locations in the Central and Western District in the future.
(v)
Mr WONG Kin-shing indicated that the YADF should have conceived the
production of “Chinese Ink Staircases” in Central and Western District
earlier. He said that one of the proposed locations, namely, the footbridge at
Pedder Street, Central near World-Wide House was not suitable for sticking
the ink paintings as too many people would be gathering there on weekends.
He agreed that the YADF might consider producing “Chinese Ink Staircases”
in Western District and wished to know more about the arrangement of
staircase maintenance.
(vi) The Vice-chairlady expressed her reservations about the proposed staircase
locations.
She was concerned about insurance and maintenance
arrangements and wished to know more about the arrangements and costs for
removing the paintings in the future.
(vii) The Chairman said it was hoped that the project could be approved at the
Finance Committee meeting next week.
53.
(i)
Ms Queenie MAK, Project Manager of the YADF thanked Members for their
enquiries and responded as follows:
The organiser YADF was a non-profit-making organisation which aimed at
promoting youth arts development, while “Chinese Ink Staircase” was one of
- 22 -
YADF’s major projects.
Glorious Sun Group was a commercial
organisation and sponsor of the whole project. Wan Fung Art Gallery and
Art Building Character Foundation Limited (ABC Foundation Limited) were
partner organisations. All four organisations belonged to the production
team of “Chinese Ink Staircase” and participated in projects launched in 18
districts.
(ii)
In response to Members’ enquiry about the costs, she said the whole project
would cost $150 000, covering the implementation, planning, opening
ceremony as well as the maintenance cost. $100 000 thereof would be
sponsored by the Glorious Sun Group and the C&W DC would need to
allocate $50 000 for the production of the “Chinese Ink Staircase”.
(iii) As regards Members’ concern over the maintenance and repair arrangements,
she said Mr Lam Yuk Fai, Executive Director of the ABC Foundation
Limited, was the artistic director of “Chinese Ink Staircase” and at the same
time developer of “Chinese Ink Staircase sticking method”. With regular
upkeep, paintings stuck onto the staircases by this special method could last
for eight to ten years. Maintenance costs for the first two years were
already included in the $150 000 quoted, while the maintenance cost ($3 000
each time) from the third year onwards would be borne by the C&W DC.
She said that this special sticking method could prevent the paintings from
coming off. She was confident that the paintings could last for eight to ten
years unless they were deliberately damaged.
(iv) To address Members’ concern over the paintings to be stuck on the staircases,
she said the YADF would first of all select the suitable locations and then
contact the artists via the partner organisation Wan Fung Art Gallery. The
artists concerned would contribute the copyright of their paintings for free.
(v)
54.
(i)
In response to Ms CHENG Lai-king’s enquiry about the advertising effect of
the logos of the above organisations being displayed on the staircases, she
said those organisations belonged to the production team of the project and
their logos would be posted on the staircases in recognition of their efforts
and sponsorship.
The Vice-chairlady said that if the project was endorsed, the paper would be
submitted to the Working Group on C&W DC Affairs for funding application
of $50 000 and be approved at the 9th Finance Committee meeting next week.
The Vice-chairlady invited the second round of discussion on the paper:
Mr MAN Chi-wah opined that the funding application was hasty and he was
worried that it could not become ready for the Finance Committee meeting
next week. He was of the view that the cost for this project was high and
pointed out that the C&W DC had spent $50 000 in total on the staircase
painting on Sands Street without the need to display any logos of other
organisations. He asked who would be responsible for the costs to remove
the paintings in the future. He indicated that wall paintings in the past had
involved public engagement where residents could raise their views on the
paintings selected. He was worried that this project would attract criticisms
due to its lack of public engagement.
- 23 -
(ii)
Mr CHAN Choi-hi enquired about the criteria of painting selection. He said
he was the Vice-chairman of the partner organisation “Cultural Power”.
(iii) Ms Shirley WONG opined that it would be inappropriate to display logos of
the partner organisations on the staircases as it would make it hard for the
C&W DC to explain to other commercial organisations in the future.
(iv) The Vice-chairlady pointed out that the YADF had not responded to all
enquiries of the Members.
55.
Ms Ruby WAN of the YADF responded as follows:
(i)
As regards Members’ concern over the arrangement of painting selection, she
said that using the works of other artists would incur royalty fees, hence, they
decided to choose suitable paintings from the list of artists of Wan Fung Art
Gallery. She would welcome any self-nomination of artists who were not
included in the list of Wan Fung Art Gallery.
(ii)
In response to Members’ concern over the costs to remove the paintings, she
said the C&W DC could contact the YADF anytime to arrange for the
removal, and the costs to remove the paintings would be borne by the YADF.
56.
The Vice-chairlady said the paper would be passed to the Working Group on
C&W DC Affairs for circulation and Members would be further consulted.
Item 12: Concern over the Inadequacy of Communications Service Providers for
Choice by Residents in the District
(C&W CLSAC Paper No. 37/2015)
(6:05 pm – 6:07 pm)
57.
The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) and the Highways
Department (HyD) indicated in their written replies that they would not send
any representatives to attend the meeting.
58.
Ms CHENG Lai-king expressed her disappointment with the absence of
representatives of government departments at the meeting. She said that
residents of Conduit Road could not enjoy any right to choose, resulting in
frequent disconnection of network.
59.
The Vice-chairlady requested that the Secretariat write to OFCA and HyD
after the meeting so that they could take note of the matter.
Item 13: Request for Removing the Deadline of Unspent Elderly Health Care
Vouchers to Facilitate Flexible Use of Vouchers by Elderly in Their
Lifetime; and for Providing Free Dental Care Services to the Elderly
Including an Annual Dental Check-up
(C&W CLSAC Paper No. 38/2015)
(6:07 pm – 6:25 pm)
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60.
The Vice-chairlady invited discussion on the paper. Questions and views of
Members were as follows:
(i) Mr WONG Kin-shing hoped that the number of years that an eligible elder
might carry forward the unspent voucher amount could be extended. Since
there was an accumulation limit of HK$4 000 with a restriction on the
number of years for which the unspent voucher could be accumulated, the
elders could not make use of their accumulated reserve of unspent vouchers
in the event of serious illnesses, and some might seek consultation before the
vouchers expired even though they were not ill, thus causing wastage.
Besides, despite the recent announcement of the Community Care Fund
(CCF) that the Elderly Dental Assistance Programme would provide free
removable dentures and related dental services, the subsidy provided by the
Elderly Dental Assistance Expanded Programme fell short of covering the
dental treatment fees. He opined that as only those elders aged 80 or above
were eligible to apply for the Elderly Dental Assistance Expanded
Programme, there would not be many beneficiaries, which was a total lack of
respect for the elderly.
(ii)
Ms CHENG Lai-king pointed out that the elders were in general very thrifty
and would not want to use the vouchers. She opined that the DH should
educate the elders how they could make good use of the vouchers and that
the vouchers were a benefit to which they were entitled. Besides, she
pointed out that the eligible age at present varied from benefit to benefit, she
hoped that the eligible age could be standardised as 60 so as to avoid
confusion. The departments concerned and the bureau should also
understand the needs of the elderly.
(iii) Ms Shirley WONG indicated that some elders had relayed to her their wish
that the vouchers could be accumulated for their lifetime, so as to avoid the
scenario where they did not have sufficient money to pay for the treatment in
the event of serious illnesses. Since there was currently a restriction on the
number of years for the unspent voucher amount to be carried forward, the
elders regarded it as wastage for not being able to make good use of the
vouchers. She opined that the eligible age should be standardised as 65.
61.
(i)
Dr Scarlet CHAN, Senior Medical and Health Officer (Community Liaison)2
(Acting) of the Department of Health (DH) responded as follows:
In response to Members’ suggestions in relation to health care vouchers, she
said the vouchers were provided to subsidise the primary healthcare services
the elderly purchased from the private sector, and to encourage them to make
use of services available in the community which could meet their needs.
The pilot Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme (the Scheme) was launched
in 2009 and each eligible elder was entitled to an annual voucher amount of
$250. Since 2014, the Scheme was converted from a pilot project to a
regular programme and the annual voucher amount was increased to $ 2 000
for each eligible elder. The arrangement of setting an accumulation limit
for the vouchers was to encourage the elders to make more frequent use of
the vouchers for primary care services. The Government would continue to
promote the use of vouchers among the elderly through different channels,
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and review the effectiveness of the Scheme in a timely manner after
enhancement measures had been in place for some time.
(ii)
62.
In response to Members’ views on the Elderly Dental Assistance Expanded
Programme, she said that the Government’s policy on dental services sought
to improve oral health of the public and prevent dental diseases through
promotion and education, thereby facilitating the development of proper oral
health habits. Over the years, the Oral Health Education Unit of the DH
had implemented oral health promotion programmes targeted at different age
groups and disseminated oral health information through different channels.
In addition, the CCF launched the Elderly Dental Assistance Programme (the
Programme) in September 2012 to provide free removable dentures and
related dental services for low-income elders who were users of the home
care service or home help service schemes subvented by the Social Welfare
Department. To benefit more elders who had financial difficulties and did
not receive Comprehensive Social Security Assistance, the CCF had
expanded the Programme in phases to cover Old Age Living Allowance
recipients with effect from 1 September 2015, starting with those aged 80 or
above in the first phase involving about 130 000 elders. The CCF would
consider extending the target beneficiaries to other age groups progressively
having regard to the progress of implementation of the Expanded Programme
and the overall situation.
The Vice-chairlady concluded that Members had many requests relating to
the elderly. She hoped that representatives could relay the views to the DH
for its consideration.
Item 14: Revised Initial Greening Proposal in Response to the Felling of
Stonewall Trees at Bonham Road
(C&W CLSAC Paper No. 42/2015)
(6:25 pm – 7:25 pm)
63.
With the Chairman’s consent, Ms Esther WONG, convenor of St. Stephen’s
Neighbour Concern Group (Concern Group), spoke for two minutes. She
represented the Concern Group to make a request to the CLSAC and the
HyD that two Podocarpus macrophyllus and one Grevillea robusta be
planted on Bonham Road, and one Ficus microcarpa (Chinese banyan tree)
and one Grevillea robusta be planted on St. Stephen’s Lane.
64.
With the Chairman’s consent, Ms Melanie MOORE, representative of
Alliance for a Beautiful Hong Kong (Alliance), spoke for two minutes. She
represented the Alliance to express the wish that Chinese banyan trees could
be grown on Bonham Road again, and requested that the HyD and other
departments concerned enhance the preservation of wall trees and
maintenance of stone walls.
65.
Mr John CHAN, Senior Landscape Architect/VM(U&Is) of the HyD
presented the revised initial greening proposal in response to the felling of
stonewall trees at Bonham Road. He said the HyD was assessing with local
DC Members the viability of removing the covered seating benches at
Bonham Road and discussing with related departments the arrangements of
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underground cables and facilities on site in hopes of freeing up some space
for tree planting. He pointed out that there was not much space available at
the said location. Hence, it was not suitable for growing Chinese banyan
trees. He recommended Podocarpus macrophyllus for the site instead. He
suggested that small trees in raised planters be placed at the site of tree
collapse on 22 July. He indicated that the location at St. Stephen’s Lane
was an emergency access subject to road width constraint. Moreover, the
road was so narrow that the exposed roots of the Chinese banyan trees would
be run over by vehicles passing the road. Therefore it was not suitable for
growing Chinese Banyan trees. He said he would relay the suggestions put
forward by members of the public to tree experts for reference when revising
the proposal and for advice. The relocation of Lamp Post 31756 near Park
Road and the staircase at Bonham Road to a location near the side of the
stone wall would facilitate pedestrian movement. The existing stone
benches at St. Stephen’s Lane would also be kept. He said the HyD had all
along been conducting regular inspections of stone walls and trees and
nothing unusual had been detected as of 22 July this year. However, a
Chinese banyan tree had collapsed on 22 July with no signs at all. As the
stone wall concerned was still loaded with several Chinese banyan trees
which were tens of tonnes in weight, unusual cracks were found on the stone
wall. After removing the trees which weighed tens of tonnes, the stone wall
should be safe at present. Besides, in view of the above-mentioned tree
collapse case, he said the HyD had arranged for a detailed “Engineer
Inspection” (EI) of the stone wall concerned to be conducted by a
geotechnical engineering consultant, and would monitor and maintain the
stone wall in accordance with the recommendations of the EI to ensure
public safety. He had also taken heed of the suggestions made by local DC
Members and members of the public, and the HyD would request that the bus
company provide a shelter to the bus stop for shading purpose at the site on
Bonham Road where the Chinese banyan tree had been removed. He
supplemented that the HyD was currently resurfacing the pavement (near T2
and T3) as a result of the stonewall tree collapse onto the neighbouring St.
Stephen’s Lane and the works were almost completed. As for the
suggestion regarding interpretation plates, he said the HyD was discussing
with other departments. He also made some suggestions to enhance the
remaining tree stumps left behind by the removed stonewall trees.
66.
The Chairman said that the W&C DC was actively exploring the locations
for re-installing the benches of Bonham Road, one being in the sitting-out
area near Shun Tak Centre and the other being on the ground floor of
Harbour Building facing Connaught Road Central. He indicated that after a
site inspection, it was found out that there were numerous underground
cables and other facilities beneath the location where the tree had collapsed.
Government departments concerned were actively studying the viability of
removing the cables and facilities for tree planting. He said that according
to experts, if Chinese banyan trees were to be grown at the original site at
Bonham Road, it would be possible that the roots would grow and spread out
onto the road, whereas the likelihood of planting Chinese banyan trees at St.
Stephen’s Lane was higher. He personally would also love to have Chinese
banyan trees planted at the site again, which might not necessarily be feasible
- 27 -
in reality. He opined that suggestions of planting other tree species could be
discussed.
67.
The Chairman invited discussion on the paper. Questions and views of
Members were as follows:
(i)
Mr WONG Kin-shing accepted the HyD’s reply in relation to the suggestions
put forward by the Concern Group. He enquired what the HyD intended to
do with the remaining tree stumps and roots at Bonham Road. He
suggested that the HyD consider making interpretation plates with the wood
from the trees that had been axed.
(ii)
Mr HUI Chi-fung opined that the HyD had already reached a consensus with
the local DC Members before the meeting, and was only to inform members
of the public and other DC Members of the result at the meeting. He hoped
that the HyD could clearly indicate its stance on the issue as to whether or
not Chinese banyan trees could be planted again at Bonham Road and St.
Stephen’s Lane. He opined that if the HyD had the intention to compensate,
it should replant stonewall trees.
(iii) Mr Joseph CHAN hoped the HyD could reinstate St. Stephen’s Lane and
Bonham Road as far as possible, for instance, keeping the shade of trees and
greening environment as closely as the original as possible. He hoped that
the HyD would first take into consideration views of different organisations
and experts instead of rushing through. He also hoped that the HyD could
keep the tree roots and neighbouring plants at the site of tree removal.
(iv) Mr MAN Chi-wah regretted that no structural engineer was present at the
meeting. He said he was still concerned about the remaining tree stumps
and roots as to whether they would expand or shrink, thus affecting the
stability of the stone wall. He pointed out that there was busy traffic on the
said road section and safety should be given top priority. He had some
reservations about tree planting, but agreed that greening would be necessary,
and that planting of small trees in raised planters could be considered. He
pointed out that adversely-hung plants would lead to humid stone wall.
(v)
Ms CHENG Lai-king opposed the greening proposal submitted by the HyD.
She requested that the HyD seek experts’ opinion on the handling of the
remaining tree stumps and roots. She enquired if the removed Chinese
banyan tree had already been brought to the landfill. She opined that the six
stonewall trees belonged to the collective memory of Hong Kong people and
the proposal would fall short of enhancing the environment. She was
dissatisfied with the HyD’s intention to remove the bench on Bonham Road
as it was, in her opinion, a project for which the C&W DC had spent $150
000. She was worried that the raised planters at St. Stephen’s Lane would
end up as ashtrays.
(vi) Mr CHAN Hok-fung pointed out that there were many environmental factors
which made it difficult for Chinese banyan trees or other tree species to grow
freely at the said location. He opined that Bonham Road was narrow and
therefore he did not support the planting of Chinese banyan trees at the
- 28 -
location again. He said that doing so would be just like keeping a child in
an iron cage where he could not grow up healthily. He was worried that
accidents might occur in the future if Chinese banyan trees were planted
again.
(vii) Ms Shirley WONG did not agree to growing potted plants. She opined that
the Chinese banyan trees’ becoming too heavy was the result of the
Government’s failure to arrange for regular pruning. She suggested that the
HyD refer to the grafting technique used in the Mainland to explore how to
make the remaining tree stumps grow again.
(viii) The Chairman indicated that he had made concrete suggestions to the HyD
and received a reply from the HyD as a result, rather than having reached a
consensus with the HyD long before as described by some Members. He
hoped that Chinese banyan trees could be planted again as far as
circumstances so permitted. However, the sustainability issue should be
considered first. As regards the relocation of the bench on Bonham Road,
he said unless it was objected by additional Members, otherwise the bench
would have to be relocated.
68.
Mr John CHAN of the HyD responded as follows:
(i)
In response to Members’ enquiry as to how the remaining tree stumps would
be handled, he said the stumps would be kept at the original site. While
there was room in the soil behind the retaining wall, shrinking of the stumps
should have no impact on the overall structure of the stone wall.
(ii)
In response to Ms CHENG Lai-king’s enquiry as to where the axed tree had
gone, he said it had been brought to the landfill.
(iii) In response to Mr HUI Chi-fung’s remark, he said the HyD had all along
gauged public views and would relay views in relation to the replanting of
Chinese banyan trees to the Expert Panel on Tree Management for
consideration.
(iv) Regarding Mr Joseph CHAN’s wish for site reinstatement, he said that so far
it remained unsuitable to plant trees of the same size and height at the same
site. Therefore it would be impossible to restore the environment shaded by
trees. He said that he would also love to plant Chinese banyan trees if
circumstances would so permit, just like he had arranged for the planting of
several Chinese banyan trees in the New Territories.
(v)
In response to Ms MOORE’s request to plant Chinese banyan trees again, he
said the site was subject to limitations of growing habitat and space,
rendering it unfavourable for the growth of Chinese banyan trees.
(vi) He said that in case seeds landed on the stone wall again and began to grow
in the future, the HyD would discuss with the Geotechnical Engineering
Office (GEO) options to stabilise the stone wall, before they could be sure
about the stone wall’s ability to sustain the weight of the Chinese banyan tree
in the long run.
- 29 -
(vii) In response to Ms Shirley WONG’s suggestion to keep pruning the trees, he
said that in doing so, it would be hard for the trees to grow to the same height
as before. He reiterated that the HyD had all along been exploring options
to preserve trees, but the new cracks being spotted on 5 August were
completely unexpected, it had been decided only then to remove the trees.
(viii) He added that the removal of four Chinese banyan trees was a collective
decision made after the inspections by geotechnical engineering experts, civil
engineers and arborists. He said that if the Chinese banyan trees had
collapsed on that day due to the failure of their roots to anchor, part of the
stone wall would have collapsed too as a result and led to very serious
consequences. Hence, the Chinese banyan trees had to be removed.
Item 15: Arts and Cultural Activities organised by the Leisure and Cultural
Services Department in the Central and Western District
(C&W CLSAC Paper No. 33/2015)
(7:25 pm)
69.
Members noted the paper and had no other comments.
Item 16: Action Checklist on Matters Arising from the 8th CLSAC Meeting
(2014/2015)
(C&W CLSAC Paper No. 41/2015)
(7:25 pm)
70.
Members noted the paper and had no other comments.
Item 17: Reports of Working Groups
(7:25 pm)
71.
Members noted the paper and had no other comments.
Item 18: Any Other Business
(7:25 pm)
72.
No other business was raised by Members.
73.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:26 pm.
The minutes were confirmed on 30 September 2015
Chairman:
Mr CHAN Chit-kwai, BBS, JP
Secretary:
Miss Jovy TAI
Central and Western District Council Secretariat
September 2015
- 30 -