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Minutes of the 9th Meeting ofCulture, Leisure & Social Affairs Committee (2014-15)

Central and Western District Council

Date : 10 September 2015 (Thursday)Time : 2:30 pmVenue : Conference Room

14/F, Harbour Building38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong

Present:ChairmanMr CHAN Chit-kwai, BBS, JP*

Vice-chairladyMs SIU Ka-yi (2:33 pm - end of meeting)

MembersMr CHAN Choi-hi, MH (2:33 pm - 6:24 pm)Mr CHAN Ho-lim, Joseph (2:30 pm - 4:29 pm) ; (5:47 pm - end of meeting)Mr CHAN Hok-fung, MH*Ms CHENG Lai-king (2:37 pm - end of meeting)Mr CHEUNG Kwok-kwan, JP (2:30 pm - 7 pm)Mr CHEUNG Yick-hung, Jackie (2:59 pm - 3:53 pm)Mr HUI Chi-fung (2:36 pm - 4:15 pm) ; (6:16 pm - end of meeting)Mr IP Kwok-him, GBS, JP (2:30 pm - 5:13 pm)Mr KAM Nai-wai, MH (2:30 pm - 4:58 pm)Dr Malcolm LAM (2:30 pm - 3:59 pm)Mr LEE Chi-hang, Sidney (2:47 pm - 3:59 pm)Miss LO Yee-hang (3:46 pm - 6:56 pm)Mr MAN Chi-wah, MH*Mr NG Siu-keung, Thomas, MH, JP (2:30 pm - 6:16 pm)Mr WONG Kin-shing*Mr YIP Wing-shing, BBS, MH, JP (2:30 pm - 3:34 pm)

Co-opted MembersMs CHEUNG Kai-yin (2:36 pm - 4:19 pm)Mr NG Siu-hong (2:30 pm - 4:50 pm)Ms WONG Mi-hing, Shirley*

Remarks: *Members who attended the whole meeting ( ) Time of attendance of Members

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GuestItem 4Ms WONG Wai-man Senior Building Surveyor/Slope Safety (HKW),

Buildings DepartmentMs MAN Siu-kuen, Ada Building Surveyor/Slope Safety 2, Buildings

DepartmentMr Vince KONG Senior Engineer, Ove Arup & Partners Hong

Kong Limited

Item 5Miss AU Wing-yan, Christine

Mr CHU Ho, Larry

Mr YU Wai-shing, Frederick

Principal Assistant Secretary (Harbour), Development Bureau

Assistant Secretary (Harbour)1, Development Bureau

Assistant Secretary (Harbour) SD, Development Bureau

Item 6Dr C C LUK

Dr Wendy W S TSUI

Dr Alfred S K KWONG

Ms. Mabel KWONG

Item 7Dr Lesley LAU

Ms Meijing HE

Mr Johnny CHIU

Ms Lenona NG

Ms Levina LI

Item 8Dr 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

Public and Community Relations Officer, Hospital Authority Hong Kong West Cluster

Head (Art Promotion Office), Leisure and Cultural Services Department

Head of Arts and Creative Industries, British Council

Executive Director, AECOM

Director, Sinclair Communications

Event Horizon Project Consultant

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,

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Ms Mabel KWONG

Item 9Mrs KWOK WONG Mun-yi

Mr CHU Kam-sing, Daniel

Mr WONG Chak-sun, Jason

Miss YU Yan-yan, Rosanna

Item 10Mr Albert SUMr Ivan YIU

Ms Ivy LAU

Item 11Ms Ruby WAN

Ms Queenie MAK

Item 13Dr CHAN See-ka, Scarlet

Item 14Mr CHAN Hon-cheung, John

Mr LAM Chi-hang, Augustine

Mr WONG Cheuk-him, Jason

Ms Esther WONG

Ms Melanie MOORE

Queen Mary HospitalPublic 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 HospitalsCommunity Services Secretary, Tung Wah

Group of HospitalsAdministration 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

In Attendance:Miss CHOW Ho-kiu, Cheryl, JPMiss LAM Bing-bing, Erica

District Officer (Central and Western)Assistant District Officer (Central and Western)

Ms WONG Ming-wai Senior Executive Officer(District Council),

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Central and Western District OfficeMr CHU Kam-sing, Daniel Assistant District Social Welfare Officer (Central

Western, Southern and Islands), Social Welfare Department

Ms Doris CHUN Senior Community Relations Officer, Independent Commission Against Corruption

Mrs KWOK WONG Mun-yi Senior School Development Officer (Central Western and Southern) 2, Education Bureau

Dr CHAN See-ka, Scarlet Senior Medical and Health Officer (Community Liaison)2 (Acting), Department of Health

Mr LAI Fai-keung

Mr CHEUNG ka-lok

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

Ms CHOI Suk-kuen, Shirley Senior Manager (Cultural Services) Hong Kong West, Leisure and Cultural Services Department

Ms LEE Wing-yee, Winnie Manager (Hong Kong West) Marketing, Programme and District Activities, Leisure and Cultural Services Department

Ms CHOW Pui-shan, Cindy Deputy District Leisure Manager (District Support) Central and Western, Leisure and Cultural Services Department

SecretaryMiss TAI Lok-tung, Jovy Executive Officer (District Council) 5

Central and Western District Office

Absent with Apologies:Mr CHAN Hiu-fun Absent due to illnessMs LEUNG Shuk-yi, EmilyMr NG Wing-yan, MH

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.

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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. The questions and views of Members were as follows:

(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) 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.

7. 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.

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(ii) 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.

8. 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)

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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. The questions and views of Members were as follows:

(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.

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(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. 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) 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.

14. 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.

(i) 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

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development would further enhance the accessibility of the harbourfront, so that members of the public could access the harbourfront directly from the 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) 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.

15. The Chairman invited second round of discussion on the paper. The views of Members were as follows:

(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.

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(iii) Ms CHENG Lai-king enquired of the DEVB if both Areas D and E would offer 120 days for free public use.

(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

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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.

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. After voting, the following motion was passed:

“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

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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 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.

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(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.

(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.

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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 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.


(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

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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 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

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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 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

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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 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


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

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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.


(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

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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 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

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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.


(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. Mr Albert SU , Chief Executive of the TWGHs, responded as follows:

(i) 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

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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 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

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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 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.

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(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. Ms Queenie MAK , Project Manager of the YADF thanked Members for their enquiries and responded as follows:

(i) The organiser YADF was a non-profit-making organisation which aimed at promoting youth arts development, while “Chinese Ink Staircase” was one of 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) 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.

54. 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

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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:

(i) 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.

(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


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

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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


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.

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61. Dr Scarlet CHAN , Senior Medical and Health Officer (Community Liaison)2 (Acting) of the Department of Health (DH) responded as follows:

(i) 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, and review the effectiveness of the Scheme in a timely manner after enhancement measures had been in place for some time.

(ii) 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.

62. 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


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

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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 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

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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 in reality. He opined that suggestions of planting other tree species could be discussed.


(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

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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 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

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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.

(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)


Item 17 : Reports of Working Groups (7:25 pm)

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Item 1 8: 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 SecretariatSeptember 2015

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