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Makakilo ◦ Mililani Town ◦ Waipahu ◦ Waikele ◦ Royal Kunia ◦ Village Park |
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E Komo Mai … Aloha and Welcome |
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Key Meeting Dates
1/23, 2/20, 3/19, 4/16, 5/7, 6/4, 7/23, 8/20, 9/24, 10/15, 11/12, & 12/3
Full Council meeting at 10:00 a.m. at Honolulu Hale
Latest Council agenda
4th Wednesday of each month
Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board meets at Kapolei High School Cafeteria at 7:00 p.m.
Click here for Makakilo report
Mililani/Melemanu/Waipio Neighborhood Board meets at MTA Rec. Center III at 7:30 p.m.
Click here for Mililani report
4th Thursday of each month
Waipahu Neighborhood Board meets at Fil-Com Center Ballroom at 7:00 p.m.
Click here for Waipahu report
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Aloha, and welcome to my District 9 home page. This format allows me to provide timely information to the communities of District 9 using the tools of Internet technology. |
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Our focus will be on news and information from the City & County of Honolulu. We are also providing useful links to other sources of information such as the neighborhood boards that serve District 9.
As a local boy growing up in Waipahu, I have always felt a unique sense of pride and responsibility to give back to the community that made me who I am today. Whether as a legislator, businessman, or even as your neighbor, I consider myself blessed to have the opportunity and privilege to be in a position to help others.
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I hope you fully utilize this service to stay current with district activities and to communicate the issues that matter most to you. I look forward to your feedback.
Please feel free to email me at ngarcia@honolulu.gov or call me at my office at 768-5009 to share your thoughts and concerns or just to say "Hello!"
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Plantation Legacy Awards Banquet and Fundraiser |
On Saturday, September 20th, the Hawaii's Plantation Village will present the inaugural Plantation Legacy Awards to Bill Balfour, Domingo Los Banos and Goro Arakawa as a tribute to their lifelong commitment to honor and perpetuate the legacy of Hawaii's sugar plantation communities.
Oahu Sugar Mill circa 1930
I am a firm believer in the old adage, "in order to know where you're going, you need to know where you came from." Each of these distinguished gentlemen contributed greatly to the history of sugar in Hawaii – Bill as the President of Oahu Sugar, Domingo in his efforts to support labor and education of plantation children and Goro in the role Arakawa's played in being Hawaii's first "superstore" that maintained the small town feel.
The old sugar mill stack as currently seen from the grounds of Hawaii's Plantation Village
The Plantation Legacy Award Dinner and Fundraiser will be held at The Willows Restaurant, located at 901 Hausten Street. Tickets are $100 for Hana (individual seat), $400 for Luna (half table of 4 seats) and $800 for Planter (table of 8 seats) and include dinner, entertainment, silent auction and awards presentation. Fifty percent of the ticket cost is tax-deductible and net proceeds will benefit Hawaii's Plantation Village.
The evening starts at 5:30 pm with a cash bar and Silent Auction. The Plantation Legacy Awards program, dinner and entertainment starts at 6 pm. For tickets or more information, call 808-677-0110.
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New Features at the American Box Car Racing International facility in Village Park – Radio Controlled (R/C) racing tracks |
If you've never been to the American Box Car Racing International facility in Village Park, you should make the time to go there. Located in the Park and Ride facility across from Times Supermarket, it features two box car racing tracks for kids of all ages.
Owner B.C. Cowling has recently added three radio controlled (R/C) car racing tracks for added fun. Open to electrically run vehicles, racers can measure their racing skills against the best R/C drivers on Oahu.
New R/C race tracks at the American Box Car Racing International facility in Village Park
B.C has been a generous partner with the Village Park Community Association. Every year, he helps host the VPCA Easter Egg hunt for hundreds of community keiki. It is not uncommon to hear screams of joy coming from that area, and that's just from the parents. B.C. also uses the box car building process to help kids who may not be athletically gifted find an outlet for their imagination and abilities.
The ABCRI facility is open to the public from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and most holidays, and from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Sundays. The facility is also open to family and group events by reservation.
For more information, check out B.C.'s website at www.boxcarracing.org or call him at 947-3393.
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UPDATE – Illegal Dumping Removed in Royal Kunia
Quick pointers on the City's Bulky Item Pick-up program
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In early September, I received several calls from residents of Royal Kunia regarding a growing pile of trash and debris at the top of Anonui Street near the Golf Course on Stanford Carr's Royal Kunia Phase II property.
Illegal dumping on Anonui Street as of September 8th
I placed a call into Stanford to ask for his help in removing the trash in our community and preventing future occurrences. As a concerned community partner, Stanford and his crew was more than willing to step up to the plate to help us out. I am pleased to announce that as of September 18th, all the debris is gone and Stanford's gang will be moving the boulders lower to prevent trucks from pulling up and dumping their trash in our neighborhoods.
Debris on Anonui Street removed by Stanford Carr Development as of September 18th
This was all probably started by one person deciding that he or she needed to get rid of a bulky piece of furniture from their home but had missed the bulky item pick up schedule. Here are some points to remember about the City's bulky item pick up program.
· All areas of the island are on a no-call, regular monthly collection schedule.
o For Village Park, Royal Kunia, Waikele and Waipio Gentry, it is the second Wednesday of each month.
o For Makakilo, Kapolei and Barber's Point Housing, it is the first Monday of each month
o Mililani has two pick up days – for residences north of Kamehameha Hwy and south of H-2 Freeway and Waikalani Valley, it is the third Monday of each month, and for residences south of Kamehameha Highway, it is the fourth Monday.
· All households except dwellings owned by the State or Federal governments will be serviced. Household items, furniture, appliances and home repair materials not exceeding one cubic yard are eligible to be picked up. The City will not pick up construction materials, demolition debris, dirt, rock, concrete, large automobile parts or any refuse suitable for regular collection.
· All items must be placed at the curb by 6:00 am on the first day of pickup only. Please only put items out the evening before your scheduled pickup day or period. Items put out too early or after the pick-up period are unsightly and can cause dumping at that site.
· Remove or secure doors from refrigerators to prevent children getting accidentally stuck inside. Please do not block sidewalks, driveways or roadways.
· If you miss the collection, store the bulky items on your property until the next month's scheduled collection.
· If you miss the pick up, bulky items may also be dropped off at any of the City's Convenience Centers.
· For more info, click on the following link: http://www.opala.org/solid_waste/bulky_item_pickup.html
Both city and state agencies have the ability to pursue illegal dumping through civil actions, with warnings or by issuing citations. However, if they are unable to catch the culprit red-handed, their only recourse is to request the landlord to clean up the mess, regardless of who did the dumping.
The only way we can make this illegal dumping stop is to catch these dumpers in the act and fine them accordingly. If you see suspicious activity occurring, report any illegal dumping to the Illegal Dumping hotline at 768-3203. Providing the location of the occurrence, and describing the transport vehicle as well as the individuals involved can go a long way in curbing this problem.
Again, please join me in extending a big "Mahalo" to our friends from Stanford Carr Development for going the extra mile in taking away someone else's opala!
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Coming Soon – Improved Lighting at Waipahu Transit Center |
Earlier this year, during the City's annual budget process, I was able to work with my colleagues to insert $250,000 to improve lighting at the Waipahu Transit Center in response to your calls and emails regarding concerns over passenger safety at our bus shelters.
Since that time, we have been working with members of the Department of Design and Construction and the Department of Transportation Services on different ways to better improve lighting and visibility of the surrounding area for people waiting for buses.
A couple of the solutions we are considering is increasing the wattage of the area lighting by 50% and trimming back some of the foliage to allow more street lighting on to the area.
Typical lighting standard at Waipahu Transit Center and surrounding foliage
A few residents living nearby may notice a brightening of the area, but we believe it is a good trade-off to err on the side of safety and security over convenience.
I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank Pastor Gary Shields of Victory Ohana and his members for "adopting" the restrooms facilities at the transit center. Since 2007, they've been there daily to help clean up the bathrooms and remove graffiti.
There are two members of the City's administration that also warrant our thanks and praise. James Burke, the head of the Public Transit Division, continues to make the Waipahu Transit Center a priority and is always willing to help partner with other organizations to benefit our community. Gerald Hamada of the Department of Design and Construction has come out to Waipahu on his own personal time on several occasions at night to help measure illumination and lighting. Without his help and advice, we could not move this project forward.
These are but two examples of dedicated public servants who go out of their way to make our communities a better place to live. Mahalo to these individuals who go above and beyond to assist the people of our district.
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UPDATE –Waipahu District Park improvements |
As I reported earlier, in late July the Department of Design and Construction gave the notice to proceed on repairing the pool. Construction is proceeding well, and barring no additional surprises, the anticipated re-opening of the pool should be in mid to late April 2009. Below are some pictures showing the work that has been done thus far.
Concrete decking around the pool has been removed
Workers removing and re-plastering the sides of the pool
In addition to starting work on the pool, the Department of Parks Recreation also implemented a pilot program which they used to help repave and restripe the parking lot area. Next time you happen to see a Parks and Recreation employee, please take the time to thank them for all that they do for our communities.
A view of the newly paved and re-striped parking lot at Waipahu District Park
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UPDATE – Fire Break in Royal Kunia |
Mahalo to Royal Kunia resident Dave O'Neal and RKCA General Manager Albi Mateo for being my eyes and ears in the community.
Thanks to them, and to our friends in the Honolulu Fire Department, especially Fire Inspectors, Mark Ogoso and Tyler Chan, I am pleased to announce that 3D Development began cutting a number of fire breaks recently throughout Royal Kunia.
Newly cut fire break in Royal Kunia
Although frustrating, every property owner, whether the property is big or small, is afforded the opportunity to remedy complaints against them within a certain prescribed amount of time. It is only when they fail to comply that government needs to step in to make sure that the appropriate actions are done.
I would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while waiting for the Fire Department complete their inspection and due diligence as required by law in this matter. In the end, by working together, you and I were able to get the job done. Thanks.
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Sunset in Kapolei Festival – September 6th & 7th |
On Saturday and Sunday, September 6th & 7th, the Leeward AYSO organization again hosted the always successful and entertaining Sunset in Kapolei event.
People enjoying themselves at the 2008 Sunset in Kapolei Festival
People from all over the island came to see world class entertainment such as the Manoa Voices, who wowed the crowd on Saturday with traditional nahenahe Hawaiian music which gave everyone chicken skin, and my favorite, EMKE, who rocked the crowd on Sunday with screaming lead vocals and ripping guitar riffs from songs made famous by groups such as Journey, Bon Jovi and Van Halen. What made it even more impressive and brought the crowd to its feet for two "hana hou!" encores was that these musicians aren't even out of grade school yet. It was a sight and sound that you needed to be there to believe it.
Having fun on stage in Kapolei
In addition to being entertained by the featured movies -- THE WATERHORSE & THE GAME PLAN – those who came got the chance to sample ono local foods like the Hawaiian food plate from the House of Restoration, smoked meat and chicken from Hawaiian Kiawe Smoke Box, all different kinds of salsa from Island Fire and Spice, "broke da mouth" steak and shrimp scampi topped off with homemade cinnamon bread pudding from Mark's Specialties, and everyone's favorite, hot malasadas from Uncle Herb's malasadas to take home and enjoy.
If you've never been to a Sunset event, either in Waikiki or in various communities through the City's "Rediscover Oahu" program, I recommend that you try to find an opportunity to go to one soon. It's a great way to re-acquaint yourself with neighbors you may not have seen in awhile or make new friends. I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised when you go.
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TheBus and TheBoat ridership up
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At the recent Transportation and Public Works committee meeting held September 4th, the Department of Transportation Services announced that ridership on TheBoat has been averaging nearly 350 passengers per day, with the majority riding on the afternoon runs from Aloha Tower back to Kalaeloa Harbor in Kapolei by a ratio of 2:1.
Monthly ridership in July surpassed 7,500 passengers as compared to the initial ridership counts of under 4,000 passengers per month last September. While the final report is not yet complete, initial data shows that people on the West side are amenable to transit alternatives if combined with seamless transfers from one mode to the next – from Ferry shuttle to TheBoat to Ferry shuttle.
The Department also gave the committee an update on the 10 busiest routes and 10 busiest bus stops on Oahu. Not surprisingly many of the routes originate on the Leeward and Central Oahu.
The department shared that in recent months, both the adult monthly passes and cash fares increased dramatically with adult pass sales increasing from approximately $1.5 million per month to nearly $1.7 million in July, and cash fare collections going from $1.475 million to $1.625 million in the same period.
An example of the trend towards public acceptance of transit alternatives can be found in the newest Express Route "E", which goes from Ewa to the Waipahu Transit Center then onto the Freeway until downtown Honolulu. Ridership went from 2,300 passengers per day in its initial start in December 2007 to 4,500 passengers per day in August. The primary reason cited for the change in people's behaviors is the high cost of fuel and parking.
FOR MORE INFO
Click here to view the entire DTS Presentation
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Newly formed Kapolei Chamber of Commerce makes great strides
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On Thursday, September 4th, the Kapolei Chamber of Commerce partnered with the West Oahu Economic Development Association to host the first major Mayoral debate on Oahu. Approximately 200 people were in attendance to hear the candidates speak about their plans and priorities for West Oahu. This was the fourth significant meeting that this brand new and dynamic Chamber helped to promote for people and businesses in Leeward and Central Oahu. Not too bad for a fledgling organization.
WOEDA President Roy Yanaoshi, mayoral candidates Dr. Panos Prevedouros and Ann Kobayshi, Mayor Mufi Hanneman and Kapolei Chamber President Attilio Leonardi, Jr.
At its inaugural meeting held April 7, 2008, the Chamber featured economist Leroy Laney as its keynote speaker who explained why Kapolei is the State's fastest growing metropolitan region, with population expected to grow and job growth forecast to happen even faster. According to Laney, The City of Kapolei continues to draw businesses that see long-term opportunities in the region's dynamic growth. Investments by these businesses are fueling a vigorous regional economy that, by creating an estimated 40,000 new jobs over the next 20 years, will offset slowdowns foreseen elsewhere in the State
At its second meeting held May 23rd, attendees heard from retail panelists Roger Wall of Foodland Super Market Ltd., Jeff Dinsmore of MKC Management LLC, and Robert Loomis of Costco who spoke on their four projects coming soon to the area – Kapolei Commons, the 605,000-square-foot open-air lifestyle shopping complex; Costco's 159,000-square-foot warehouse and 6,000-square-foot gas station; The 40,000-square-foot shopping and
dining complex called the Crossroads at Kapolei, and; The 56,320-square-foot Kapolei Village Center will be built on a site near the planned Mehana residential community and the Leihano senior community. Combined, these four projects are anticipated to add 2,250 jobs to our area.
On August 14th, the Chamber heard from US Congressman Neil Abercrombie, Elisa Yadao, and Kyle Chock about infrastructure and the need for transit alternatives on the West side of Oahu. Everyone who spoke talked about how the future of our State's economy depends on a healthy and vibrant Kapolei business environment.
If you are not a member yet but are interested in joining the Kapolei Chamber, please check out www.kapoleichamber.com for more information.
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Central Oahu Sustainable
Communities Plan Review Update… |
On Wednesday, September 3rd, the Department of Planning and Permitting conducted a transportation discussion group at Mililani Recreation Center 6.
Sharing thoughts and opinions on traffic and transportation at the informal discussion group
Approximately 20 community stakeholders from various Central Oahu community organizations heard the plans being considered by the City Department of Transportation Services and the State Department of Transportation for Central Oahu, with much of the discussion focused on how best to proceed with the Plan Review update.
If you missed the opportunity to participate in the discussion, please don't worry. Thanks to Director Henry Eng and his departmental managers, who listened to our community's desire for later meetings, an evening meeting on this topic is planned for Waipahu in the coming weeks.
As soon as the date and time for this evening meeting is finalized, we will post it in this website and alert our various community leaders and their organizations via email. Thank you all for your patience and understanding in this matter.
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The new Royal Kunia Elementary School gets one step closer to being built! |
On Tuesday, September 2nd, the Council's Zoning Committee passed Resolution 08-198 which reaffirms the Council's support for the Royal Kunia Phase II project and urges the city administration and the developer to expeditiously proceed with the development of the project.
This action was taken in response to a request by the Department of Planning and Permitting for direction on how to proceed with the Royal Kunia Phase II project as some of the development deadlines were missed during the period the original developer went into bankruptcy and the new company, Halekua-Kunia LLC, took over the project.
I am grateful that my colleagues on the committee, as well as the developer and the department, understands that the new elementary school in Royal Kunia is a much desired and sorely needed facility by the residents of both the Royal Kunia and Village Park communities as evidenced by the overwhelming average annual enrollment of 950
students at Kaleiopu'u Elementary School.
Through the passage of the Resolution, the committee made certain that both the developer and the department were to proceed as fast as possible to process and ultimately permit both of the development applications before them that: 1) enlarges the school site to meet the Department of Education's new land requirements for elementary schools and 2) creates better connectivity between subdivisions so that a repeat of the Ewa cul-de-sac problems do not occur in Central Oahu. Passing this Resolution allows our elected Legislators the ability to get our new School onto the DOE's funding matrix sooner.
At the same time we asked the department and developer to move quickly on the Phase II project, the Council also asked them to concurrently amend the earlier development agreement to make it consistent the above action.
This resolution is set for passage on Wednesday, September 24th at the full Council meeting. Your positive testimony in support would greatly assist in expediting the development of the project, including the school.
Please send your testimony to: http://www.honolulu.gov/council/emailccl.htm
Mahalo for your support!
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CHAMPS!
Waipi'o Little League Baseball All-Stars named 2008 World Series Champions
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What a rush! On Monday, August 25th, I joined friends, family and fans of the Waipi'o Little League All-Stars team that won the 2008 Little League World Series the day before in welcoming them as they returned home from Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Congratulations to Players: Iolana Akau, Jedd Andrade, Christian Donahue, Caleb Duhay, Ulumano Farm, Kainoa Fong, Trevor Ling, Keelen Obedoza, Khade Paris, Tanner Tokunaga, Jordan Ulep, Pikai Winchester, and Matthew Yap, Coaches: Kiha Akau, and Gregg Tsugawa, and Manager: Timo Donahue for a job well done! What a tremendous effort by this team from Waipi'o to put Hawaii back on the world stage.
Think about it, over the course of three weeks, Hawaii celebrated the accomplishments of Olympic gold medal winners in Natasha Kai (women's soccer), Brian Clay (men's decathalon) and Clay Stanley (men's volleyball), silver medal winners in Heather Bown, Robyn Ah Mow-Santos, Kim Willoughby and Lindsey Berg (women's volleyball), and Brandon Brooks (men's water polo), the Little League World Series Champions in the Waipi'o All-Stars, and had a local boy nominated to be the Democratic choice for President of the United States. Not bad for an island in the middle of the pacific ocean.
I'd like to also acknowledge the hard working efforts of people behind scenes supporting the team and their families.
Nestor, T. George Paris and grandson Khade Paris, and Lloyd Haraguchi
The first persons to recognize are T. George Paris, his wife Sunday, and the Ironworkers Union Local 625. "Uncle" George and "Aunty" Sunday got the chance to play proud grandparents as their grandson Khade is a member of the Waipi'o team. The Ironworkers also helped in coordinating a banquet for the team's families and friends on Wednesday, August 26th to allow them to celebrate their achievements with them at home.
Nestor, Francis Abrazado, the Waipi'o Little League All-Stars and Alonzo Abrazado
The next people I'd like to make mention of are Francis and Alonzo Abrazado who run Alonzo's Restaurant at the Mililani Golf Course. Because of their generosity and support, the team's fans and families were able to find a venue large enough for them to cheer the team on at their restaurant.
It warms my heart to continually see our community demonstrate unconditional love and caring for one another. We are truly blessed that our community has such a strong showing of Aloha for all.
What made the biggest impression on the team was the applause and appreciation shown by Hawaii families and visitors as we celebrated with the Waipi'o boys, Olympic medalists Natasha Kai and Robyn Ah Mow-Santos, other current and former Hawaii Olympians and other bobby sox and baseball champions on Monday, September 1st as they rode down Kalakaua Boulevard on their floats and convertibles during the Parade of Champions in Waikiki. It was an honor well deserved by them all for their accomplishments.
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United Visayan Community – The Waipahu Hinabagayan Club – celebrates the 60th Anniversary of its founding…
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On Wednesday, August 20th, the current and past officers of the United Visayan Community, as well as descendants of their founders, were honored at the Council for the 60th Anniversary of its founding in 1948.
President Angie Vendiola, Treasurer Patricia Tanaid, Auditor Bessie Obra, Assistant Auditor Julie Tampon, and Advisor George Carpenter, as well as grand-daughters Aileen Melim Stenta and Connie Herolaga of founder Isidro Daguman were on hand to accept the Honorary Certificate on behalf of the organization.
Click here to read the Honorary Certificate for the United Visayan Community.
Other club officers include: Vice President Richard Ancog, the nephew of founder Hermogenes Ancog, Assistant Treasurer Leticia Ancog, Recording Secretary Natividad Prescott, Assistant Recording Secretary William Prescott, Corresponding Secretary Madeline Boloson, Assistant Corresponding Secretary Ben Acohido, and Advisor Ernest Labarios.
Officers of the United Visayan Community at the Council
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First Hawaiian Bank celebrates the 150th Anniversary of its founding…
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On Monday, August 18th, I joined Don Horner, the President and Chief Executive Officer of First Hawaiian Bank in presenting the Bank with an Honorary Certificate from the Council on the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of its founding.
In response to a need by Hawaii's booming whaling industry for dependable and complete banking services, on August 17, 1858, local businessmen Charles Reed Bishop and William A. Aldrich started up Bishop & Co., a banking partnership under the laws of the Kingdom of Hawaii, in the basement of the Makee & Athon's Building. Their first day of operations brought in deposits of $4,784.25, which must have been a fortune at the time.
From that inauspicious start, Bishop & Co. evolved over time becoming First Hawaiian Bank in 1960, and today has over 63 branches in Hawaii, Guam and Saipan, with over $12.6 billion in assets
Click here to read the Honorary Certificate for First Hawaiian Bank.
In addition to founding First Hawaiian Bank, Mr. Bishop was also a founder of the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, a consultant and Privy Councilor to five generations of Hawaiian monarchs (1859 – 1892), a legislator and government official of the Kingdom of Hawaii, and the Kamehameha Schools and Oahu College (which later became Punahou School).
While in the Bishop Conference Room, Don shared with me the history of the artifacts they have on hand that demonstrate the foresight and financial aptitude Mr. Bishop possessed when he first arrived in the islands with just $265 in his pocket. On display is a portrait of Mr. Bishop painted by the artist who also painted the portraits of such great leaders as Abraham Lincoln, the first ledger and safe used by Mr. Bishop when founding the bank, and the Order of the Rising Sun award that Mr. Bishop received from the Emperor of Japan for the care and compassion he gave Japan Immigrants that came to Hawaii to work on the plantations. The Order of the Rising Sun is a Japanese Order, established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji of Japan, and was the first national decoration awarded by the Japanese Government.
Don telling Nestor about the history and significance of the Bishop artifacts on display
First Hawaiian Bank shares a distinct and unique history with the community of Waipahu and the sport of baseball.
John Brodie "Honolulu Johnnie" Williams was the first man of part-Hawaiian ancestry to play major league baseball. His big league debut with the Detroit Tigers came on April 20, 1914, on the same field with greats of the game like Ty Cobb, "Wahoo" Sam Crawford, Harry Heilmann and Donie Bush.
His father, J.J. Williams, was a British immigrant and prominent Honolulu photographer who founded what is now known as Honolulu magazine, and his mother, Julia WIllis Williams, was half-Hawaiian.
One of his sisters, Hazel, married a man named Bellinger, and their son, John, became Hawaii's favorite Horatio Alger story, starting out at the lowest levels of the Bishop Bank in Honolulu and working his way up the ladder to become the president of what is now called First Hawaiian Bank.
Another sister, Mele Williams, married the plantation manager at Waipahu mill, Hans L'Orange, a name any schoolboy baseball player in | | |
