WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2005

WAIMANALO PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARY

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Wilson Kekoa Ho called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. A quorum was present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Nani Akeo, Michael Buck, Phillip Ellsworth, Priscilla Ho, Wilson Kekoa Ho, Andrew Jamila, Jr., Mabel Ann Spencer, Solomon Spencer.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Bob Kimo Lastimosa, Orrin Kupau, Malcolm Lee, Jr., Joseph Ryan.

GUESTS: Wayne Hashiro (Mayor’s Representative), Councilmember Barbara Marshall, Ikaika Anderson (Councilmember Marshall’s office), Roberta Weatherford (Congressman Ed Case’s office), Micah Kane (Governor’s Representative), Senator Fred Hemmings, Molly Arthur (Senator Hemmings’ office), Tuti Baker (Representative Tommy Waters’ office), Lt. John Cheong (HPD), Joe Ka’akua (Board of Water Supply), Maj. Patricia Johnson (MCBH), Dr. Bruce Anderson (Oceanic Institute), Julie Dugan (Hawai’i Job Corps), Chuck Braden and Winona Kauwe (Waimanalo Health Center), Greg Field (Waimanalo News), Annette Lee (Waimanalo Agricultural Association), Margie Matsumura (First Baptist Church Waimanalo), Kevin Andrews (WCOC), Don Bremner (consultant), Earl Kawa’a (Kamehameha Schools), Lucy Akau, Eve Anderson, Karielle “Honey Girl” Kohatsu, Jim Wood, Cliff Ziems, Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

PULE: Ellsworth offered the pule.

APPRECIATION: Chuck Braden, Waimanalo Health Center, said he appreciated the opportunity being placed on the Neighborhood Board agenda. He also extended his sincere appreciation to Chair Ho for his dedication to the Waimanalo Health Center (Chair Ho recently resigned from the Board of Directors, for which he served for the past five years). Braden presented Chair Ho with a plaque and a lei. Everyone in attendance gave Chair Ho a round of applause.

EMERGENCY PUBLIC INPUT (Part I)

Honolulu Fire Department – No report or representative was available.

Honolulu Police Department – Lt. John Cheong reported: 1) For the month of March in the Waimanalo area, there were 5 burglaries, 11 other property thefts, 19 thefts from auto, 0 robberies, 2 auto/motorcycle thefts, for a total of 37 incidents. 2) Safety Tip: 291C-95 – Overtaking and passing school bus – whenever a school bus is stopped on a highway or road in a residential area with its visual signals actuated, the driver of any motor vehicle on the same highway or road in a residential area in the lane occupied by the school bus and all lanes adjacent to the lane occupied by the school bus, regardless of the direction of traffic in those lanes, shall stop the driver’s vehicle not less than 20 feet from the school bus and shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion and the visual signals are turned off. The violation is subject to a $500 fine and community service. 

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Jamila inquired if it is legal to operate pocket bikes on public streets. He said there are concerns regarding noise and kupunas can’t see those bikes as they back out of their driveways. Lt. Cheong stated pocket bikes are not licensed to be on the roadway, sidewalks, beaches and parks. It is strictly for off-road use. Officers will issue citations. They can’t confiscate the bikes unless it’s used in a crime.

2)       Lt. Cheong stated officers have to witness motorists overtaking or passing a school bus to issue a citation. If anyone sees the violation, call 911 and police will send a letter to the registered owner of the vehicle.

3)       Buck thanked Lt. Cheong for update information on community watch. Lt. Cheong mentioned that Waimanalo has good participation for a small community.

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MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2005

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APPROVAL OF MARCH 14, 2005 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Mabel Spencer moved and Ellsworth seconded to approve the minutes with the following corrections:

Page 3, under Councilmember Barbara Marshall, second paragraph, second line, insert “The Mayor has made some excellent appointments – two of the best present at the Board meeting (Wayne Hashiro, DDC, and Baybee Hufana-Ablan, Neighborhood Commission). We are looking at the budget.” Fourth paragraph, second line, insert “Councilmember invites constituents to her next 3 Talk – Wednesday, March 30.” Fifth paragraph, second line, it should read “Councilmember Marshall replies that there is money earmarked for a Waimanalo event in this year’s budget.”

The motion carried unanimously.

APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 4, 2005 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Mabel Spencer moved and Ellsworth seconded to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion carried unanimously.

HONORING COMMUNITY MEMBERS: Chair Ho presented Karielle “Honey Girl” Kohatsu, Miss Waimanalo Teen 2004 and Miss Hawai’i Teen America 2005, with a Certificate of Appreciation. Everyone in attendance gave Kohatsu a round of applause. Kohatsu introduced herself. She is seeking prayers and financial support for the Miss Teen America pageant in July in Nashville, Tennessee. If anyone can assist, please call 259-8656. Chair Ho noted that he has two more Certificates of Appreciation for Kyle Craig K.P. Kalilimoku (Kamehameha Schools) and Lambert Koa Naihe (Kailua High School) who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, but they are not in attendance.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

Gratitude – Lucy Akau thanked Councilmember Marshall and Congressman Case’s secretary for their assistance with agricultural issues.

More Gratitude – A resident thanked Dr. Anderson, Oceanic Institute, for following-up and cleaning-up the bushes at Sea Life Park.

Letter of Resignation – Chair Ho said he received a letter of resignation from Kawika Eckart. The Board will fill the vacancy at next month’s meeting. He is trying to get letters of resignations from those Board members who have stopped attending meetings.

PUBLIC INPUT (Part II):

Community Announcements:

Waimanalo Relay for Life – Jamila announced that the Waimanalo Relay of Life will be held on Saturday, May 14, Waimanalo Beach Park, 6:00 p.m. to Sunday, May 15, 7:00 a.m. They will be honoring 82 cancer survivors and their sponsors or caregivers. If anyone knows of any cancer survivors, please contact him. A total of 38 teams have already signed-up. Donations are being sought for a silent auction and country store.

Waimanalo News – Greg Field announced that Waimanalo News will be reinstated. The first publication will be in your mailbox at the beginning of each month, starting in June. If you are interested in participating or have ideas for stories, please contact Waimanalo News, P.O. Box 634, Waimanalo, HI, 96795 or fieldg002@hawaii.rr.com.

Kamehameha Schools/He’elani/Waimanalo Preschool – Earl Kawa’a stated they started a second infant lomilomi class. Ten people have come regularly. A series of five classes remain. In addition, they will be starting a Boy’s Club and Mele e Noa Class (a father writing a song for his child). An article will be published in the Waimanalo News. The program is not only for Hawaiians, but all the children in Waimanalo (pre-natal to three years old). 

Ellsworth encouraged Kawa’a to find out where they have home schooling.

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Waimanalo Beach Closure – Jamila mentioned that Waimanalo Beach was shut down two weeks ago because of tiger shark sighting in front of Chair Ho’s house. The 14-foot shark was feeding on the reef. Fishermen wanted to caution the community.

Ko’olaupoko Sustainable Communities Plan – Don Bremner asked the Board to support a resolution requesting the City postpone any review of the Ko’olaupoko Sustainable Communities Plan until the major recommendations, policies, and principles of the current plan have been fully implemented by the City. The Plan was adopted on August 25, 2000 by the City Council. Since the plan was adopted, no significant implementation of the plan provisions has occurred. Without a significant implementation phase, the planning process becomes a meaningless cycle of review and revision. Besides himself, Greg Field and Eve Anderson sat on the coalition that looked at the Plan. He is asking all the Neighborhood Boards in Ko’olaupoko to support the resolution. The Kailua Neighborhood Board gave its support last Thursday.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Bremner said the plan is the official policy of the City & County of Honolulu.

2)       Jim Wood stated the City would review the plan and not revise it. The Plan is a vision for what we want in Ko’olaupoko (i.e. low growth, etc.). Commercial would remain commercial and agricultural would remain agricultural. One of the provisions is that the Plan would be reviewed in five years.

3)       Councilmember Marshall said it’s a policy document. It’s important to keep it as a living document. There was controversy when the Plan was adopted. The Plan is not law, it’s just a guide. When a developer comes in they will look at the Plan. She encouraged everyone to read the entire Plan.

4)       Priscilla Ho questioned if any action the Board took tonight would help the situation.

5)       Ellsworth had concerns about the wording of the resolution.

6)       Bremner said Waimanalo is still waiting for a proposal (to locate a baseyard somewhere in the community).

7)       Mabel Spencer stated some of us bought into the Plan because it included open spaces. The community wanted parks and open spaces, but not hotels. She said the community wanted a say before development occurred.

8)       Chair Ho asked the Board members to take home the proposed resolution and read it over. Buck said he would follow-up on this issue and have a report by June’s meeting.

Governor’s Representative – Micah Kane reported: 1) He did request an update by the State Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding Kalanianaole Highway. Road work improvements will begin next week and take one month to complete. 2) He and Councilmember Marshall have been working on speed humps for Nakini Street. 3) The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Group 70 have been in discussions. A plan should be available in two weeks. The purpose of the plan is to prioritize issues. It does not make sense to take the Ko’olaupoko Plan. It’s supposed to be used as a policy document.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Chair Ho noted the original plan was to move the Kalanianaole Highway 10 to 15 feet.

2)       Chair Ho asked if the plan affects only Hawaiian Home Lands. Kane answered the plan affects areas and surrounding areas. It’s a change of policy. Elected officials are part of the review process. They are working with the community first. A presentation will be made to the Neighborhood Board.

Senator Fred Hemmings – Molly Arthur circulated Senator Hemmings’ monthly report. In addition, Senator Hemmings stated: 1) In response to last month’s concern, he called DOT to clear the overgrown brush across

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from the Makai Pier. The problem has since been resolved. 2) There is a proposal to have a dog park at Waimanalo Beach Park. The park would encompass a one-acre site (three-fourths of which will be used for big dogs). It will be located near the property line in the left rear corner of the park, which is sparsely used. Approximately 40% of people in Hawai’i own dogs. There are only two dog parks on O’ahu; one in Moanalua and the other in Kaimuki, but none in Ko’olaupoko. The most responsible people are people who take their dogs to dog parks. The project has the support of Peter Young, Director of Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Lester Chang, Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), and the Hawaiian Humane Society. The dog park would be an asset to local people and local businesses.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Senator Hemmings stated they didn’t want the dog park anywhere near the beach lots. Young of DLNR will deed the land to the City.

2)       Jamila mentioned that while he was at Waimanalo Beach this past weekend the lifeguard informed a woman that she had to take her dog off the beach. Senator Hemmings said while at the dog park you would have to keep your dog on a leash at all times unless they are in the fenced in area. There will be two gates.

3)       Arthur said she researched a dog park in San Diego that has been operating for the past 40 years and it hasn’t had any incidents (i.e. dog bites).

4)       Mabel Spencer noted that Waimanalo has a lot of sand flies. Senator Hemmings stated the dog owners biggest concern is the files going on their dogs.

5)       Solomon Spencer questioned why Waimanalo Beach Park. It would take away camping space. Senator Hemmings said because people take their dogs to the beach and also even the homeless didn’t want to go that area.

6)       Senator Hemmings stated he doesn’t have the cost estimates. The fencing will be done by a private developer.

7)       A resident was concerned about the potential traffic on the weekend. Senator Hemmings said the beach park is underutilized most of the time.  Dogs or no dogs, the traffic is bad on the weekends.

8)       Akau had concerns about liability issues. Senator Hemmings said it’s generally accepted that dog owners are held accountable.

9)       Chair Ho said this item will be placed on May’s agenda.

Representative Tommy Waters – Tuti Baker circulated Representative Water’s monthly report and was available for questions.

Councilmember Barbara Marshall – Councilmember Marshall circulated her monthly report. In addition, she stated: 1) The Zoning Committee, of which she is the Chair, will meet on Tuesday, April 26, 2005, Committee Room, 9:00 a.m. The Special Management Area (SMA) Use Permit will be discussed. Lower parking lots would not be visible. If anyone has any concerns, contact her office at 547-7003. 2) She thanked Aunty Lucy and Aunty Nikki for testifying before the Council. 3) There was a good turnout at last month’s “3 Talk” at Waimanalo Public Library. The next session will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2005, Kaneohe Community and Shopping Center, 7:00 p.m. Everyone is always invited to these sessions. They try to get the word out. If anyone wants to be on the mailing list, contact her office. 4) This is the first time she has heard about the dog park proposal. It’s the fifth dog park proposal. She thought they were moving forward with a dog park at Bay View.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Senator Hemmings said the other three dog park proposals were shot down. Although the Bay View dog park will open, there is no rule that you can’t have two dog parks in Ko’olaupoko. Councilmember

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Marshall noted that the Council is adopting the Mayor’s mantra “Do we need it, Can we afford it, and Can we maintain it?” Senator Hemmings responded: Do we need it? – yes; Can we afford it? – there would be no cost to the City; and Can we maintain it? – yes.

2)       Jamila asked about Old Government Road. Councilmember Marshall answered she doesn’t believe the road will be shut down. She, HPD, HFD, and EMS are opposed to the closure.

Congressman Ed Case – Roberta Weatherford reported: 1) The Native Hawaiian Education Program held at Wai’anae and Kaneohe was well attended. 2) Congressman Case held his 80^th Talk Story on the Big Island this past weekend.

Mayor’s Representative – Wayne Hashiro reported: 1) Waimanalo Sunset on the Beach will be held on September 10-11, 2005, Waimanalo Beach Park. The Waimanalo Construction Coalition is sponsoring the event. 2) Councilmember Marshall already addressed a parking lot along the Ka Iwi coastline. 3) The only improvements to Makapu’u Beach Park will be to repair the bathrooms. 4) The Mayor told the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) that he will leave Punchbowl Street, between Beretania and King Street, a two-way street. Regarding the removal of a crosswalk at King and Bishop Streets, the Mayor will leave the decision to the Downtown Neighborhood Board.

Mabel Spencer asked what is the status requesting paving of the road going into Makapu’u Beach Park. Hashiro answered it’s not in the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) resurfacing plan. He will follow-up.

Military Report – Maj. Patricia Johnson, Marine Corps Base Hawai’i, reported: 1) Approximately 30 Windward O’ahu teachers, counselors and administrators will tour MCBH tomorrow and meet with Commanding General. 2) The next Windward Civilian-Military Council will meet on April 19, Officers Club, 11:30 a.m. Waimanalo has not had a representative to sit on the Council. 3) Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience – a writing workshop will be held on April 21, The Banyans at Pearl Harbor, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and April 22, Staff NCO Club, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 4) Hawai’i Military Appreciation Month events will take place from April 21 through May 22. 5) The 11^th Avenue CSSG 3 Swap Romp will be held on April 23. 6) Anzac Day Ceremony will be held on April 25, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl). 7) Military Officers Association of America Luncheon will be held on April 27. 8) 3D Marine Regiment 10K Run will be held on April 30.

Chair Ho announced that next month’s Board meeting will be held at the National Guard Auditorium. Col. Pennybacker was going to make the announcement. The military is trying to connect with the community. This is only on a trial basis. The entrance will be through Akebono Gate. There will be 200 parking spaces available.

Education – No report or representative was available.

Oceanic Institute – Dr. Bruce Anderson stated: 1) Regarding last month’s concern about the overgrown brush, Sea Life Park took care of the problem. 2) Oceanic Institute has a new learning center. If the Board wants to hold its meeting at the site, let him know. There are 50 parking spaces. 3) They received only one complaint regarding the discharge – there was no place for the kids to swim.

Hawai’i Job Corps – Julie Duggan said: 1) Twenty individuals received their GED and 48 individuals secured employment. 2) They held a car wash and raised over $1,100 for the Hawai’i Food Bank.

Wastewater Treatment Plant – No report or representative was available.

Waimanalo Health Center – Chuck Braden stated: 1) The Waimanalo Health Center will have an EKG machine. They will be trained by the University of Hawai’i (UH). This will save the community between $200,000 and $250,000. When the program starts he will give the Board an update. He will see if a demonstration can be made to the Board. 2) UH has hired a dentist. There is a possibility that the dentist would work at the Center. 3) They received a grant that would provide some dental services.

Ellsworth asked the cost to the community to use the new heart testing equipment. Braden answered there would be no cost to the community.

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MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2005

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Board of Water Supply – Joe Ka’akua reported: 1) There were two main breaks in the Waimanalo area for the month of March. 2) Two construction projects in this district is still pending. 3) In it’s efforts to maintain quality assurance, BWS has recently begun training its meter mechanics to operate its brand new, state of the art meter testing equipment. 4) You should change the flapper on your toilet every two years. A leaky flapper can waste 60 gallons of water a day.

Nation of Hawai’i – No report or representative was available.

Waimanalo Farm Association – No report or representative was available.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: There were no unfinished business items.

NEW BUSINESS: There were no new business items.

ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Submitted by:

Steve J. Rodrigues

Neighborhood Assistant