WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2005

HAWAI’I ARMY NATIONAL GUARD AUDITORIUM

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Wilson Ho called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m. A quorum was present.

Chair Ho recognized Col. Wong, the new commander for the Army Regional Training Institute. Col. Wong introduced herself. In addition, she noted that having the Neighborhood Board meeting in this facility is a good partnership between the community and the military.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Nani Akeo, Peter “Kahana” Albinio, Jr., Kevin Andrews, David Bettencourt, Michael Buck, Phillip Ellsworth, Wilson Kekoa Ho, Andrew Jamila, Jr., Bobbie Kahalewai, Mabel Spencer, Solomon Spencer.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Benjamin Kama, Jr.

GUESTS: Wayne Hashiro (Mayor’s Representative), Councilmember Barbara Marshall, J. Ikaika Anderson (Councilmember Marshall’s office), Roberta Weatherford (Congressman Ed Case’s office), Micah Kane (Governor’s Representative), Representative Tommy Waters, Captain Job Harris (HFD), Lt. John Cheong (HPD), Joe Ka’akua (BWS), Wil Ho (DPR), Col. Wong (Hawai’i Army National Guard), Capt. David Talafuse (Bellows), Todd Lanning (USAF), Marleen Keanu (Blanche Pope), Julie Dugan (Hawai’i Job Corps), Chuck Braden and Dr. Kimberly Clark (Waimanalo Health Center), Mary Alice Evans (Laulima O Waimanalo), Larry Bartley and Kalana Best (SON Hawai’i), Jose and Marilyn Abejon, Jaye Aquino, Duddi Ho, Samuel Jackson, John Kekawa, Jr., Bob Latimosa, Harriet Seabury, Cliff Ziems, Marie Richardson and Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

PULE: Ellsworth offered the pule.

Voting for New Board Members for Sub-Districts 7 – Chair Ho asked if there were any candidates for sub-district 7. There were no willing candidates.

EMERGENCY PUBLIC INPUT (Part I)

Honolulu Fire Department – Captain Job Harris reported: 1) For the month of July, the Waimanalo Fire Station responded to 4 fires, 27 medical emergencies, and 3 miscellaneous calls. 2) Fire Safety Tip: “August is the start of a new school year. Be careful while driving near schools and be aware of students crossing the street. Take the time to teach your children to cross the street safely. Also, this would be an opportune time to remind your keiki on the use of 911 for emergencies.”

An inquiry was made if fireworks would be banned. Captain Harris said the decision lies with the lawmakers.

Honolulu Police Department – Lt. Cheong reported: 1) For the month of July in the Waimanalo area, there were 5 burglaries, 24 other property thefts, 21 thefts from auto, 1 robbery, 9 auto/motorcycle thefts, for a total of 60 incidents. 2) The Windward Uniform Crime Reporting Index Offenses (from Makapu’u Point to Waialee Stream) for July (June’s statistics are in parenthesis): 1 (0) murder/manslaughter; 4 (4) sex assault; 4 (2) robberies; 6 (8) aggravated assaults; 63 (75) burglaries; 141 (152) thefts; 149 (107) UEMV (thefts from auto); 51 (58) auto thefts; 419 (406) totals. 3) Safety Tip: “Be informed and have a plan for action when riding public transportation. Be on alert for suspicious objects or substances. Do not confront suspicious individuals or touch suspicious objects, packages or substances. Contact the bus driver or call 911. If possible, use a landline phone to report a suspicious object, package or substance. BE INFORMED. BE INVOLVED. BE ALERT. BE PREPARED.”

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Concerns and comments followed:

1)       A Board member had concerns about vehicles being stripped on Mekia Street. He called 911 on two different days and no officers responded. Also, as mentioned last month about 20 neighbors were asked by officers to move their vehicles because they were parked on an improved sidewalk. Lt. Cheong stated HPD is aware of the vehicles being stripped. He said to have patience and to keep calling 911. Regarding the parking issue, officers responded to a complaint that there was no place for pedestrians to walk. It’s the discretion of the officer to issue a citation.

2)       Lt. Cheong stated he has no information on the body that was pulled from Makapu’u Point on July 30.

3)       There was in inquiry as to why does HPD recommend using a landline and not a cellular phone when reporting suspicious objects, packages, and substances. Lt. Cheong answered certain cellular phones emit a repeated signal and could give off certain devices.

4)       A resident had concerns about speeding in his neighborhood. Lt. Cheong said officers will monitor the area. He said to be patient and keep calling 911. A Board member asked if it would help if residents took pictures of motorists who speed. Lt. Cheong said officers would not be able to issue a citation, but Traffic Division would send the registered owner a strong letter.

Mayor’s Representative – Wayne Hashiro reported on follow-up items: 1) The concrete drainage channel next to the L&L Drive-In has been cleared of silt and overgrown vegetation. 2) Required Sunshine Law training is an ordinance which requires training by the State within three months of taking office. The City Council proposed and passed the law last year. The two-hour limit on Neighborhood Assistant staff assistance is from the Neighborhood Commission Executive Secretary and she will respond, in writing, directly to the Board.

Wil Ho, DPR, stated: 1) The permit issued for the July 3 canoe regatta at Waimanalo Beach Park did not authorize the closing of the parking lot. The host club will be notified to cease the practice, or future permits will be denied. DPR fully agrees that the parking lot should remain open. If they authorize the closing of the parking lot, they would require that the permittee manage the parking lot using HPD special duty officers or uniformed security guards. DPR does not have the authority to control the parking off of park property along Kalanianaole Highway.  2) The comfort station at Kaiona Beach Park is closed at 7:00 p.m. to prevent vandalism and deter unauthorized camping. No permit is required to put up a small canopy or ten (approximately 12’x12’) during the day for a picnic. However, the Amended Rules and Regs Governing Picnic Activities, Section 3, General Picnic Rules (13) states that large tents sustained by poles and pegs may be allowed provided a site plan is submitted and approved by Park Maintenance, and only if authorization is noted on permit. If you expect more than 50 people, he advises you obtain a permit – larger than 100 people, you will need a permit.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Regarding Kaiona Beach Park, Wil Ho said up to now it’s been on a first come first serve basis. There were fights and kinds of other problems. People would show up on Thursday to reserve space for the weekend. The question is how does DPR manage the park. A Board member said although it’s illegal, some people put up yellow tape to reserve their spot and police don’t do anything. Wil Ho said that’s why discussion is needed.

2)       A Board member asked what are the hours allowed to picnic. Wil Ho said DPR has no set hours.

3)       Chair Ho asked the Board’s pleasure for the bathrooms to be closed. Answers given were dusk, 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. with the majority in favor of 10:00 p.m. Wil Ho said he would go back and ask his employees if anyone would be willing to lock the bathrooms at 10:00 p.m.

4)       A Board member said there are no markings for camping at Kaiona Beach Park. Wil Ho said they could post section signs. They haven’t done it because they want direction from the Board. There are no guidelines as to how many group permits to issue. The permits are obtained at the satellite city halls.

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Honoring Community Members – Chuck Braden, Waimanalo Health Center and Ikaika Anderson, President of the Waimanalo Health Center Board of Directors, presented Dr. Kimberly Clark with a plaque and a lei for volunteering her services at the health center for the past year. Dr. Clark will be leaving the center and pursue other endeavors. A round of applause was given at this time.

APPROVAL OF July 11, 2005 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Mabel Spencer moved and Ellsworth seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 approve the minutes with the following correction. The motion carried unanimously.

Page 5, under Restoration Advisory Board, second paragraph, third line, delete “a local resident, who sits on the advisory board.”

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

Beach Lot Thefts – Chair Ho said he received a concern from a community member regarding thefts in the beach lot area.

Save Our Neighborhoods (SON) Hawai’i – Kalana Best and Larry Bartley, representing SON Hawai’i, stated their organization is trying to provide the political will and catalyst for enforcement of Bed and Breakfasts – primarily from the City administration and the City Council. Political will is not created by educating the politicians, although that may help, but by educating their constituents, who will in turn advise them how to act. This only can be accomplished by educating the public as to the nature and severity of the problem and how it ultimately affects everyone, especially themselves. SON Hawai’i had its first meeting last week and 36 people were in attendance. Each person was assigned two to three tasks. For more information, Bartley can be reached at 261-0598 or barteng@hawaii.rr.com.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) There was a well-written letter in the Honolulu Advertiser this morning on this issue. 2) Military personnel are being charged up to $2,000 a month for rent. 3) An 11-bed, 6-bath house on Ehukai Street is being sold for $3 million. 4) SON Hawai’i hasn’t made a presentation to the Kailua Neighborhood Board. The Board has already addressed the B&B issue.

PUBLIC INPUT (Part II):

Community Announcements: 1) Century Bike Ride – Sunday, September 25, 2005. 2) Waimanalo Sunset on the Beach – September 10-11, 12:00 noon-10:00 p.m.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Councilmember Barbara Marshall – Councilmember Marshall circulated her monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) She refuted SON Hawai’i claims that Resolution 187 would encourage immediate island wide mass permitting and will literally melt down the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) with so much new business and regulatory jobs that it will not be able to enforce anything. The City Council introduced Resolution 209, which proposes an amendment to Chapter 21, Revised Ordinance of Honolulu 1990 (the Land Use Ordinance), as amended, relating to Council proposals for amendments to the Zoning Ordinances. 2) The Charter Commission is currently meeting to decide whether the Charter should be amended by the voters in the 2006 election. 3) Regarding the parking issue at Waimanalo Beach Park for the canoe regatta, the concern was that parking was not allowed on the field. She will work with Will Ho. 4) Due to asbestos and mold being discovered in the City Council Chambers, the Council meetings for August and September will be held in Kapolei. 5) The next “3 Talk” will be held on Monday, September 26, Waimanalo Public Library, 7:00 p.m.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       A Board member asked if Councilmember Marshall would support an amendment to Resolution 209. Councilmember Marshall answered the amendment would have to go through the same process as other resolutions. DPP wouldn’t address the issue until they address the B&B issue. The Board member

asked if Councilmember Marshall could provide documents on the B&B issue that she has been

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studying for two years. Councilmember Marshall stated she would be able to provide the documents if you are willing to pay for the expenses. There is lots of paperwork.

2)       In response to an inquiry regarding the two-hour limit for the Neighborhood Assistant to attend  Board meetings, Councilmember Marshall stated the policy really doesn’t pertain to the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board (which does not goes on forever), but to the Neighborhood Board meetings that last forever and the City has to pay overtime. The concern has been expressed on the Council and by their constituents.

3)       There was a concern that the $3 million house for sale on Ehukai Street is listed on every vacation rental website. He was concerned that the real estate companies don’t check if the properties are legal. 

Governor’s Representative – Micah Kane made available the “Governor’s Update” on the sign-in table. In addition, he stated: 1) Designs for Poalima Street will be approved by the end of August. 2) The State Department of Transportation (DOT) will start with a temporary fix for the Kalanianaole Highway realignment project. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) will be used. He will make sure there will be a permanent fix. 3) He will follow-up on Bettencourt’s concern.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       A question was asked how would the recent court ruling on Kamehameha Schools affect DHHL. Kane said he believes we are in a trying time. Without question, Kamehameha Schools and the Akaka Bill will prevail. He said we need to focus on the Akaka Bill because if it passes it would help Kamehameha Schools.

2)       A resident asked the status of a survey on Oluolu Street for a traffic-calming device. Chair Ho mentioned that this item was discussed a number of months ago.

3)       Chair Ho announced that American Savings Bank, Hawai’i Kai branch, is offering refinancing loans on Hawaiian Home Lands.

Senator Fred Hemmings – No report or representative was available.

Representative Tommy Waters – Representative Waters stated: 1) He apologized for missing last month’s meeting, as he and his wife are now proud parents of a new baby. 2) He does not support B&B’s. There is a place for tourists in our community, but it’s not in residential areas. The Legislature tried to address it in this past session. It’s a home-rule issue. He’s willing to work with Councilmember Marshall to introduce legislation, but he doesn’t know if it will solve the problem. 3) To address the speeding problem, he will continue to submit legislation for counties to keep the fines from traffic fines so HPD would be able to hire more police officers.

Ikaika Anderson, Councilmember Marshall’s office, said the House introduced HB 916 last session to address B&B’s, but it was held in committee by Representative Chang. The bill would have given the counties license authority. If the counties were able to issue licenses, they would be able to crack down more on illegal B&B’s.

Congressman Ed Case – Roberta Weatherford made available Congressman Case’s monthly newsletter on the sign-in table and highlighted the following: 1) Congressman Case is on his way home from China. 2) Approximately $240,000 has been appropriated to construct bike lanes on Kalanianaole Highway, from Makapu’u to Keolu Drive. 3) A meeting to discuss the Hawai’i Invasive Species Prevention Act will be held tomorrow at Volcanoes National Park.

MILITARY REPORT:

U.S. Marines – Chair Ho said Maj. Patricia Johnson sent her regrets.

Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) - Bellows Air Force Station – Todd Lanning announced that the next RAB meeting will be held on Thursday, September 8, Olamana Golf Course, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Discussion will center on what to do with the dumps.

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Bellows – Capt. David Talafuse said some of the Air Force personnel will be deploying to Middle East within the next 30 days for six months. The U.S. Air Force appreciates everyone’s thoughts and prayers.

EDUCATION:

Blanche Pope Elementary – Marleen Keanu, PCNC Coordinator, stated: 1) Construction has begun on an elevator for the school. 2) The school had a successful Open House. Costco provided backpacks for the students. 3) Their new policy on truancy is working well. Once the tardy bell rings, they lock the doors.

Chair Ho mentioned that American Savings Bank, as part of their community service project, helped paint the school’s library (Hawai’i Job Corps also assisted in the project).

OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS:

Hawai’i Job Corps – Julie Dugan said the Hawai’i Job Corps is operated by the U.S. Department of Justice. The program runs from July 1 though June 30. Recently, Hawai’i Job Corps was ranked No. 1 out of 119 Job Corps in the nation. She thanked the community and Congressman Case for their support.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Dugan said graduates of the Hawai’i Job Corps do have opportunities to further their education. Approximately 15 students either attend community college or University of Hawai’i 2) Hawai’i Job Corps has a video available at the Waimanalo Public Library.

Hawaiian Homes Association – No report or representative was available.

Wastewater Treatment Plant – Mabel Spencer said the City and State Department of Land and Natural Resources recently met to determine the lowest bid for the Waimanalo Sewer Rehabilitation project. The lowest bid was $25 million. All the money that Laulima O Waimanalo lobbied for does not equal to the lowest bid.

Mary Alice Evans, Laulima O Waimanalo, thanked the Neighborhood Board for its resolution urging the US Department of Agricultural (USDA) to approve funding ($2.9 million) for the Waimanalo Sewer Rehabilitation project. They are moving forward, as some of the eligibility issues have been resolved. The City is working with DLNR and will be breaking the project into two phases. They will be asking for Phase II money and asking the Legislature for an additional $8 million. The City is also looking for additional money.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Evans said she was not aware how many companies bid on the project. Joe Ka’akua, BWS, mentioned the second lowest bid was $30 million.

2)       Evans stated the City informed DLNR that they won’t accept the plan until it’s up the standards.

3)       A Board member asked for a copy of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Evans will follow-up. The original EIS was done 10 years ago.

4)       Mabel Spencer said we need $8 million by 2006. She encouraged everyone to lobby for the funds.

Waimanalo Health Center – Chuck Braden reported: 1) Approximately 95% of the buildings at the Waimanalo Health Center have been painted. 2) The new Waimanalo Health Center sign is in. They need to take down the old sign. 3) Renovations to the bathrooms have begun. 4) The health center will be closed on Saturday, August 20 so the flooring could be installed. 5) If anyone needs any medical assistance, call the health center. 6) The City made them take down their lomi lomi banner, but they allow B&B’s in the community.

Chair Ho noted that Castle Hospital has the capabilities to accommodate 50 to 100 trauma patients.

Board of Water Supply – Joe Ka’akua reported: 1) There was one main break in the Waimanalo area for the month of July. 2) BWS is asking for applications to its Watershed Management Partnership Program (WMPP). The program provides funding to community organizations and agencies to support conservation and watershed

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protection activities. Eligible applicants must be registered as a not-for-profit organization, and the project must benefit the people of O’ahu. Eligibility requirements and application forms are available online at www.hbws.org or www.boardofwatersupply.com. Applicants must be postmarked or received by 12:00 noon, August 31.

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

Oceanic Institute – 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 9:20 p.m.

Submitted by:

Steve J. Rodrigues

Neighborhood Assistant