WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2005
WAIMANALO PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARY
CALL TO ORDER: Acting Chair Mabel Spencer called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. with five members present. No quorum was present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Wilson Kekoa Ho, Mabel Ann Spencer, Phillip Ellsworth, Andrew Jamila, Jr., Solomon Spencer, Michael Buck.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Bob Kimo Lastimosa, Kawika Eckart, Orrin Kupau, Joseph Ryan, Jr. and Malcolm Lee, Jr., Nani Akeo and Priscilla Ho
GUESTS: Captain Job Harris (Honolulu Fire Department), Lieutenant John Cheong (Honolulu Police Department), Susan Dowsett (HPD), Ikaika Anderson (Councilmember Barbara Marshall’s Office staff), Chuck Braden (Executive Director, Waimanalo Health Center), Shannon Wood (The Ko’olau News), Major Patricia Johnson (Marine Corps Base Hawaii), Julie Dugan (Hawaii Job Corps), Tad Kelek (Hawaii Job Corps), Maria Kabua (Hawaii Job Corps), Kahana Caldene Albinio, Eve Anderson, Kevin Arnneg, Joe Ka’akua (Board of Water Supply), Roberta Weatherford (U.S. Representative Ed Case’s Office), Tuti Baker (Representative Waters Office Staff) Duke Artuyo (Nalo Boxing), Jessie Margues (Honolulu State Rural Health Association), Edna Kretzer (UHM), Shannon Wood (The Ko’olau News), Valerie Curtis (USAF), Annette Loc (WPA), Earl Kaawa, Tanya Goo and Elwin Spray (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
PULE: Ellsworth offered the pule.
EMERGENCY PUBLIC INPUT (PART I)
HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD): Captain Harris reported the following: (1) Statistics for November and December 2004: Fires – one structure, no brush, two rubbish and two vehicle accidents. Emergencies – twenty five medical calls, three search/rescue ( (3) Safety Tip of the Month: “ Every home should have a smoke detector installed in each bedroom and on every level. On floors without bedrooms, detectors should be located in or near living areas, such as family rooms, living rooms, or dens. As cooking vapors and steam may set off a smoke detector, locate the detector away from the kitchen or bathroom. Position wall-mounted detectors 4 to 12 inches below the ceiling and away from air vents. Detectors should be tested once a month to ensure that they are operational and cleaned regularly, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.”
Discussion followed: (1) Member asked why should smoke detectors not be placed near bathrooms? Captain Harris explained that if you generate steam (i.e. hot showers), it could set off the fire detector. (2) Member asked about the days/hours that HFD provides free blood pressure tests. Captain. Harris responded that everyday from the hours of 9:00am till 8:00 pm.
HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lieutenant John Cheong reported the property crimes statistics for Waimanalo in January2005: six burglaries, eleven other property thefts, one robbery, eight thefts from automobiles, and one auto/motorcycle theft.
Discussion followed:
1) In response to last month’s question about the rise of theft during the holidays. People tend to be distracted and there are more things (gifts) to be stolen. A slight pattern has been emerging as to the times of the break ins.
2) Member asked about the rise in auto thefts recently. Major Dowsett said that we are in a high tourist period, and they are vulnerable. HPD is working with the tourist industry to try and warn tourists about this issue. HPD is also looking to establish Method of Operation’s on perpetrators.) Member Jamila asked about area where he sees cars being stripped down and what can the Police can do when notified? HPD responded that if the car is marked C and C it has been marked abandoned and now belongs to the City and cannot be stripped. Lieutenant Cheong recommended getting the license plate or a good description before calling 911. Do not confront these people.
4) Member Lee complemented HPD for catching an illegal dumper. Audience member Wood mentioned three bills are under consideration in the House relating to dumping.
5) Chair Spencer questioned about how many neighborhood watches are active? Major Dowsett said HPD is contacting the old lists and hopes to have a list of active ones by the end of March. Member suggested a Board letter in support of this effort is needed.
6) Lieutenant Cheong mentioned that following Police Safety Tip of the Month: “Avoid being a robbery victim in your car by doing the following: Always drive with your vehicle doors locked; consider keeping your windows rolled up prior to stopping in a parking lot; park in well lit areas; and look at the parking lot area that you drive into. Be especially careful in parking lots with little activity and an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) nearby. Consider using ATM’s only in high exposure areas.”
APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 10, 2005 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Acting Chair M. Spencer deferred discussion on the Minutes, explaining that a quorum of seven members is require to take Board action to approve or correct Minutes.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRESENTATION: HAWAII RURAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION: Acting Chair M Spencer introduced Jesse Marques, a resident of Ka’u, and President of the Hawaii State Rural Health Association. Ka’u’s emergency room was slated to be closed eight years ago. The community mobilized to save the small rural hospital. There are six such hospitals in Hawaii. They do not get Medicare/Medicaid money. They have been networking to try and find out what issues are important in the communities and to find ways to keep them open.
Question and answer followed:
1) In response to a question from the audience, Ms Marques explained that each County has maintains its own membership.
2) In response to question about what qualifies as rural, Ms. Marques said that Waianae and Waimanalo on Oahu.
RESIDENTS CONCERNS IN THE COMMUNITY
1) Audience member Eve Anderson asked about:
a) Potholes in Waimanalo
b) Rusted guardrails along the beach
c) The Kai One beach park project’s lack of progress
d) Suggested discussing the issue of the Coqui frog’s danger to the islands at next month’s meeting.
A board member mentioned that the City had been asked to fix the potholes on Kalaniana’ole Highway, but it turns out that it is a State Road. Board member Jamila mentioned that dangerous overgrown brush is sticking out into the street and causing a traffic hazard. Oceanic Institute and Sea Life Park have said that it is a State area of jurisdiction.
2) Audience member thanked the Mayor and Councilmember Marshall for their work on repealing the leasehold conversion law. Member asked about unfinished projects that came under VIP designation (vision important project). Are they on hold? Audience member also relayed some of the topics covered on during a meeting with U.S. Representative Ed Case, such as Social Security. Audience member thinks that talk story events, such as Council members Marshall’s, are a waste of time in Waimanalo, as community members don’t show up.
3) Board member asked about status of left turn lanes in Waimanalo, encouraged the implementation of plastic barriers to prevent cars from going around cars making a left turn. Answer was that it the lanes are in the design phase.
4) Audience member mentioned about a long time school bus driver who passed away recently. The audience member relayed a story about a road rage incident when someone illegally passed a stopped school bus with its red lights on. The other person said that only Mainland laws require you to stop when the red lights are flashing on a school bus. HPD commented that the law in Hawaii is that both directions of traffic must stop. If a person can get the license plate then the authorities will attempt to contact the person and educate them on the law. A HPD officer must witness the act for a citation to be issued. Member asked if a photo could be submitted of an offender? HPD said that is not acceptable in lieu of an officer witnessing the act.
5) Audience question about illegal campers and how HPD is responding to them along Waimanalo beach. Board member mentioned that the Board once supporting closing the park before. It has been discussed since then as well. Audience member suggested sweeps by HPD. Board member said sweeps produce negative publicity since many campers are native Hawaiians who feel they are exercising their rights. The board moved to close the park due to health and safety concerns, and the inappropriate behavior of some of the campers. It is commented that no action can be taken at this meeting due to lack of a quorum. Member said that creating a designated camping area would help. HPD mentioned they have issued some citations for lack of permits, and a sweep will occur soon.
Acting chair Mabel yielded the chair to Wilson Ho.
6) Board member questioned for Mr. Ho and Mr. Spray about what can be done if a vacant subdistrict seat does not get filled in the upcoming election? Mr. Ho said he could write letters to current members who don’t show up asking of they would like to resign, and then the board could appointment replacements if people are interested in getting some board experience. Question to Mr. Spray about making three absences mandatory resignation. He said that the Neighborhood plan spells out this procedure. Question about if no candidate exists for a subdistrict, can the seat be designated as an at large bid? Chair Ho answered no. He clarified that the board can appoint someone now regardless of if they want to run in the upcoming election.
7) Audience commented that people who are worried about the illegal camping should contact Department of Parks and Recreation and make them aware of the problem. Audience questioned should no permits be issued for anywhere in Waimanalo? Chair Ho said that many Waimanalo residents enjoy camping, but that is has gotten out of hand. Mrs. Ho said it’s not the camping per se that’s problematic; it’s the arguing, the sanitation issues, and the heavy vehicular traffic. Audience commented that a few years ago, when an attempt to evict campers was made, some responded violently. Audience member said that some of them freely choose to live on the beach even though they have jobs. Audience commented that the sweeps without follow-ups are ineffective. Member commented that this issue intersects the bigger problem of homelessness. Board member mentioned that the campers make their area intentionally dirty to deter other people from encroaching on their area.
8) Chair Ho explained that the Board could fill a subdistrict seat for the remainder of the term but the seat could become vacant pending the next election if there is no candidate.
9) K. Andrews asked about sewage washing up on Waimanalo beach. Dr. Anderson was looking into the distance of effluent discharge and where does it travel?
10) Audience member questioned if the board can make motions in support of raising the exceptions to property taxes under consideration by City Council. Chair Ho said yes, if it is put on an agenda, but reminded everyone that the Neighborhood board is just an advisory board.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
1) Chair W. Ho announced that he had received a letter from the Waimanalo Canoe Club apologizing for not inviting more community groups/people to the dedication of their halau.
2) Edna Kretzer – nurse practitioner from UH, announced a High Blood Pressure study has commenced. It is being run out of Waimanalo Health Center. Anyone who would be interested in participating can come by Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday mornings between 8-11 am for more information on the study.
Question and answers followed:
1) Board member asked if he was already on medication could he participate. Answer was yes, the study would use other techniques to try and lower blood pressure in addition to the medication.
2) Member asked if the program would go out to the community, because many people in the community are ashamed to visit the Health center, but will welcome them into their houses.
3) Board member reported that the American Cancer Societies “Relay for Life” will be May 14-15 at Waimanalo Beach Park. If interested call 262-5124.
4)‘Olelo channel report – Discussion has been ongoing to make sure the broadcasts get on the air. The schools have not been paid yet since the product has not been delivered. Chair Ho said payment wouldn’t be a problem since the Board hardly spends its money.
5) Free boxing clinics by coach Duke everyday from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm at the gym. Coach Duke has been doing this for almost thirty years. Coach is part of the US Olympic Committee and has served as a national coach before. Girls are welcome as well.
6) Earl Kaawa announced he now works for Kamehameha Schools. They are looking to provide educational service to children ages 0-3. This will occur at the pre-school. Mr. Kaawa also announced that the canoes project got a lot of positive response from the community to serve as mentors in the future. The bad news was the log cracked when they tried to move it. So the search for a new log is on. The cracked log will be made into art.
7) Audience member made a recommendation for a committee to be formed for people who want to do research in Waimanalo to go though, so that the community is aware and involved, and that privacy is protected.
8) The Waimanalo Village resident Association wanted to recognize 24 first time homeowners out of 30 applicants. They will be asking the city for certificates congratulating the new homeowners. Also wanted to recognize this past weekends 1st Kids Classic at Kaupo Beach, a two-day surfing contest. There was a five-dollar entry fee, and the prizes included surfboards.
9) Mr. Lewis announced that the Friends of Waimanalo community carnival would be holding their 2005 carnival Feb 25, 26, and 27th at the Beach Park. Food, rides, and entertainment will all be a part of it. Hours are 6 pm to midnight (Friday), 11:30 am till midnight (Sat), and 11:30 am till 5:30 pm (Sunday)
10) Chuck Braden announced that the funding for the Waimanalo Health Center has been released.
11) Chair Ho encouraged people to help the board recommend all types of people who deserve recognition from the board.
12) Motion is made to recognize Coach Duke Artuyo for his years of service to area youths. Due to a lack of quorum, vote is not taken although everyone present agrees with the motion.
PUBLIC INPUT (PART II)
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII (MCBH): Major Patricia Johnson reported:
1) MCBH had an open house on Sunday, January 30 at the Pacific War Memorial to honor the 26 Kaneohe-based marines recently killed in action. 2) On February 3, school children held a candlelight vigil to honor these same soldiers. 3) On February 8, James Webb, former Secretary of the Navy spoke to Marines as part of a lecture series. 4) On February 8 Pro Bowler Ahman Green toured the base. 5) On February 13th, the Pro Bowl festivities at Aloha stadium featured Purple Heart recipients from throughout the years.6) On February 21st, 200 Marines will run in the Great Aloha Run while in formation.7) On February 26, Kaneohe Marines will be present at Camp Smith as the Pacific Command has its change of command. 8) On March 7th, a ceremony for fallen Marines will be held at the State Capitol Rotunda. 9) On March 16th at 2:00 pm, the 60th anniversary observation of Iwo Jima will be held at the Pacific War Memorial.
BELLOWS AIR FORCE STATION: Valerie Curtis reported that the Air Force has been working with Bishop Museum to repatriate some of their holdings. There are six organizations recognized by the Air Force as legitimate petitioners for Native Hawaiian artifacts. A burial vault will be constructed on Bellows property.
Question and answers followed:
Chair Ho asked who the Board should direct questions about the clearing done on Bellows in order to build houses. Ms. Curtis said she could take the questions and report the answers back to the board. Her number is 449-1584 extension 251.
GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Micah Kane reported the following: 1) Commented that the camping issue is common statewide and that he will bring some suggestions to the next meeting. 2) In response to a question about drainage from the last meeting, Mr. Kane read a response from Scott Ishikawa of the DOT. The ditch will be cleaned out and an investigation will be done as to the source of the water. 3) In response to potholes, Mr. Ishikawa wrote that the State is planning on resurfacing small sections of road instead of just filling potholes, and that Kalaniana’ole Highway is on the list. 4) The realignment of the Highway near Oceanic Institute will begin in the third week of March. Traffic will be contra flowed, Grace Pacific has been selected as the contractor, and work will be done by July hopefully. 5) Department of Hawaiian Homelands has selected Waimanalo for its Master Planned Community Doctrine in a pilot project. This will allow the community to have input into decisions about their community and help to prioritize issues in the Homestead arena.
Questions and Answers followed:
Member questioned if its safe for bikes around Oceanic Institute. Mr. Kane replies that there is no plan to expand the current bike lanes.
SENATOR FRED HEMMINGS: No representative was present from Senator Fred Hemmings’ office.
REPRESENTATIVE TOMMY WATERS: Tuti Baker from Representative Waters distributed the report from Representative Waters.
Question and comments followed:
Audience member thanked his office for hosting a student during a job-shadowing day at the Capitol.
MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Elwin Spray announced that Wayne Hashiro would be the permanent Mayor’s representative to the Board starting next month.
COUNCILMEMBER BARBARA MARSHALL: Ikaika Anderson from Councilmember Marshall reported the following: 1) The Port a Potty should have been replaced the 14th of January. The former Parks and Recreation director took them away to save money. They should be back. 2) Bones were discovered at Kaiona Beach Park, delaying the project there by a few months. 3) Councilmember Marshall has introduced Bill 8, which sets forth requirements for the Royal Hawaiian Bandmaster such as fluency in the Hawaiian language. Testimony can be given on February 23.
Q and A followed:
1) Audience member asked what happened or will happen to the bones? Mr. Anderson will endeavor to have a response next meeting.
2) Suggestion the Band should be put on the Historic register for protection. Clarification is given that the City Charter protects the Band.
UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE ED CASE: Roberta Weatherford reported the following: 1) The federal deficit is now saddling each citizen with $25,000. 2) Mr. Case is working to get $15 million dollars for waster water treatment. We are in a permitting process and there is some question as to whom owns the property that the Waimanalo sewage treatment plant sits on.
Question and Answers followed:
Board member requests that funding still be provided to fight the Brown Tree Snake threat. Ms. Weatherford says that Mr. Case is working to keep the funding in place.
EDUCATION: Tasha Josue, Parents Community Networking Center (PCNC) Coordinator from Blanche Pope Elementary School, reported the following: (1) Blanche Pope Elementary School will be back in session on Tuesday, January 11, 2005. (2) Upcoming events: January 12, 2005 – Workshop by Nalani Naluai on how the brain works and operates; January 13, 2005 – Kapala Corporation will be giving a workshop on drug rehabilitation; January 31, 2005 – Waiver Day (No school for students) where schools located in the Kailua High Complex will be meeting to discuss the area schools’ curriculum.
Discussion followed: M. Spencer commented that if Blanche Pole Elementary School becomes a charter school, it would mean a 20% increase in school staff meaning more jobs for Waimanalo residents.
LAULIMA O WAIMANALO: M. Spencer reported that Laulima O Waimanalo (Laulima) that the city does not own the wastewater treatment property but the State is ready to transfer it over.
KAPALA CORPORATION: No representative was present from Kapala Corporation.
HAWAII JOB CORPS (HJC): Julie Dugan reported that a new director, Anita Sharp, has been appointed. She was a deputy director before this. Chair Ho commended Julie Dugan for involving the community. Ms. Dugan mentioned that they would have a booth at the Waimanalo carnival. She introduced two students who job shadowed Representative Waters and Senator Hemmings. Chair Ho asked them how the Waimanalo community had received them since they were not from here. They both replied they had a warm reception.
NATION OF HAWAII/ALOHA FIRST: No representative was present from The Nation of Hawaii.
WAIMANALO AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION (WAA): No representative was present from WAA.
WAIMANALO HEALTH CENTER (WHC): WHC Executive Director Chuck Braden announced that Dr. Bruce Anderson is now a WHC director. He and Dr. Anderson will be traveling in March to a national conference to meet with Congressional members. He reported we are lucky because our Congressional delegation supports health centers very well. Member Spencer asked who were the new WHC board members. Not all of them have responded, but so far there is Elizabeth Fine, Moana DeMello, Charmaine Silva, Jackie Young, and Andrew Julmia. Orientation has been set up for them
OCEANIC INSTITUTE: No representative was present from Oceanic Institute.
BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): Joe Ka’akua reported: 1) no breaks in January. They are three projects on going. 2) March 6 through the 12 is Detect a Leak Week. You can take a dye tablet and put it in your tank to help detect leaks (if the dye end up in the bowl, you’ve got a leak). 3) Free leak detections for the 75 single homeowners who fill out an application and are drawn. The BWS is accepting student entries for its water conservation poster contest, open to students K-6.
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS: None
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further Board business, the meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Submitted by,
Bryan Mick
Neighborhood Assistant
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