WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING 

MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2005

WAIMANALO PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARY

CALL TO ORDER: With a quorum established, Chair Wilson Kekoa Ho called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with seven members present.

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael Buck, Bob Kimo Lastimosa, Kawika Eckart, Orrin Kupau, Joseph Ryan, Jr. and Malcolm Lee, Jr.  

GUESTS: Captain Paul Kahele (Honolulu Fire Department), Lieutenant John Cheong (Honolulu Police Department), Patty Teruya (Mayor’s Representative), Councilmember Barbara Marshall, Ikaika Anderson (Councilmember Barbara Marshall’s Office staff), Micah Kane (Governor’s Representative), Senator Fred Hemmings, Representative Tommy Waters, Chuck Braden (Executive Director, Waimanalo Health Center), Shannon Wood (The Ko’olau News), Major Patricia Johnson (Marine Corps Base Hawaii), Tasha Josue (Parent Community Networking Center [PCNC] Coordinator, Blanche Pope Elementary School), Julie Dugan (Hawaii Job Corps), Dr. Bruce Anderson (President, Oceanic Institute), Joe Ka’akua (Board of Water Supply), Holly Holowach (Program Manager, Weinberg Villages), Roberta Weatherford (U.S. Representative Ed Case’s Office), Kia Leiana Weaver (Kailua Bay Advisory Council), Joseph Ziems, Al Lewis, James Hall, Jr., Lucy Akau, David Bettencourt, Patricia Molina (Videographer, Electronic Media Program – Kailua High School), Tanya Goo and Jamal Siddiqui (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

PULE: Ellsworth offered the pule.

EMERGENCY PUBLIC INPUT (PART I)

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD): Captain Paul Kahele reported the following: (1) Statistics for November and December 2004: Fires – two structure, two brush, three rubbish and two vehicle accidents. Emergencies – thirty-eight medical calls, one search/rescue (child locked in a car) and eight miscellaneous (two electrical pole fires, three unauthorized burns and three good intent calls). (2) Major Incident: HFD rescued a downed thirty-five year old male paraglider, who was visiting from the mainland. The patient was in serious condition when he was transferred to Emergency Medical Services (EMS). (3) Safety Tip of the Month: “Set your water heater at 120 degrees Fahrenheit, or call an electrician or plumber to set it for you. Temperatures higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit may cause scalding.”

Discussion followed: (1) Ellsworth asked what should one do when lighting strikes. Captain Kahele replied stay away from the window and metal objects. (2) Jamila inquired to why HFD issued permits to burn rubbish, especially when the weather is not windy. Captain Kahele replied that HFD does not issue burn permits with the sole exception of cooking fires. Captain Kahele stated that if anyone smells something burning, call HFD to investigate. (3) Ellsworth commented that of a neighbor is burning something, should HFD talk to that neighbor. Captain Kahele replied that call HFD when the incident is taking place. (4) M. Spencer asked if there were any fireworks related injuries that occurred in Waimanalo on New Year’s Eve. Captain Kahele replied that none occurred, however HFD responded to calls helping heart attack victims. (5) Lewis inquired how often handgliding accidents occur. Captain Kahele replied infrequently, but noted that these handgliders are licensed.   

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lieutenant John Cheong reported the property crimes statistics for December 2004: eight burglaries, fourteen other property thefts, twelve thefts from automobiles and one auto/motorcycle theft. He noted that total number of crimes reported for 2004 is 21% less as compared to 2003.

Discussion followed: (1) Lewis mentioned that numerous burglaries have been taking place on the farm lots area. Lieutenant Cheong replied that HPD has stepped up its patrols in the farm lots area. As for food that may be stolen, he noted that both Del Monte and Dole have a system that tracks distribution of its produce products. (2) Chair W. Ho reported that there are fourteen people still present residing on the beach located across his house. (3) Ellsworth inquired how many burglaries occur when residents are not at home. Lieutenant Cheong noted that most of the burglaries that occur while residents are not home take place during the holiday season. Therefore, he suggested that residents take extra care to protect their homes. (4) Jamila mentioned that there is a vacant lot available for HPD set up a trailer station in Waimanalo where police visibility helps deter criminal activity. Lieutenant Cheong shared that sentiment. (5) 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 NOVEMBER 8, 2004 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: M. Spencer moved and Ellsworth seconded that the Board approve the November 8, 2004 Regular Meeting Minutes as circulated. The motion was adopted by a unanimous vote of 7-0-0.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS IN THE COMMUNITY

CONCERN REGARDING PROLIFERATION OF BED AND BREAKFAST ESTABLISHMENTS: Bettencourt expressed concern regarding the proliferation of bed and breakfast establishments in Waimanalo. He noted that Senator Hemmings is proposing legislation to change the current law regulating these bed and breakfasts. Councilmember Marshall responded by stating that she and Senator Hemmings are working on a bill where the State would give the counties the authority to regulate bed and breakfasts. The current law is not enforceable where the inspector would have to be present all thirty days prior to taking appropriate action. Councilmember Marshall noted that the State would not give any information to the counties. With the new law, the counties would be authorized to approve/disapprove licenses including placing penalties on violators.

Discussion followed: (1) Ellsworth noted that these businesses pay taxes. (2) Akau noted that the presence of these bed and breakfasts have raised property taxes on Poipu and Hanalei, Kauai therefore the same effect would take place in Waimanalo unless the community takes a stand in restricting them.   

INQUIRY ON STATUS OF CROSSWALKS NEAR THE CHEVRON STATION LOCATED ACROSS THE WAIMANALO SHOPPING CENTER: Akau inquired on the status of the crosswalk located near the Chevron Service Station where due to the heavy rains, the area is not safe for children going to and coming from school therefore the roadway needs improvements including placing a sidewalk.

PUBLIC INPUT (PART II)

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS TO PAVE STREETS IN WAIMANALO: Chair W. Ho mentioned that the City has monies available in their capital improvement projects’ budget for street paving. Chair W. Ho encouraged the community to give the names of streets that need to be paved and he would personally give the list of streets to Councilmember Marshall early this week.

2005 NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD ELECTIONS: Chair W. Ho announced that the 2005 Neighborhood Board Candidacy Application Forms are due Tuesday, January 18, 2005, 4:30 p.m., 530 South King Street, Room 400, Honolulu, HI 96813; or postmarked by Tuesday, January 18, 2005. He noted that candidate applications must be accompanied by an original signature. Sending xerox copies of applications forms or by fax will not be accepted.

STATUS ON REVISING ILLEGAL DUMPING BILL: S. Wood announced that state legislators are working to improve the illegal dumping bill for the upcoming 2005 State legislative session. She has asked Councilmember Marshall to find City-owned land to store derelict vehicles. She noted that approximately 40,000 vehicles are improperly disposed annually. Jamila mentioned that he has successfully persuaded a merchant to donate a lot as a staging area for derelict vehicles. M. Spencer expressed concern regarding liability where if the private owner can’t afford it, then the City/State would shoulder liability costs. Councilmember Marshall stated that the process to stage these derelict vehicles would not be quick.

BELLOWS RESTORATION ADVISORY BOARD (RAB) MEETING: M. Spencer announced that the next Bellows Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) Meeting is Thursday, January 13, 2005, 7:00 p.m., Bellows Air Force Station.

ANNUAL WAIMANALO CARNIVAL: Lewis announced that the Friends of Waimanalo are sponsoring the Annual Waimanalo Carnival. The event takes place at Waimanalo District Park at the following times: Friday, February 25, 2005 – 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.; Saturday, February 26, 2005 – 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.; and Sunday, February 27, 2005 – 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Lewis noted that the proceeds goes to Waimanalo-based non-profit organizations.

WEINGERG VILLAGE GETTING NEW PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT: Weinberg Villages Program Manager Holly Holowach announced that Home Depot and KABOOM have given a grant to construct playground equipment in Weinberg Villages. Construction starts on Thursday, January 20, 2005. Holowach noted that KABOOM has built more than seven hundred playgrounds nationwide.

Discussion followed: (1) Ellsworth inquired if there is playground equipment in existence at Weinberg Villages. Holowach replied no. (2) M. Spencer inquired how many families reside in Weinberg Villages. Holowach replied thirty families (equivalent to forty-eight adults and one hundred children).

MILITARY REPORT

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII (MCBH): Major Patricia Johnson reported that approximately one hundred Marines stationed at MCBH will be sent to Southeast Asia on relief operations for the tsunami victims.

Discussion followed: Bettencourt mentioned that he recently saw a Marine helicopter flying over Waimanalo.

Chair W. Ho mentioned that on Sunday, January 16, 2005, there would be a rummage sale held at Castle Medical Center where all proceeds would go to the Tsunami Relief Fund.   

BELLOWS AIR FORCE STATION: No representative was present to provide a report.   

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Micah Kane reported the following: (1) In December 2004, he toured the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 District with Board member Jamila for the State Administration to address various community concerns including drainage improvements fronting Jack-In-The-Box. (2) He will be working with Councilmember Marshall on the Nakini Street Improvements Project. 

Discussion followed: M. Spencer inquired on the status of the six left turns project along Kalanianaole Highway. Kane will follow up on it.    

SENATOR FRED HEMMINGS: Senator Hemmings reported the following: (1) He complemented the Waimanalo community including the Neighborhood Board for making progress in improving the quality of life in the community including the following: Makapu’u Point (placing steel fences to protect Kalanianaole Highway from falling boulders); and placing jersey barriers along Kalanianaole Highway near Olomana Golf Course. (2) He stressed the point that strong leadership, not legislation, would solve the problems facing communities. He cited litter as an example where enforcement is key to deter litter, not more laws. (3) He mentioned that charter school initiatives are a great tool benefiting the Hawaiian community where Kamehameha Schools would contribute 20% of the operation budget to each charter school (20% addition from the existing State budget to each charter school). (4) He is working to empower the City and County to enforce the laws including cracking down on illegal dumping.  Also he is working with Councilmember Marshall on legislation requiring identification of vehicle owner when there is a change on vehicular registration.

Discussion followed: (1) Ellsworth commented that skyrocketing property taxes would hurt everyone especially the elderly. Senator Hemmings shared Ellsworth’s sentiments. (2) Lewis commented that the Kailua Task Force established by Senator Hemmings has not been extended to Waimanalo. Senator Hemmings replied that the process is transparent. He noted that the task force was requested by Kailua and Lanikai residents to address the proliferation of bed and breakfast establishments. (3) Senator Hemmings informed everyone that he would be introducing a resolution requesting the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) to do a carrying capacity study regarding visitor/transient accommodations including time shares, bed and breakfasts, etc. (4) Akau commented that bed and breakfasts in Waimanalo would increase area homeowners’ property taxes. (5) Bettencourt stated that with traffic conditions worsening, a bypass road is need for the benefit of the Waimanalo community.      

REPRESENTATIVE TOMMY WATERS: Representative Waters reported the following: (1) He announced his following committee assignments for the 2005 State Legislature: Higher Education (Chair), Education, Hawaiian Affairs, Water, Land & Ocean Resources, and Energy & Environmental Protection. (2) Based on House rules, a committee chair, he cannot serve on the Finance Committee however he assured the Waimanalo community that he would keep track of area capital improvement projects including funding improvements to the Waimanalo Wastewater Treatment Plant and traffic safety improvements including fixing dangerous curves along Kalanianaole Highway. (3) He invited everyone to come visit his office on Opening Day of the 2005 State Legislature on Wednesday, January 19, 2005. 

Discussion followed: (1) Lewis commented that in Representative Waters’ campaign brochure, it mentioned that the Representative successfully placed in $6 million for beautification at the Makapu’u Lookout. Representative Waters replied that those funds were allocated to connect the chain link fence to mitigate future rockslides along Makapu’u Point. (2) M. Spencer mentioned that Oceanic Institute has a pipe that caused the improper flow of the area stream therefore the institute should be held liable. She requested that the State Department of Health (DOH) place signs stating that the area is hazardous for children to play and swim.   

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Patty Teruya reported the following: (1) Mayor Mufi Hannemann extends Happy New Year greetings to all Board members. She stressed that she is the temporary Mayor’s representative for tonight’s Board meeting. A permanent Mayor’s representative will be present at this meeting from February 2005 onwards. (2) Distributed copies of Mayor Hannemann’s Inaugural Address held on Wednesday, January 5, 2005, Honolulu Hale. (3) There will be no vision teams, however Mayor Hannemann will be working with the Neighborhood Board on area capital improvement projects. (4) Announced that Benjamin Kama will be retiring from the City after twenty years of dedicated service.

Discussion followed: (1) Ellsworth suggested that Benjamin Kama should be given the opportunity to remain with the City for at least one more year. (2) M. Spencer expressed concern that with the vision teams no longer in existence, how would it affect ongoing vision projects. Teruya assured M. Spencer that the ongoing vision projects would continue to move forward. (3) M. Spencer mentioned that she along with the rest of the Board members were not invited for the blessing ceremony for the Waimanalo Canoe Halau, a project they championed. Not being invited by the City is disrespectful. She further asked if the City inspector did a walk through and signed off on it. Teruya responded that she would follow up on it. (4) M. Spencer mentioned that one of the vision projects – the Waimanalo All Parks Plan – improving area parks, still needs work specifically to improve Kaupo Beach Park. (5) Jamila commented that the Board meeting is being filmed however it has not been shown on Olelo Channel 54. Teruya replied that she has talked with both the Neighborhood Commission Office and Olelo where she learned that tonight’s Board meeting will be shown for broadcast on Olelo Channel 54 within four weeks.     

COUNCILMEMBER BARBARA MARSHALL: Councilmember Marshall reported the following: (1) City Councilmembers are optimistic in terms of working with the Hannemann Mayoral Administration. (2) Gym roof improvements and installing play courts at Waimanalo District Park are proceeding forward. Both projects were within the bids. (3) Regarding Waimanalo area Capital Improvement Projects, she will be working directly with the Hannemann Administration. (4) Held a meeting with Honolulu Police Chief Bossie Correa regarding the number of thefts that have occurred on the Waimanalo Farm Lots area. The response from the Chief Correa is for the community to establish the Agricultural Task Force to help farm lots residents combat these thefts. (5) She announced that Legal Aid Society has established an office at the Mauli Ola Conference Room, Waimanalo Health Center on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. (6) The next 3-Talk Meetings: Monday, February 7, 2005 – St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1004 Kailua Road and Wednesday, March 30, 2005 – Waimanalo Public Library, 41-1320 Kalanianaole Highway. Both meetings start at 7:00 p.m. 

UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE ED CASE: Roberta Weatherford reported the following: (1) The newly elected 109^th Congress was sworn in on Tuesday, January 4, 2005 including Congressman Case. Congressman Case’s will be focusing on these issues in the 109^th Congress: the growing federal budget deficit, the continued U.S. military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq; and reforming Social Security. (2) Congressman Case will be holding nineteen talk story sessions in Hawaii’s Second Congressional District including a session scheduled for Saturday, February 12, 2005, Waimanalo Public Library, 41-1320 Kalanianaole Highway, 1:00 p.m. 

Discussion followed: M. Spencer informed Weatherford that Laulima O Waimanalo is moving forward with an application written by the City Department of Environmental Services to obtain a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture regarding funding the Waimanalo Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Project.  Weatherford will follow up on it.

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) signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the City Department of Environmental Services to improving the sewer system including upgrading the Waimanalo Wastewater Treatment Plant. She noted that Laulima is a community component partnering with the City. She further noted that one or two residents have moved into Waimanalo pushing the community out of low-income status meaning that Waimanalo would lose their eligibility as a low-income neighborhood. It was noted that the beach lots residents opposed linking their sewer lines with the rest of the Waimanalo community. She noted that the Waimanalo community must move forward with improvement projects including constructing new homes for Native Hawaiians.

KAPALA CORPORATION: No representative was present to provide a report.

HAWAII JOB CORPS (HJC): Julie Dugan reported HJC classes have resumed after a break from the holidays.  

NATION OF HAWAII/ALOHA FIRST: No representative was present to provide a report. 

WAIMANALO AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION (WAA): No representative was present to provide a report.  

WAIMANALO HEALTH CENTER (WHC): WHC Executive Director Chuck Braden distributed a flyer announcing that WHC is hosting an Open House and Talk Story Session on Tuesday, January 18, 2005, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The session includes guided tours of the health center and talking story with WHC Board of Directors and Staff. Refreshments will be provided.   

OCEANIC INSTITUTE: Dr. Bruce Anderson, President of Oceanic Institute (Oceanic), reported the following: (1) Oceanic received a letter from the State Department of Health (DOH) stating that Oceanic cannot use their injection wells until February 2005. (2) Oceanic is producing a record number of shrimps.       

Discussion followed: M. Spencer commented that there is at outflow of water at Kaupo Beach where DOH did not place a danger sign. As a result, the leaking pipeline at Oceanic has caused the landslide thus resulting in the outflow of water at Kaupo Beach. She stated that Oceanic must show commitment to the Waimanalo community. Jamila further commented that this outflow has become hazardous for children who play in the area. M. Spencer commented that the new proposed building slated for construction at Oceanic would infringe on the area view plane. Dr. Anderson stated that he would follow up on these concerns.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): Joe Ka’akua reported the following: (1) He distributed BWS calendars for the 2005 and part of 2006 for Board members. (2) BWS’ Annual Detect-A-Leak Week is scheduled for March 6 to 12, 2005. Toilet tank leak detection dye tablets will be available at BWS’ Beretania Street Headquarters and all satellite city halls. These tablets will be available at the next Board meeting.

P. Ho left at 9:35 p.m. (six members present, quorum is no longer established)

NEW BUSINESS

KAILUA BAY ADVISORY COUNCIL (KBAC) OVERVIEW PRESENTATION: Kia Leiana Weaver, New Community Coordinator, presented an overview of the Kailua Bay Advisory Council (KBAC): (1) KBAK is an organization made up of eight volunteers, dedicated to the Ko’olaupoko watersheds, oversees efforts to improve the water quality in the streams and coastal waters by educating Ko’olaupoko residents and supporting projects that help better water quality. (2) Streamwalks – KBAC’s streamwalks provide an opportunity to “Get to Know” our local streams. Each walk is conducted by a community leader who knows the stream. (3) Have interactive maps at http://www.geocortex.net/mapping/kailua that does the following: to locate which stream received runoff from your neighborhood; to view water quality data at specific locations in Ko’olaupoko; and to see current and past restoration projects. (4) KBAC is updating its Master Plan for the Ko’olaupoko Watersheds. This plan identifies problem areas and recommends projects that can improve water quality. The new plan will include aerial photographs of Ko’olaupoko. (5) KBAC will build a “Best Management Practice” (BMC) Demonstration Park on the shores of Ka’elepulu Pond in Kailua. Here, both visitors and residents will see firsthand how they can improve water quality in this outdoor classroom. The BMP Park will demonstrate the following: gardening and landscape options for residents to help reduce runoffs; examples of “good versus bad” practices that contribute to sediment and runoff; and KBAC will have a kiosk at the site to provide useful water quality information. (6) KBAC is developing a hydromodification device that will remove oil/grease and debris from numerous storm drains in an industrial area and reduce runoff into Kea’ahala Stream and Kane’ohe Bay. Fur further information go to http://www.kbac-hi.org.

Discussion followed: M. Spencer inquired what KBAC is doing in Waimanalo. Weaver replied that KBAC is doing watershed improvements in Waimanalo. M. Spencer asked if monies that KBAC has comes from the Unisyn lawsuit. Weaver replied yes.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further Board business, the meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

Submitted by,

Jamal Siddiqui

Neighborhood Assistant