WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, JULY 11, 2005

HAWAI’I ARMY NATIONAL GUARD AUDITORIUM

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Wilson Ho called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. A quorum was not present, but achieved later in the meeting.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Peter “Kahana” Albinio, Jr., Kevin Andrews, David Bettencourt, Phillip Ellsworth, Wilson Kekoa Ho, Andrew Jamila, Jr., Mabel Spencer, Solomon Spencer, Michael Buck (appointed at this meeting), Bobbie Kahalewai (appointed at this meeting).

MEMBERS ABSENT: Nani Akeo, 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), Senator Fred Hemmings, Captain Paul Kahele (HFD), Sgt. Dean Kawamoto and Lt. Gilbert Brown (HPD), Joe Ka’akua (BWS), Maj. Patricia Johnson (MCBH), Valerie Curtis and Todd Lanning (USAF), Marleen Keanu (Blanche Pope), Julie Dugan (Hawai’i Job Corps), Earl Kawa’a (Kamehameha Schools), Chuck Braden (Waimanalo Health Center), Annette Lee (Waimanalo Agricultural Association), Bruce Anderson (Oceanic Institute), Eric Costanios and Ricardo Garcia (Guardian Angels), Chris Clark and Charles Coleman (Hawai’i Bicycling League), Don Bremner (consultant), Lucy Akau, Aldene Albinio, Jaye Aquino, Donna Camara, Moana DeMello, Alena Ho, Kenneth Ho, Priscilla Ho, Liane Kahapea, John Kekawa, Jr., Dawn Kepa, Pamela Menter, Frank Tabar, Cliff Ziems, Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

PULE: Ellsworth offered the pule.

Voting for New Board Members for Sub-Districts 1, 7 and 11 – Deferred due to a lack of quorum.

Voting for Board Meeting Area – Deferred due to a lack of quorum.

EMERGENCY PUBLIC INPUT (Part I)

Honolulu Police Department – Lt . Gilbert Brown reported: 1) For the month of May in the Waimanalo area, there were 15 burglaries, 23 other property thefts, 16 thefts from auto, 0 robberies, 10 auto/motorcycle thefts, for a total of 64 incidents. 2) The Windward Uniform Crime Reporting Index Offenses (from Makapu’u Point to Waialee Stream) for June (May’s statistics are in parenthesis): 0 (1) murder/manslaughter; 4 (8) sex assault; 2 (5) robberies; 7 (8) aggravated assaults; 73 (56) burglaries; 150 (167) thefts; 105 (93) UEMV (thefts from auto); 56 (40) auto thefts; 397 (378) totals. 3) NARCO Vice reports 14 complaints, with only 1 in this area. 4) He introduced Sgt. Dean Kawamoto.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       A Board member inquired if there was any follow-up to last month’s concern regarding Officer Bustamante’s handling of the Waimanalo Relay for Life. Lt. Brown reiterated his response from last month – if you have a problem with an officer, call the police station and ask to speak to the supervisor.

2)       A Board member commended Lt. Brown for also included the statistics for Kailua, Kaneohe, etc.

3)       A Board member had concerns that about 20 of his neighbors were unduly harassed by HPD because they were parked on an unimproved sidewalk and was asked to move their vehicles. Lt. Brown stated they received complaints about parking on that street. Officers knocked on the residents’ doors to give them an opportunity to move their vehicles and not receive a citation. The Board member mentioned that there is an alleged drug house in his neighborhood that also strips cars. Lt. Brown said it could be a building code violation. He will follow-up.

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4)       A Board member thanked HPD for their presence at the canoe regatta.

5)       A Board member asked if there were any high-speed chases in this district. Lt. Brown said there weren’t any, but if you hear of any races call 911.

Honolulu Fire Department – Captain Paul Kahele reported: 1) For the month of June, the Waimanalo Fire Station responded to 6 fires, 23 medical emergencies, 2 search & rescues, and 3 accidents. 2) Safety Tip: “Take the time to childproof your home, especially with keiki out of school for summer vacation. Check for potentially dangerous situations (i.e. electrical shock, accidental falls or poisoning from medications, cleaning fluids, and houseplants. Keep matches and lighters in a safe place and out of reach of small children.”

Mayor’s Representative – Wayne Hashiro reported: 1) Follow-up items include: a) Sunshine Law training was mandated by the City Council through the City Ordinance. The Executive Secretary of the Neighborhood Commission said it’s her duty to make sure that all Neighborhood Boards receive training to understand the law; b) Effective July 1, Neighborhood Assistants will stay with the Board for two hours. The Board secretary would then be responsible for taking the minutes; c) The construction manager for Kaiona Beach Park will be contacting Parks Department and Mabel Spencer to establish the dedication of the park; d) The City prefers to use speed limit signs and police enforcement to respond to reports of speeding by motorists. The State Traffic Code does not allow persons to place unauthorized traffic control devices on government streets (per Poalima Street); e) A “No Parking” sign is posted on the Hunumiki Street drainage canal gate. The fence and chain link fence is in place. The City’s experience with tack welding fencing is that the individuals desiring to steal the fencing material just cut around the welding; f) The City has a copy of the Makapu’u Beach Park on file, but the Department of Design and Construction does not have a directive nor funds to design and construct what is outlined in the master plan.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Chair Ho noted Board member weren’t given input regarding Neighborhood Assistants staying for only two hours. The Executive Secretary told us about the change at the Chairs’ meeting, she didn’t ask us. A Board member asked if the change could be delayed until January 2006. Hashiro will follow-up.

2)       A resident asked why are the Kaiona Beach Park restrooms being closed at 7:00 p.m. and why is the City requiring a permit to erect a tent at the park. Hashiro will follow-up.

3)       A Board member had concerns that the concrete drainage canal next to the L&L Drive-in is filled with silt and overgrown vegetation. Hashiro will follow-up.

4)       A resident inquired why the Waimanalo Beach Park parking lot was closed for two recent canoe regattas. Hashiro will follow-up.

(Solomon and Mabel Spencer arrived at 7:50 p.m. – a quorum was achieved at this time)

The agenda was taken out of order. There were no objections.

Voting for New Board Members for Sub-Districts 1, 7 & 11 – Chair Ho asked if there were any residents willing to fill the vacancies in Sub-Districts 1, 7 and 11 to approach the Board with your identification so that your address can be verified. Michael Buck (a former Board member), a candidate for Sub-District 1, and Bobbie Kahalewai, a candidate for Sub-District 11, introduced themselves at this time. There being no other candidates, Michael Buck and Bobbie Kahalewai both were appointed by acclamation. The Neighborhood Assistant administered the Oath-of-Office to Buck and Kahalewai at this time.

Voting for Board Meeting Area – Chair Ho mentioned the Board has two options – either hold its Regular Meetings at the Waimanalo Public Library or the Hawai’i Army National Guard Auditorium. Bettencourt moved and Albinio seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 hold its Regular Meetings at the Hawai’i Army National Guard Auditorium.  The motion carried unanimously. Chair Ho recognized Staff Sgt. Callejo for opening and closing the meeting facility.

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The agenda resumed regular order.

Honoring Community Members – Chair Ho presented Waimanalo resident Liane Kahapea with a Certificate of Appreciation. Kahapea has overcome a number of obstacles including the loss of her husband. As a single parent, she persevered and recently graduated from Chaminade University with a Bachelor’s Degree and is now pursuing her Master’s Degree. Kahapea was given a round of applause.

APPROVAL OF June 13, 2005 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Mabel Spencer moved and Ellsworth seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 approve the minutes as submitted. The motion carried unanimously.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

Bed & Breakfast (City Council Resolutions 186 & 187) – The following concerns and comments were made regarding the two City Council resolutions for bed & breakfasts: 1) These resolutions would take away from the affluent families in the community. 2) Bed & Breakfast is nothing new, native Hawaiians used to have it. They would show the tourists around the island. 3) Bed and Breakfast should pay the hotel tax rate. 4) Is there any money for inspectors to enforce the law? 5) Why can’t you ask if you ran an illegal bed and breakfast in the past and then charge them higher fees? 6) Will HFD enforce the fire code? 7) A lot of people have old houses with termite problems so a temporary place where residents could stay would help. 8) Councilmember Marshall was thanked for addressing this issue.

Proposed Dog Park in Waimanalo – A resident mentioned she has a petition, signed by residents, opposing the proposed dog park in Waimanalo. Chair Ho said the dog park is not an issue and the Board would not be addressing it.

Ko’olaupoko Sustainability Community Plan – Don Bremner asked for the Board support for a resolution requesting the City postpone any review of the Ko’olaupoko Sustainable Communities Plan until the major recommendations, policies, and principals of the current plan have been fully implemented by the City (he originally asked for the Board’s support at its April 11 meeting). The Neighborhood Assistant informed the Chair that according to the Neighborhood Plan a two-thirds vote of the Board is needed to add an item to the agenda. Mabel Spencer moved and Buck seconded to add this item to the agenda. The motion carried unanimously. Buck moved and Mabel Spencer seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 hearby requests that the Department of Planning and Permitting, City and County of Honolulu, give top priority attention to the implementation of the Ko’olaupoko Sustainable Communities Plan as it related to Waimanalo. Discussion ensued. The motion carried, 9-0-1. Abstain: Ho.

PUBLIC INPUT (Part II):

Community Announcements:

Waimanalo Agricultural Association (WAA) – Chair Ho read a letter from the Waimanalo Agricultural Association congratulating Andrew Jamila for his appointment to the City’s Planning Commission and is looking to continue a working relationship with him. A representative from WAA presented Jamila with a lei.

Century Bike Ride – Charles Coleman announced that the Century Bike Ride will be held on Sunday, September 25, 2005. Chair Ho said he would assign Board member Nani Akeo to work with Coleman since she worked on it last year.

Guardian Angels – Eric Costanios said they were invited by Jamila to give a presentation to the Board. Their organization has been in Hawai’i for one year. The Guardian Angels patrol communities to keep it sate. They don’t get confrontational – they call police. Guardian Angels are volunteers and they don’t get paid. Ricardo Garcia noted he has been involved with the Guardian Angels for the past eight years. Their mission is to support communities, schools and to deter crime. They don’t come into a neighborhood unless they are invited. The Guardian Angels can teach martial arts and verbal judo. Those in the program must take a minimum of three-and-one-half months of training. There are three types of Guardian Angels (7-12 yrs. old; 13-15 yrs. old; and the real Guardian Angels). For more information, visit www.guardianangels.org.

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Concerns and comments followed:

1)       A Board member mentioned the Guardian Angels helped him when he was in the military in New York. The cab driver dropped him off (he was wearing his military uniform) in a bad neighborhood and unsavory characters were harassing him until three Guardian Angels came to the rescue. He invited the Guardian Angels to the Waimanalo Sunset on the Beach to help kupunas walk back to their vehicles. Garcia will follow-up.

2)       Garcia said one Guardian Angel is from Waimanalo and two from Kailua.

3)       Chair Ho welcomed the Guardian Angels to the community.

Waimanalo Sunset on the Beach – Jamila announced the Waimanalo Sunset on the Beach will be held on September 10-11, 12:00 noon-10:00 p.m. At dusk, a blockbuster movie will be shown. The event is to reenergize the economy of the Waimanalo area. Julie Dugan of Hawai’i Job Corps is coordinating the event. She can be reached at 259-6051. They are looking for 175 volunteers each day.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Governor’s Representative – Micah Kane made available the “Governor’s Update” on the sign-in table. In addition, he stated: 1) The Governor proposed amendments to the transit bill to Senate President Bunda and House Speaker Say and they reached an agreement today. The bill would allow the counties to raise the General Excise Tax by .5%. He said there is lots of misleading information – it does not increase taxes. It’s a home-rule issue. The bill will become law without the Governor’s signature. 2) As requested by Representative Waters, he will follow-up to ensure that the Governor release the funds for the certified kitchen for Waimanalo Hawaiian Homestead Association. 3) He contacted the State Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding the Kalanianaole Highway project and will continue to follow-up with Scott Ishikawa. 4) If anyone has any concerns, please contact him.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       A Board member inquired if it was possible to move the parking for the Kalanianaole Highway project further mauka. Kane will follow-up.

2)       A Board member asked the timeframe for the Poalima Street – Kalanianaole Highway project. Kupunas have to walk through water and onto the highway. Kane will follow-up.

3)       A Board member expressed her gratitude for allowing recycling cans to be crushed.

Senator Fred Hemmings – Senator Hemmings stated: 1) Two bills relating to agriculture that passed this session include: a) prosecution of agricultural theft; b) private landowners to stop trespassers. Agriculture businesses in Waimanalo need a lot of credit for the passing of these two bills. 2) This is the worse year in Hawai’i for raising taxes (i.e. $36 million in conveyance tax, $170 general excise tax, 26% increase in property tax, sewer tax increase, and vehicle registration fee increase.

Representative Tommy Waters – No report or representative was available.

Councilmember Barbara Marshall – Councilmember Marshall circulated her monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) She congratulated the community for the dedication of Kaiona Beach Park. In addition, she will follow-up on the closing of the restrooms at Kaiona Beach Park and why wasn’t the parking lot at Waimanalo Beach Park open for the canoe regatta. 2) She congratulated Jamila for being appointed to the Planning Commission. 3) HPD received complaints about abandoned vehicles on Nakini Street. Officers issued six citations. 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 Thursday, July 14, Kaneohe Community and Senior Center, 7:00 p.m. The last “3 Talk” held in Waimanalo was well attended. She is always happy to discuss your individual concerns.

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Congressman Ed Case – Roberta Weatherford made available Congressman Case’s monthly newsletter on the sign-in table and highlighted the following: 1) Congressman Case was part of a 16-member U.S. House delegation that reviewed facilities and conditions at the detention facility at Guantanamo, Cuba. 2) Congressman Case and the rest of the congressional delegation is preparing for the upcoming Base Closure and Realignment Commission hearings on July 19.

Mabel Spencer thanked Weatherford on behalf of Laulima O Waimanalo for following-up on the Waimanalo Wastewater Treatment System.

(Albinio departed at 9:05 p.m.)

MILITARY REPORT:

U.S. Marines – Maj. Patricia Johnson, Marine Corps Base Hawai’i, reported: 1) The next Windward Civilian-Military Council will be held on July 19, MCBH Officers’ Club, 11:30 a.m. 2) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Leadership Academy will be held on July 23-31, MCBH. 3) Korean War Armistice Ceremony will be held on July 27, Korean War Memorial, 10:00 a.m. 4) La’ie Pioneer Day Celebration Parade will be held on July 30. A color guard from the Marine Corps Air Facility, and two OIF veterans will participate in the parade. 5) Approximately 28 co-ed junior high/high school cadets and 17 staff members from Temescal, CA, Young Marines chapter will participate in a leadership camp on August 4-9, MCBH.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Chair Ho inquired about the Landing Strip Tanks (LST) on Waimanalo Bay last week for three days. Maj. Johnson will follow-up.

2)   A board member complimented the Kaneohe MCBH for the recently held Bay Fest.

Restoration Advisory Board - Bellows Air Force Station – Todd Lanning said they are still looking at four sites. A report will be available soon. If anyone needs a copy, contact him. The next advisory board meeting will be held on August 10.

Mabel Spencer thanked Lanning – they submitted a $23,000 grant and it was approved. The grant will allow board members to get hands-on training. She encouraged everyone to volunteer. Spencer recognized Valerie Curtis, a local resident, who sits on the advisory board.

Bellows – No report or representative was available.

EDUCATION:

Blanche Pope Elementary – Marleen Keanu, PCNC Coordinator, stated: 1) The first day of school is Monday, July 25. 2) The Early Start Program for ages 0-18 months, which included their parents was a success. 3) She thanked Kaneohe Marines who helped move furniture to paint the school. 4) They will be installing an elevator in the school.

OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS:

Hawai’i Job Corps – Julie Dugan said: 1) They are currently on break and will resume Monday, July 18. 2) Twenty-five students received their high school diploma, 45 completed vocational training, and 79 found jobs. 3) Hawai’i Job Corps ranks third in the nation out of the entire Job Corps program.

Hawaiian Homes Association – No report or representative was available.

Wastewater Treatment Plant – No report.

Waimanalo Health Center – Chuck Braden reported: 1) He recognized five of the Waimanalo Health Center Board of Directors who were in attendance. 2) Painting of the health center is 25% complete. Once the

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project is completed, every building will look uniform. 3) One of the Guardian Angels is a Waimanalo resident and an employee of the Waimanalo Health Center.

In response to an inquiry from a resident, Braden stated the Center’s bathrooms have been closed for about one year because of vandalism. Keys to the bathroom are available for those who need to patronize it.

Board of Water Supply – Joe Ka’akua reported: 1) There were no main breaks in the Waimanalo area for the month of June. 2) The 17^th Annual Unthirsty Plant sale will be held on Saturday, July 30, Halawa Xeriscape Gardens.

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

Oceanic Institute – Dr. Bruce Anderson stated: 1) He re-offered an invitation to the Board to utilize their Oceanic Institute facilities to hold its meetings. 2) He responded to the concern that Oceanic was responsible for the illegal discharge of water – they have put in over $1 million in improvements.

In response to a concern about the Kalanianaole Highway project, Dr. Anderson stated if there is an interest in parking, he would be happy to work with the Board and DOT.

Waimanalo Farm Association – No report.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: There were no unfinished business items.

NEW BUSINESS: There were no new business items.

Chair Ho thanked the community for coming to tonight’s meeting. He said if there’s any item you want on next month’s agenda to contact him. The Neighborhood Board is here for the community.

ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

Submitted by:

Steve J. Rodrigues

Neighborhood Assistant