WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2005

HAWAI’I ARMY NATIONAL GUARD CLASSROOM

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Pro Tem Peter Albinio called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. A quorum was not present.

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: Benjamin Kama, Jr.

GUESTS: Wayne Hashiro (Mayor’s Representative), J. Ikaika Anderson (Councilmember Barbara Marshall’s office), Roberta Weatherford (Congressman Ed Case’s office), Micah Kane (Governor’s Representative), Representative Tommy Waters, Acting Captain Leslie Yee Hoy (HFD), Lt. Gilbert Brown (HPD), Joe Ka’akua (BWS), Scott Ishikawa (State Department of Transportation), Maj. Patricia Johnson (MCBH), Mark Petersen (USAF), Marleen Keanu (Blanche Pope), Alexis Alexander & Julie Dugan (Hawai’i Job Corps), Greg Field (Waimanalo News), Earl Kawa’a (Kamehameha Schools), Don Whalen (Belllows), Jim & Shannon Wood (WAA & The Ko’olau News), Roxanne Hanawahine (WHHA), Nicole Clements (Terta Tech), Darwin Nuuhiwa & Delvin Wilson (Kaupo Beach), Jody Green (Beach Lots), Duke Artuyo (PAL Boxing), Aldene Albinio, Eve Anderson, Michael Buck, Alena Ho, Kenneth Ho, Priscilla Ho, Fred Humphrey, Bobbie Kahalewai, Gwen Kailihiwa, Mike & Carol Kamano, Kurt & Jolyn Kipapa, Lydia Lake, Kim Tasaka, Fred & Zena Welch, Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

PULE: Ellsworth offered the pule.

(Bettencourt arrived at 7:32 p.m.)

INITIAL CONVENING OF THE BOARD:

Swearing-in of New Board Members – Neighborhood Assistant Steve J. Rodrigues administered the Oath-of-Office, to those Board members who did not attend last month’s Installation Ceremony, before the meeting was called to order (Peter “Kahana” Albinio, Jr., Phillip Ellsworth, Mabel Spencer, Solomon Spencer).

Election of Chair – Jamila nominated Wilson Ho to serve as Chair for 2005-2006 and Mabel Spencer seconded the nomination. Mabel Spencer moved and Ellsworth seconded to close the nominations. The motion carried unanimously. There being no other nominations, Ho was elected Chair by acclamation.

Chair Ho said this will be his 11^th year serving as Chair of the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board. He would like to continue conducting business as done in the past. The Board will go through the entire agenda. He will stop discussion if it goes off the subject. There will be no negativity or name calling. If a Board member misses three meetings, a letter will be sent to the member indicating that the seat will be declared vacant. Benjamin Kama, Jr., is very ill and he is either in the hospital or recovering at home. There are currently three vacancies on the Board (Subdistricts 1, 7 11), but because it’s not noticed on the agenda it can’t be filled. It will be placed on next month’s agenda. If you know anyone interested, please tell he/she to come to the next meeting.

(Andrews arrived at 7:35 p.m.)

Election of Vice Chair – Mabel Spencer nominated Kevin Andrews to serve as Vice Chair for 2005-2006 and Jamila seconded the nomination. There being no other nominations, Andrews was elected Vice Chair by acclamation.

Election of Secretary – Mabel Spencer nominated David Bettencourt to serve as Secretary for 2005-2006

and Jamila seconded the nomination. There being no other nominations, Bettencourt was elected Secretary by acclamation.

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Election of Treasurer – Mabel Spencer nominated Andrew Jamila to serve as Treasurer for 2005-2006 and Albinio seconded the nomination. There being no other nominations, Jamila was elected Treasurer by acclamation.

Determination of Meeting Date – Mabel Spencer moved and Ellsworth seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board continue to meet the second Monday of the month. The motion carried unanimously.

Determination of Meeting Time – Chair Ho asked for suggestions on meeting starting time. Board members suggested 6:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. There was no consensus (seven votes are needed to make a quorum) after a number of votes were taken. Chair Ho deferred this item until later in the meeting.

(Akeo arrived at 7:44 p.m.). Rodrigues administered the Oath-of-Office to Akeo at this time.

By a vote of 7-1, the Board agreed to meet at 7:30 p.m.

Authorization of Publicity Account Funds to Videotape on Olelo – The Board voted unanimously to expend its Publicity Account funds to videotape on Olelo.

EMERGENCY PUBLIC INPUT (Part I)

Honolulu Fire Department – Acting Captain Leslie Yee Hoy reported: 1) For the month of May, the Waimanalo Fire Station responded to 7 fires and 30 medical emergencies. 2) Safety Tip: “Brush fires cause great damage in our communities and use resources that could be better utilized elsewhere. Be responsible and dispose of all fires properly. Even small sources of fires, such as cigarettes and charcoal, can cause immense destruction. Work together with your community to make it safer. Make and maintain a 30-foot wide firebreak by clearing the vegetation surrounding all structures. Report and remove all hazards. Communicate with each other. Formulate plans for yourself, your family, and your neighborhood in case of emergencies.

Honolulu Police Department – Lt . Gilbert Brown reported for the month of May in the Waimanalo area, there were 4 burglaries, 12 other property thefts, 16 thefts from auto, 2 robberies, 2 auto/motorcycle thefts, for a total of 36 incidents.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Lt. Brown stated HPD has a 10% shortage or 200 officers. In this District, there is a minimum of 15 officers on duty on one shift and three in Waimanalo.

2)       A resident asked that officer patrol the community with their blue light on. Lt. Brown said officer are supposed to have their lights on. He will remind the officers.

3)       Concerns were raised regarding Officer Bustamante’s handling of the recent Waimanalo Relay for Life. His actions boarded on harassment. Lt. Brown said if you have a problem with any officer, call the station and ask to speak to his/her supervisor.

Mayor’s Representative – Wayne Hashiro reported: 1) Follow-up items include: a) Legislation to ban ultimate fighting really rests with the State; b) The City prefers to use speed limit signs and police enforcement to respond to reports of speeding by motorists on Poalima Street. The State Traffic Code does not allow persons to place unauthorized traffic control devices on government streets; c) Repairs to the Hunumiki Street Drainage Canal were completed on May 23, 2005. Fencing and the gate to the access road have been frequently vandalized. Community can assist in reporting vandals to police. Damages to the rear of private properties were also noted and repaired; d) Site assessment for the access roads to Makapu’u Beach Park has been completed. The beach park is still considered to be a repaving project with small areas of reconstruction required. The drawings completed to date will need to be revised slightly to address the areas requiring reconstruction due to continued deterioration. As for the campsite, the community will need to work with their Councilmember and Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) if a project to reconstruct the paving in the current area and/or

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expand into the entire unpaved parking lot area if desired; e) The City Council will select a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) after the conclusion of an Alternative Analysis. A rail may or may not be the LPA. The City expects the analysis to be completed in late 2006; f) The Department of Design and Construction is anticipating turning over Kaiona Beach Park to DPR in June. DPR has to conduct an acceptance review of the park. Hopefully, the park will open late June or early July. 2) DPR events: a) Summer Fun begins June 13 and June 15; b) Hawai’i Open Sectional Tennis Tournament, Diamond Head Tennis Center, June 17-19; c) Hershey’s Track Meet at Kaiser High School, June 25; d) Summer Track & Field Finals at Mililani High School, July 21. 

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       A request was made that the City not only provide tie wires for the Hunumiki Street Drainage Canal gate but include tack welding the fence material to the gate and provide more “No Parking” signs in front of the gate. Hashiro will follow-up.

2)       A Board member asked that the community be involved with the dedication/blessing of Kaiona Beach Park. Hashiro will follow-up.

3)       Mabel Spencer will give a copy of the master plan for the Makapu’u campsite area to Hashiro.

4)       There was a concern that Neighborhood Assistants are only required to stay for two hours forcing the Board to stop the meeting. A member of the Kailua Neighborhood Board said the Board doesn’t have to stop the meeting. The Board secretary would then take the minutes. Another concern was that Neighborhood Board members are now required to take Sunshine Law training.

Determination of Meeting Facility – Chair Ho asked for comments from the floor. Comments include: 1) People who ride TheBus have to walk a distance to reach the meeting facility; 2) She likes it, there are lots of seating; 3) The meeting facility should have been put on the meeting notice (Chair Ho mentioned that he just found out this morning that the meeting facility would be changed from the Auditorium to the classroom).

APPROVAL OF MAY 9, 2005 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Jamila moved and Akeo seconded to approve the minutes with the following corrections. The motion carried unanimously.

            Page 1, under Guests, delete “Tasha Josue” and insert “Marleen Keanu” and “Oselia Carag”.

Page 5, under Education, delete “Tasha Josue” and insert “Marleen Keanu” and change “Careg” to “Carag”.

APPROVAL OF APRIL 11, 2005 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Akeo moved and Ellsworth seconded to approve the minutes as submitted.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

Loss of street parking along Kalanianaole Highway near Kaupo Bay – Scott Ishikawa of the State Department of Transportation (DOT), explained why the department realigned Kalanianaole Highway near Kaupo Bay. The guardrails had to be moved for safety reasons. Engineers discovered that the erosion problem was spreading. Part of the highway shoulder was falling onto the shoreline below (he circulated a photograph displaying the erosion problem). He apologized for not letting the community know beforehand. This is only a short-term solution. It will give them time for the design branch to look into long-term solutions. He doesn’t know how long it will take since there are permits involved. They received a suggestion to restripe the highway, which they are looking into. The department will revamp Kalanianaole Highway and “keep the country, country”.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Chair Ho mentioned that in 1996 DOT and the community agreed to move Kalanianaole Highway 15 feet inwards, but the person responsible for the project was reassigned. Ishikawa said it’s something they may have to look into.

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2)   There was lengthy discussion on this issue. Concerns included: a) the erosion came from Oceanic; b) the community was upset because it took away their livelihood (i.e. fishing, etc.); c) What happened to the federal funding for the highway. Ishikawa will follow-up; d) There is a railing at the finished area, that is old, rusted and broken and that is hanging on. Will it be removed? Ishikawa will follow-up; e) The community would like their parking back, especially surfers and fishermen; f) The changes has created a safety issue; g) The cost of the guardrails? Ishikawa answered $600,000; h) It would be to DOT’s advantage to get input from the community; i) Intrusion into the bike lane. The community would like to see a resolution before the problem escalates; j) People don’t know how to park now.

3)            Ishikawa stated he would come back and address the concerns.

Ultimate fighting in the community – Chair Ho noted that there was lengthy discussion on ultimate fighting at last month’s meeting. Earl Kawa’a volunteered to host a meeting with the fathers in the community to discuss this issue. Kawa’a said seven fathers were interested in meeting. The Waimanalo Round Table agreed to hold meetings with the fathers. Meetings are usually held the third Thursday of the month.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Jamila said a day after the last Board meeting, he took the initiative and spoke to three sets of parents involved in this ultimate fighting incidents and asked them to come to tonight’s meeting to make things “Pono”. He said the violence has to stop. Kawa’a stated the question was, “Would the Waimanalo Round Table pull the fathers together to work out this problem?”

2)       A suggestion was to include mothers in the meeting and not just fathers.

3)       A resident, who’s son was injured in ultimate fighting, said she spoke to the other boy’s parents and they agreed to pay for her son’s medical expenses. A police report was made. Her concerns have been addressed.

4)        Andrews emphasized he has nothing to do with the club or Coach Duke.

5)       A suggestion was made to have sumo instead of ultimate fighting. Kurt Kipapa said they follow what Akebono does and now ultimate fighting is the “in thing”.

6)       Another suggestion was if the training bouts were held that there should be a third person in the ring and that the two participants in the ring wear protective headgear.

Bed & Breakfast (City Council Resolutions 186 & 187) – David Bettencourt said the Kailua Neighborhood Board has addressed the bed-and-breakfast issue. Councilmember Marshall is holding public informational briefings on this issue. Her Talk Story will be held in this community on June 28, Waimanalo Public Library, 7:00 p.m. It is possible to regulate bed-and-breakfasts. City Council Resolutions 186 & 187 fall short of this goal. He likes Resolution 186, but not 187. Resolution 186 will make it easier for City enforcement officials to apprehend violators by citing all advertising by vacation-rental owners without a permit as a violation. Resolution 187 would lift the outright ban of bed-and-breakfast units in residential communities. The City would issue new permits to rent out up to two bedrooms in a residence under strict controls and with neighborhood approval. He questioned enforcement. This is a very complex issue and needs to be studied very carefully. The community was not aware of these resolutions, unlike Kailua. The Board may need to form a subcommittee to address this issue.

PUBLIC INPUT (Part II):

Community Announcements:

Acknowledgement – Chair Ho acknowledged Jamila for recently being named to the Planning Commission.

Waimanalo Sunset on the Beach – Jamila announced the Waimanalo Sunset on the Beach will be held on September 10-11, 2005. He thanked Councilmember Marshall for her support. Julie Dugan of Hawai’i Job Corps is helping coordinating the event. For more information, Dugan can be reached at 259-6051.

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Scams – Chair Ho said it used to be called the Nigerian Scam where you would send them a check and they would in-turn send you money. The newest scam is they send you a phony postal order and ask you to cash it and send them back $200.

Identity Theft – Chair Ho cautioned everyone to watch their identity (i.e. credit cards, debit cards, ATM cards, etc.). People are losing lots of money everyday. The thieves are using these cards in Japan and Korea.

1st Place Float – Roxanne Hanawahine of Waimanalo Hawaiian Homes Association, stated they entered a float in the recent Kamehameha Day Parade and won the Lt. Governor’s 1^st Place award. She was surprised that only five floats entered the parade.

Kamehameha Schools – Earl Kawa’a announced a Pre-Natal Fair will be held on June 29, 2005, Waimanalo Homestead Halau. A number of social services are involved in this event. They expect 100 people to attend. It’s an opportunity for families to take advantage what Kamehameha Schools have to offer. 

Honoring community resident achievements – Chair Ho noted that in April the Board honored two Eagle Scouts and Miss Teen Hawai’i, who were all from Waimanalo. If you know of anyone who deserves recognition, please let the Board know.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Governor’s Representative – Micah Kane made available the “Governor’s Update” on the sign-in table. In addition, he stated: 1) He apologized for missing last month’s meeting. 2) The Governor is still in China. 3) He will follow-up on the transportation issues and the bed-and-breakfast issue.

Ishikawa announced that the Lt. Governor recently signed a bill into law requiring motorists to stop for pedestrians while in the crosswalk. The law is effective immediately and subject to a $97 fine. They are working with HPD for Public Service Announcements (PSA).

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       A Board member, who rides a motorcycle, said stopping at red lights and crosswalks is a danger to him because he’s afraid that motorists behind him will hit him. He said police need to enforce the law. Ishikawa stated DOT will not install any new mid-block crosswalks.

2)   A request was made to have a special program in Waimanalo. Ishikawa will follow-up.

Senator Fred Hemmings – Chair Ho said Senator Hemmings sends his regrets.

Representative Tommy Waters – Representative Waters reported: 1) He congratulated the newly elected Board members. 2) He requested $50 million to redo Kalanianaole Highway, unfortunately only $50,000 was appropriated. 3) The Legislature appropriated $1.75 million for improvements to the dangerous curve at Olomana Golf Course. 4) He was able to get $1 million for a certified kitchen and computer technology center at the Waimanalo Hawaiian Homestead Association. Now we need the Governor to release the funds. 5) The Legacy Land bill would help address affordable housing. 6) Bills that died include tax credits for farmers and agricultural infrastructure.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Kane will follow-up on asking the Governor to release the funds for the certified kitchen.

2)       A statement was made as to why should residents be forced to move to Las Vegas, where it’s more affordable. Investors need to pay more and not residents. Representative Waters mentioned a lot of people contacted their legislators and voiced their concerns on the conveyance tax proposal.

3)       A question was asked if federal funding would be available for farmers.

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Councilmember Barbara Marshall – J. Ikaika Anderson circulated Councilmember Marshall’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Councilmember Marshall sends her regrets. She is in Haleiwa holding a Zoning Committee Public Informational Briefing on the Bed & Breakfast resolutions (Resolutions 05-186 and 05-187). The resolutions will be heard at the Zoning Committee Meeting on Friday, June 24, Honolulu Hale, 9:00 a.m. 2) Every month, Councilmember Marshall goes out to the community (Kaneohe, Kailua and Waimanalo) to discuss concerns and issues related to City government and services. The next “3 Talk” will be held on Tuesday, June 28, Waimanalo Public Library, 7:00 p.m.

Congressman Ed Case – Roberta Weatherford made available Congressman Case’s monthly newsletter on the sign-in table and highlighted the following: 1) Congressman Case introduced a bill to create the world’s largest marine refuge in the Northern Hawaiian Islands. The refuge would do for ocean preservation what Yellowstone Park did for land conservation. 2) $1.255 million has been appropriated to assist USDA Wildlife Services to control the brown tree snake on Guam and prevent its introduction into Hawai’i. 

Mabel Spencer said the City submitted a grant on behalf of Laulima O Waimanalo to repair the Waimanalo Wastewater Treatment System. She asked for Congressman Case’s assistance. Weatherford will follow-up.

MILITARY REPORT:

U.S. Marines – Maj. Patricia Johnson, Marine Corps Base Hawai’i, reported: 1) Approximately 75 cadets from O’ahu and the Neighbor Islands will stay at MCBH, Kaneohe Bay from June 11-20 for leadership guidance and training. 2) Marines from 3^rd Battalion 3^rd Marine Regiment will be returning to MCB Hawai’i after a seven-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. 3) BayFest will be a four-day event this year, July 1-4. For more information, visit www.bayfesthawaii.com.

Restoration Advisory Board - Bellows Air Force Station – Mark Petersen thanked the Board (especially Mabel and Solomon Spencer, Jamila and Ellsworth) for helping with the cleanup. Other organization also assisted with the cleanup. If anyone has any questions, please contact him. Nicole Clements said she would like to get more people involved in the cleanup. She is going to a number of Neighborhood Boards asking for their support. The Air Force is doing a lot to cleanup neighborhoods. Board training will be held this Friday, 12:00 noon and next Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. For more information, she can be reached at 449-1584 ext. 229. Regarding the burial vaults, Valerie Curtis is the archeologist. There are hurdles that still need to be overcome. 

Bellows – Captain Talafuse from the United States Air Force introduced himself. He will be replacing Captain Chine.

EDUCATION:

Blanche Pope Elementary – Marleen Keanu , PCNC Coordinator, stated: 1) The Hawaiian Emersion Program will have summer school beginning on June 20 for all elementary grades. 2) Early Start Program for ages 0-18 months will be held from June 21-July 8. Parents must accompany their child. 3) The first day of the new school year will begin July 25.

OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS:

Oceanic Institute – No report or representative was available.

Hawai’i Job Corps – Julie Dugan introduced Alexis Alexander, a former student of Hawai’i Job Corps. Alexander, who lives on Waimanalo Homestead, said Hawai’i Job Corps is a good program and it helps you a lot. She recently attained the status of a certified nurse.

Wastewater Treatment Plant – Mabel Spencer said included in the Board minutes/agenda is a resolution urging the United States Department of Agricultural to approve funding for the Waimanalo Sewer Rehabilitation Project. The State gave a $20,000 grant and the City matched it with in-kind grants. Mabel Spencer moved and Jamila seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 support a resolution urging the United States Department of Agricultural to approve funding for the Waimanalo Sewer Rehabilitation Project. The motion carried unanimously.

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Waimanalo Health Center – Chair Ho said Chuck Braden sends his regrets. His report included: 1) Renovations to the center have begun. 2) A new sign has been ordered and will be installed soon. 3) They will be participating in the Waimanalo Sunset on the Beach.

Board of Water Supply – Joe Ka’akua reported: 1) There were no main breaks in the Waimanalo area for the month of May. 2) There are no ongoing projects in this district. Waimanalo Wells II project is pending. 3) BWS will be sending out its Consumer Water Quality Report in July.

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.

Jamila mentioned that there are people in attendance for the proposed dog park at Waimanalo Beach Park. Chair Ho said the item is not on the agenda (it was on last month’s agenda and discussed at April’s meeting). If you want the item on next month’s agenda, you need to call him.

NEW BUSINESS: There were no new business items.

ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 9:49 p.m.

Submitted by:

Steve J. Rodrigues

Neighborhood Assistant