MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD

MONDAY, MAY 9, 2005

HAWAI’I ARMY NATIONAL GUARD AUDITORIUM

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Wilson Kekoa Ho called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. A quorum was not present.

Chair Ho welcomed everyone to the Board’s new venue. It’s an experiment for the next three months. The plan for the Board to use this facility was originated in 1996. Ground rules include no food or drinks allowed in the auditorium, and respect the person who is speaking. 

(Akeo arrived at 7:33 p.m.) Chair Ho noted there are only six members present, which is one short of quorum. Without quorum, the Board is not able to take action.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Nani Akeo, Phillip Ellsworth, Priscilla Ho, Wilson Kekoa Ho, Andrew Jamila, Jr., Bob Kimo Lastimosa.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael Buck (excused), Orrin Kupau, Malcolm Lee, Jr., Joseph Ryan, Mabel Spencer (excused), Solomon Spencer (excused).

GUESTS: Wayne Hashiro (Mayor’s Representative), Councilmember Barbara Marshall, Ikaika Anderson (Councilmember Marshall’s office), Roberta Weatherford (Congressman Ed Case’s office), Senator Fred Hemmings, Molly Arthur (Senator Hemmings’ office), Representative Tommy Waters, Captain Paul Kahele (HFD), Lt. John Cheong (HPD), Maj. Patricia Johnson (MCBH), Valerie Curtis (USAF), Tasha Josue (Blanche Pope), Julie Dugan (Hawai’i Job Corps), Chuck Braden (Waimanalo Health Center), Greg Field (Waimanalo News), Earl Kawa’a (Kamehameha Schools), Iaukea Bright and Mehana Young (Kokua Ohana), Cynthia Keolanui (Hawaiian Humane Society), Fred and Zena Welch (Hope Chapel Waimanalo), Gwen Kailihiwa (Youth Community Program), Don Whalen (Belllows), Lois I. and Kellie Kunisaki (WDPO), Eve Anderson, Whitney Anderson, Kevin Andrews, Jaye Aquino, Matt and Gloria Chun, Mike Heh, Kenneth Ho, Bruce Iversen, Dawn Kepa, Laura Santi, Doreen Stanton, Shelly Vickery, Wayne Weatherford, Jim and Shannon Wood, Dave Woodside, Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

PULE: Ellsworth offered the pule.

EMERGENCY PUBLIC INPUT (Part I)

Honolulu Fire Department – Captain Paul Kahele reported: 1) For the month of April, the Waimanalo Fire Station responded to 34 emergencies, 4 fires, 23 medicals, 3 search and rescues, and 4 miscellaneous calls. Major incidents include: rescuing six men from a sinking boat two miles off of Bellows; rescuing a hang glider from Makapu’u; and missing diver. 2) Safety Tip: “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.”

Honolulu Police Department – Lt . John Cheong reported: 1) For the month of April in the Waimanalo area, there were 1 burglary, 11 other property thefts, 25 thefts from auto, 0 robberies, 4 auto/motorcycle thefts, for a total of 41 incidents. 2) They have been concentrating on the parks in the community. Fourteen vehicles had been broken into. Specialized Services Division will be assisting in patrolling the beach park. 3) Regarding last month’s concern about pocket bikes and not stopping for school buses, officers are aware of the concern and are monitoring it. 4) Safety Tip: If you suspect someone is dealing drugs in your neighborhood, call the Narcotics/Vice Division at 529-3101. Do not confront a suspected drug dealer or user.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       A resident had concerns that items were taken from her vehicle at Makapu’u. She asked for more police patrols and suggested installing surveillance cameras. Lt. Cheong said that 17 of the 25 thefts from auto

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MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2005

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occurred in Beat 450 (Makapu’u area). Regarding more police patrol, wherever the officers are patrolling the thieves are in the other areas. Cameras are a good deterrent. Chinatown has cameras, but they have been having technical difficulties. Chair Ho noted that from Sandy Beach to Portlock there are more than 150 signs about parking and thefts.

Chair Ho said a request was made by the Executive Secretary of the Neighborhood Commission Office, Baybee Hufana-Ablan, to have the Mayor’s Representative report moved to earlier in the meeting.

Mayor’s Representative – Wayne Hashiro reported: 1) Regarding the status of repaving to road entering Makapu’u Beach Park, the designs has been completed, however, it is not funded and identified as construction project for FY06. A request for funding to the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services (BFS) will be prepared by the Department of Design and Construction (DDC), Facilities Division, in coordination with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). DPR is discussing the feasibility of CIP funding for FY07. The scope of the work exceeds the requirements to consider it as a repair work, and is also too costly to place this as a line item in the Operating Budget. 2) Neighborhood Assistant Steve J. Rodrigues circulated “Honolulu News”, the Mayor’s monthly newsletter.

A question was asked when is Kaiona Beach Park going to open to the public. Hashiro will follow-up.

APPROVAL OF APRIL 11, 2005 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Deferred due to a lack of quorum.

FILLING OF VACANCY IN SUBDISTRICT 6: Deferred due to a lack of quorum.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

Kailua High School Access Road Project – Mike Heh said the City (Department of Facility Maintenance) will not accept the roadway because it is a single access facility serving only the school and, as such, is the property under the jurisdiction and maintenance responsibility of the State.

Kokua Ohana – Iuakea Bright and Mehana Young gave a brief background on Kokua Ohana. The program was started in January 2005. Due to the high drug use in Hawai’i, there are approximately 5,000 foster children of Hawaiian ancestry in the system and increasing every year. The mission of the program is to encourage and support more Native Hawaiian families to “Foster the Sacred Light” of the Hawaiian children; helping to care for and preserve the well being, safety, culture and values of the keikis.

Ultimate Fighting – A lot of concerns were raised by residents, including two mothers whose sons were involved in ultimate fighting incidents, and Board members regarding ultimate fighting by minors in the community. There was lengthy discussion on this issue.

Board member Lastimosa read a letter from resident Randolph Kamaiopili who had the following concerns: 1) a professional men no-rules combat event that his 14-year old son was allowed to participate in, without his knowledge or consent; 2) discouragement in his attempt to make an official report regarding the above incident at the Kailua Police Department; 3) being able to file a police report at the Kaneohe Police Department, but not being able to retrieve a report number via phone; 4) discouragement in his attempts to seek further assistance from a local FBI investigator.

Chair Ho noted that the Board has received two reports tonight about police reports being made. Lt. Cheong stated when someone makes a complaint, officers are required to make a police report, but HPD is not required to give out a copy of the police report (only if it’s a traffic report).

Board member Jamila said its sad what is going on in the community. He said Kevin Andrews donated the use of Waimanalo gym eight years ato to the Police Activities League (PAL) so they could use it for boxing, which was the original mission. Jamila said ultimate fighting is not a sport, especially when parents don’t know that their children are fighting in these events. He won’t defend or accuse PAL boxing coach Duke Artuyo until he comes before the Board and answers questions from the community.

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MONDAY, MAY 9, 2005

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Senator Hemmings stated this is a very serious problem and it would be sad if everyone left this meeting and there was no resolution. He suggested banning ultimate fighting because it is not a sport. Boxing is the only sport where the intent is to maim your opponent. The intent of ultimate fighting is to knock out your opponent. Fighting begets fighting and violence begets violence. He and Representative Waters will look into legislation for next year’s session.

Earl Kawa’a suggested having a meeting with the fathers in the community to discuss this issue. He will coordinate the meeting. Chair Ho asked the two women who sons were victims of ultimate fighting to speak with Kawa’a and to join the Waimanalo Safety Committee. He will pledge to be a member of this committee.

Illegal Dumping – Gloria Chun, who has owned farm lots in Waimanalo for the past 45 years, had concerns about noise from large dump trucks and illegal dumping. She said they shouldn’t be dumping on agricultural land. This past weekend, a green truck dumped two truckloads of asphalt. She asked what is the State and City going to do about this problem. Chair Ho said it’s not a new problem. It’s been going on for a long time. He said the next time it happens to take the time, license plate number, etc. Shannon Wood stated that she would assist Chun on how to make a police report.

Fence Needs Repairing – Jamila mentioned that someone vandalized the gate to the Hunumiki Street Drainage Canal. He said the fence needs to be fixed before kids drown in the canal.

Speed Humps – Jamila said Poalima Street residents want to put in their own speed bumps (four rubber-type speed bumps) to deter speeding. Residents will incur the costs. Councilmember Marshall stated the residents cannot do it without permission from the City. She will work with the residents.

Community Concern Form – Lastimosa noted that there have been a lot of important issues discussed tonight. He said if there was a community concern form it would make the process a lot easier. Hashiro, Mayor’s representative, said the Neighborhood Commission Office has a new procedure where the Neighborhood Assistant takes down the concerns then forwards it to him and then its forwarded to the proper agency.

PUBLIC INPUT (Part II):

Community Announcements:

Former Waimanalo Resident – An announcement was made that former Waimanalo resident Dave Larsen who now resides in Redding, California, sends his aloha.

Waimanalo Relay for Life – Jamila announced that the Waimanalo Relay for Life will be held this Saturday and Sunday, Waimanalo Beach Park, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Everyone is invited to participate.

Ko’olaupoko Sustainable Communities Plan – No report or representative was available.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Governor’s Representative – No report or representative was available.

Senator Fred Hemmings – Senator Hemmings circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) The 2005 Legislative session was adjourned last week. It was a relative good session. The crime package was excellent. Affordable housing was addressed. He has mixed emotions on the salary increases for the public union workers. They started this year’s session with a $250 million surplus, but it all went to fund the pay raises. Unfortunately, they had to raise taxes to fund the Legacy Land bill. The best way to help low income wage earners is to cut the General Excise Tax (GET). The half percent tax increase will hurt the average working family. 2) He thanked everyone for their input and appreciate the community for allowing him to serve as their senator.

Representative Tommy Waters – Representative Waters circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Waimanalo received over $4 million in Capital Improvement Projects: $1 million for Waimanalo Hawaiian Homestead Association – for the design and construction of a Certified Kitchen and Computer

WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 32

MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD

MONDAY, MAY 9, 2005

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Technology Center; $1.75 million for improvements to the dangerous curve at Olomana Golf Course; $1.55 million for the replacement of the Inoaole Stream Bridge; $50,000 for improvements to Kalanianaole Highway at Poalima Street. 2) The Senate removed funding for the construction phase of the Kailua High School Access Road from the budget. He is confident that construction money would be inserted into next year’s supplement budget. 3) He voted against the measure that would allow the counties to raise the GET. His vote was in response to overwhelming opposition from constituents. 4) At the behest of members of the Lanikai Canoe Club, he worked hard to pass a measure that allows canoe clubs to keep Hawaiian outrigger canoes on state shoreline areas at no charge. 5) Ultimate fighting needs to be banned. 6) He thanked the Board and the Chair for their hard work. 7) The Legacy Land bill increases the conveyance tax for property sales of more than $600,000. The State would then use that money to preserve more land for open space.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       A number of concerns were made regarding the mass transit project: a) why should Windward residents pay for a project that would benefit West O’ahu residents; b) the project should go beyond Kapolei (i.e. Nanakuli, Wai’anae, etc.); c) Senator Hemmings said the biggest argument against the $3 billion system is that we can’t afford it, especially when there are other alternatives. Hawai’i is the already the highest tax state in the nation; d) it might help Waimanalo; e) Representative Waters said he liked Councilmember Cachola’s idea about a people mover system.

2)       Former Senator Whitney Anderson had concerns about the Legislature giving developer Jeff Stone a $74 million tax break to build a resort. There are so many unanswered questions. He asked if the public is getting all the truth in the newspapers.

Councilmember Barbara Marshall – Councilmember Marshall circulated her monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) The next “3 Talk” will be held on Monday, May 23, 2005 Aikahi Elementary School Cafeteria, 7:00 p.m. 2) The City Council is still reviewing the City budget for fiscal year 2006.

Congressman Ed Case – Roberta Weatherford reported: 1) Congress is busy dealing with the budget. Hopefully, Congressman Case can keep a lot of money in Hawai’i. 2) She’s appalled to hear the concerns about ultimate fighting.

Chair Ho said he’s refreshing to hear that our elected officials are working together to better our community.

MILITARY REPORT:

U.S. Marines – Maj. Patricia Johnson, Marine Corps Base Hawai’i, reported: 1) A Welcome Home/Reunion Ceremony to honor Marines and Sailors who recently returned from Iraq will be held on May 12, Dewey Square, 2:00 p.m. 2) Change of Command for three units will be held on May 13, 16 and 26. For more information, visit http://mcbh.usmc.mil/support.htm. 3) The next Windward Civilian-Military Council meeting will be held on May 17, MCBH Officers’ Club, 12:00 noon. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. 4) May is Hawai’i Military Appreciation Month. Events include: Annual Military Recognition Luncheon – May 18, Hilton Hawaiian Village, 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m.; MAG-24 Triathlon – May 21, MCB Hawai’i, Kaneohe Bay; Military History Day – May 22, Hawai’i Army Museum, Fort DeRussy, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Sunset in the Park – May 21-22, Wheeler Army Airfield, 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m. 5) Memorial Day events will be held on May 29-30 at the National Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl), USS Arizona Visitor Center, and State Cemetery in Kaneohe. 6) Chosin Few Mini-Reunion will be held on May 31-June 3, MCBH, Kaneohe Bay. 7) New Base Chapel Dedication will be held on June 3, 10:00 a.m. The public is invited to all of these events.

Bellows Air Force Station – Don Whalen said there has been a change of command. Captain Chine will no longer be coming to the Board. A new captain will be present next month.

U.S. Air Force – Valerie Curtis said the project (to repatriate some of Bishop Museum holdings) is on hold until everyone (six Hawaiian groups) agrees on the burial vault and the “iwi” found on Bellows field. They need to build a burial vault because more remains have been found.

WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 32

MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD

MONDAY, MAY 9, 2005

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EDUCATION:

Blanche Pope Elementary - Tasha Josue, PCNC Coordinator, stated: 1) She requested if Education could be moved to the beginning of the meeting since the children have to go to school in the morning. 2) She asked if the schools could make a report at the Board meeting regarding ultimate fighting. 3) School Community Council (SCC) just got elected. 4) They have a temporary principal, Oselia Careg, who was formerly the Vice Principal at Waimanalo School. 5) Their May Day program will be held on May 27^th.

OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS:

Oceanic Institute – No report or representative was available.

Hawai’i Job Corps – Julie Dugan said: 1) Since the last Board meeting, Hawai’i Job Corps has been very active (landscaping Seagull School, etc.). 2) The Royal Hawaiian Band will be performing next Wednesday at the facility. They will be assisting with the program. 3) They will be participating in the Waimanalo Relay for Life.

Wastewater Treatment Plant – No report or representative was available.

Waimanalo Health Center – Chuck Braden stated: 1) The Board of Directors elected new officers. Ikaika Anderson is the new president. 2) They have only 55 employees, but over 100 people will be participating in the Waimanalo Relay for Life.

Board of Water Supply – No report or representative was available.

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.

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