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WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2006
WAIMANALO PUBLIC & SCHOOL LIBRARY
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Wilson Kekoa Ho called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with a quorum present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Peter “Kahana” Albinio, Jr., Kevin Andrews, David Bettencourt, Joe Birtles, Michael Buck, Phillip Ellsworth, Wilson Kekoa Ho, Andrew Jamila, Jr., Bobbie Kahalewai, Mabel Spencer, Solomon Spencer.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Nani Akeo, Blanche McMillan.
GUESTS: Cyndy Aylett (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, Heather Bankston and Kate Bepko (Senator Hemmings’ Office), Representative Tommy Waters, Captain Paul Kahele (HFD), Lt. John Cheong (HPD), Rod Haraga (DOT), Ray Lovell (State Civil Defense), Lt. Col. Patricia Johnson (MCBH Kaneohe), Capt. David Talafuse (USAF Bellows), Todd Lanning (Bellows), Chuck Braden (Waimanalo Health Center), Julie Dugan, Yvonne Kauhi and Leonard Ventura (Job Corps), Dr. Bruce Anderson (Oceanic Institute), Fred Welch (Hope Chapel Waimanalo), Bob and Yvonne Farrell (video producers), Kehaulani Padilla (96795 News), Shannon Wood (Windward Ahupua’a Alliance), Keoki Fraser (CHAMP), Ashley Eisman, Leilani Kam, Justine Peete and Charissa Toyooka (TAF), Keoni Fox (Alii Wireless/T-Mobile), Jaye Aquino, Priscilla Ho, Kim Kalama, Sui Lan Kepa, Ken and Kristine Lesperance, Jessie Miller, Ranolyn Nohara, William Rodrigues, Kalei Shannon, Barbara Snyder, Cliff Ziems, Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
PULE: Ellsworth offered the pule.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Chair Ho reminded everyone that next month’s meeting will be returning to the Hawai’i Army National Guard Auditorium.
LEGISLATIVE CERTIFICATE: Representative Waters presented Kamehameha Schools junior Ranolyn Hoku Nohara with a Legislative Certificate and a lei for winning the 2006 Hawai’i High School Athletic (HHSA) Wrestling Championships in the 220 pound weight class for the third consecutive year. In 2004, she won the 2004 HHSA Judo Championships. Nohara also broke her own record in a women’s bench press competition in Reno, Nevada with a lift of 314 pounds. (A round of applause was given at this time). Nohara thanked God, her family, and the Neighborhood Board. (Another round of applause was given at this time).
EMERGENCY PUBLIC INPUT (Part I)
Honolulu Fire Department – Captain Paul Kahele reported: 1) For the month of March, the Waimanalo Fire Station responded to 7 fires, 30 medical emergencies, 2 search and rescues, and 2 miscellaneous calls. 2) Fire Safety Tip: “Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and the second major cause of death among older adults. If you are cooking and must leave the kitchen, even for only a few minutes, turn off the stove. Keep a fire extinguisher (with a minimum rating of 2A10BC) in or near your kitchen and learn how to use it. Inspect the fire extinguisher regularly to ensure that it has not expired.”
Mabel Spencer asked if CPR was performed in any of the medical emergencies before HFD arrived at the scene. Captain Kahaele answered bystander CPR has been performed before they arrived. CPR is a good tool to learn, it can come in handy to save the lives of your family members.
Honolulu Police Department – Lt. John Cheong reported: 1) For the month of March in the Waimanalo area, there were 4 burglaries, 14 other property thefts, 10 thefts from auto, 0 robberies, 5 auto/motorcycle thefts, for a total of 33 incidents. 2) He contacted the realty company regarding the alleged drug activity at the abandoned home at Mekia Street. Affirmative action has been taken. He also forwarded the concern to Lt. Passmore of NARCO Vice.
Kahalewai was concerned why a security guard is needed at the Waimanalo Convenience Center between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. A security guard was recently found dead with a head wound at the bottom of the ramp. The area is poorly lit. Lt. Cheong stated HPD’s Homicide Unit is gathering evidence on the case.
Mayor’s Representative – Cyndy Aylett reported: 1) Brochures are available on the sign-in table for the City’s recycling program (curbside, green waste, etc.). The City has expanded community recycling with 40 new sites. Schools are welcome to participate. For more information, call 692-5656 or visit www.opala.org. 2) Follow-up: there are no plans to limit refuse pickup to once per week.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Jamila mentioned Kahalewai’s concern about the Waimanalo Convenience Center. Aylett said the concern has already been noted.
2) Spencer asked the status of improvements to Waimanalo District Park. Aylett will follow-up. Also, she had concerns that consultant Paul Louie called to cancel a meeting one hour before the meeting was scheduled. She asked if his consultant contract has ended.
3) In response to Ellsworth, Aylett stated if a third bin is needed you would need to purchase it.
APPROVAL OF MARCH 13, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Ellsworth moved and Kahalewai seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 approve the minutes with the following corrections:
Page 4. under Senator Hemmings, eight line, it should read “20% of wage earners are paying the highest amount of income in taxes”…ninth line, delete “owners” and insert “earners”.
Page 4, under Councilmember Marshall, insert CIP projects (see attachment).
The motion carried unanimously.
RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:
State Civil Defense – Ray Lovell announced if your property sustained damage during the recent floods and haven’t reported it yet, please call the Aloha United Way referral number at 211 A disaster relief assistance center will be opened this Saturday at Waimanalo District Park, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. A news release will be forthcoming.
Kailua Reservoir – Resident Kim Kalama, who lives near the Kailua Reservoir, thanked Civil Defense, the Governor and Gen. Lee for their support after the flooding. She and area residents want to restore the reservoir and not breach it. They also want the Department of Agricultural to keep on preserving the reservoir.
Inaole Stream – Mabel Spencer was concerned about Inaola Stream and the bridge that goes over the stream. The bridge is located on Kalanianaole Highway (the bridge is on the O’ahu Regional Transportation Improvement Program 2004-2006, State of Hawai’i Projects, Project S16 – Kalanianaole Highway Bridge Replacement, Amendment No. 13. Approved July 10, 2005. Department of Transportation). The other project is on Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) property. One side of Inaole Stream is next to Hale Aupuni, the other side is next to the Waimanalo Polo Field, which is under DLNR jurisdiction, but the lease is with the Polo Club which must clean and maintain the stream. Micah Kane, Governor’s representative, will follow-up.
Homeless Issue – Mabel Spencer said a lot of the homeless displaced from Ala Moana Beach were Hawaiians. In Waimanalo, a lot of the homeless are family members. More housing is needed. There is a shortage of Hawaiian Home Lands. She suggested building a homeless village for Hawaiians. She mentioned the success story of Bumpy Kanehale, who embraced the homeless a number of years ago and now his project has a population of 75 people. Only two from the group are on state-assistance. Kane stated when the Lingle administration took office, they knew the needs were vast. The focus has been on 60-100% of the median income. They have been successful and will continue to be successful. DHHL has been participating in the Governor’s Homeless Coalition. He acknowledged there are lot of Hawaiians that are homeless.
River Concerns – A resident stated due to the rainy weather the river overflowed next to Hale Aupuni Street. There was lots of trash in the river and a sewage spill occurred. Kane said he and other government officials were surveying the dikes and rivers, and trying to assess the damage. Some of the damage will need to be repaired. One of the fallen trees is in front of Chair Ho’s residence.
Sewage – A resident inquired why do we have to have sewers. Chair Ho indicated the rules have changed. The City said requires everyone to hook up to the sewer line.
Kupuna Housing – A resident said things have improved at Kupuna Housing. They now have security from 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.; and neighborhood security watch patrols 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. There are 24 members, ranging from 63 to 84 years old. Illegal activities such as drugs, etc. have decreased. They are working with Kane regarding a gate. Residents are concerned about the unimproved walkway from Nakini Street to 7-Eleven. It’s a safety issue, especially for those use scooters, walkers, wheelchairs and bicycles. Rod Haraga, Director of Department of Transportation, will follow-up. Bettencourt suggested sending DOT a notice of accident It will force them to take steps to correct the problem or else they will be held liable.
PUBLIC INPUT (Part II):
Community Announcements:
State Department of Transportation Update – Rod Haraga said: 1) Kalanianaole Highway improvements, from Olomana to Waimanalo Beach Park – he will be briefed on the project on Wednesday and then come back to the Board to give an update. 2) Makapu’u Retaining Wall – a concrete wall will be constructed. It will go from two inches to 30 inches high. On the makai side of the Kalanianaole Highway, a veneer wall will be constructed. He’s concerned about the aesthetics of the wall. The utilities will be under grounded on the mauka side. They will widen the road by 12 feet. The project will be done in four phases and take nine months to complete. He asked the Board their position on closing the highway to do night work.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Haraga had the following responses: a) The two-lane highway will be 28 feet wide with 2 foot shoulder lanes. Guardrails will be replaced. There isn’t enough room for a bike lane. The concrete wall will be built into the ground. Night work would close the entire highway and would expedite the project by two months.; b) If the project is done at night it would still cost $9 million; c) They would close the highway Sunday through Thursday, between the hours of 9:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The time can be adjusted if needed; d) He will get the message boards displayed.
2) Jamila and Mabel Spencer both expressed their support for night work.
3) Bettencourt and Mabel Spencer strongly voiced their opposition to lane going through the highway. Haraga said he would forward the concern to Brennon Morioka, also with DOT.
4) Jamila had concerns about a security guard from Oceanic telling motorists they can’t park on the grassy area. People park there and go fishing, etc. He said it’s clearly a State easement. Haraga indicated the property line extends mauka of the tree.
5) Jamila acknowledged Haraga for answering his telephone.
Bettencourt moved and Mabel Spencer seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 support closing Kalanianaole Highway Sunday through Thursday, between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. The motion carried unanimously. (A round of applause was given at this time).
Alii/T-Mobile Wireless – Keoni Fox stated T-Mobile is proposing to install an 80-foot pole at 41-253 Lupe Street to improve coverage in the Waimanalo area. They are looking to lease 600 square feet from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). Discussions have been held with DHHL. The pole will be designed to look like a pine tree. The antenna is safe, as they have to adhere to strict local, State and federal laws.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Fox had the following responses: a) Every wireless carrier has to use their own antenna. The pole will designed so other wireless carriers can use the pole. There are five wireless carriers; b) The nearest pole is by Keolu Hills and the hang gliding area on the ridge; c) It’s safe to put the antenna near houses. The antenna does not generate electricity. A small area around the antenna would consider to be unsafe; d) The pole could only handle three of the five carriers; e) A presentation was first presented to the Homestead Association and they suggested a presentation be made to the Neighborhood Board; f) A 40-foot pole wouldn’t cover the entire area;
2) Jamila had concerns about the 80-foot height (i.e. eight stories) and changing the height variance. Chair Ho said it was a good point. If the Board allows one, do we allow more. Jamila suggested deferring this item.
3) Kane said they are master planning for utilities (there are five major utilities). There isn’t a specific plan for wireless carriers. DHHL land tends to be attractive because it’s rural. Every dollar they receive goes to operations and Hawaiian Home Lands.
4) Mabel Spencer asked if the land is designated agricultural or residential. Kane will follow-up. DHHL has the ability to designate the zoning. It’s the reason why they asked Fox to come to this meeting.
Bettencourt moved and Solomon Spencer seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 tentatively approve the T-Mobile project for 41-253 Lupe Street based on future figures presented to DHHL. The motion failed, 6-3-2. (Note – A quorum of 7 votes is needs for a motion to pass).
(Bettencourt departed at this time)
Hawai’i Job Corps – Julie Dugan said Hawai’i Job Corps participated in National Youth Service Day. She introduced Leonard Ventura and Yvonne Kauhi, both Waimanalo residents and Hawai’i Job Corps students. Ventura stated through fundraising activities they raised $2,400 and 1,200 pounds of can goods for the Hawai’i Food Bank. (A round of applause was given at this time). Kauhi mentioned that Hawai’i Job Corps is a good program. The program is free, federal funded, an open to youths ages 16-24. If you know anyone interested in the program, please refer them to the program. Pamphlets are available on the sign-in table. Also, on the sign-in table is cookies made by the culinary arts program. (Another round of applause was given at this time).
Chair Ho noted that Hawai’i Job Corps has day care available for unwed mothers.
(Albinio departed at this time)
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Senator Fred Hemmings – Senator Hemmings circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) The time has long since come to recognize the ancient Hawaiians’ Ahupua’a system, where three area types, the mountains, plains, and the sea are considered united by the flowing water of our streams. He is proposing that we look at becoming the first state to have a comprehensive statewide ocean zoning initiative. 2) The evidence shows public education funding is adequate, but the system is broken. Department of Education (DOE) is always asking for more money. The truth is much of DOE’s $2 billion budget does not flow through to the schools and teachers. 3) He thanked the Governor and Sandra Kunimoto for appropriating $2.5 million in emergency funds for the Kailua Reservoir Dam. Senator Hemmings also thanked resident Kim Kalama for her efforts throughout the years. 4) The Governor has appropriated $10 million for Waimanalo Waste Water Treatment Plant improvements.
Governor’s Representative – Micah Kane made available the Governor’s Update on the sign-in table. In addition, he stated: 1) He will follow-up on the following issues: a) the T-Mobile site and the variance issue; b) road side cleanup; c) removal of trees from the river; d) the homeless in Waimanalo – he will piggy back it with the Governor’s Homeless Task Force. 2) Haraga will follow-up on the bridge repair.
In response to a resident, Kane stated that all the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands projects are considered affordable.
Councilmember Barbara Marshall – Councilmember Marshall circulated her monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Regarding the death of the security guard at the Waimanalo Convenience Center, he died of natural causes. No foul play was involved. 2) Thanks to the Waimanalo Agricultural Association, the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) has initiated an issue of affidavit. If two people swear to it, DPP will investigate it. The department will expand it to include Bed and Breakfasts. DPP has been working closely with Corporation Counsel. 3) The City Council is in the midst of the budget process. A Special Council Meeting on the budget will be held on April 20, Council Chambers, 4:00 p.m. 4) The next “3 Talks” will be held on April 17, St. John Lutheran Church, 7:00 p.m. On May 3, it will be held at the Waimanalo Public Library, 7:00 p.m.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Andrews asked if an individual swear out an affidavit, can the person who is named get a copy and understand who made the complaint. Councilmember Marshall answered she presumes that would be the case. This change in policy means an inspector doesn’t have to witness to issue a violation.
2) Mabel Spencer asked about parking expansion at the small bathrooms across from the entrance to Sea Life Park. Councilmember Marshall will follow-up.
Representative Tommy Waters – Representative Waters circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) He’s disappointed that the Senate removed the funding from the budget for the Waimanalo Wastewater Treatment Plant ($10 million) and the Kailua High School second access road ($5 million). For the wastewater treatment plant, he will be working hard to persuade Senators to reinstate the funding in the last weeks of the session. He may need the Board’s support to call and write letters to the Senate. Regarding the second access road, $800,000 has already been invested. 2) The Department of Agriculture said it would cost $8 million to build a flood mitigation project for Kailua Reservoir. 3) DOT will begin construction on the dangerous curve near Olomana Golf Course next year. The project will be done in phases. 4) Housing and Community Development Corporation Of Hawai’i (HCDCH) owns the land for Inaole Stream. He introduced a bill to transfer the land to Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). It will cost $400,000 to clean the stream. 5) DLNR was willing to build a park at Mekia Street, but the City didn’t want it. If someone from the community is willing to accept the land, DLNR is willing to transfer the land.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Chair Ho asked who is the Chair of Ways and Means Committee. Representative Waters answered Senator Brian Taniguchi.
2) Andrews noted he support efforts to get funding for the Waimanalo Wastewater Treatment Plant.
3) In response to Buck, Representative Waters said improvements are needed for the wastewater treatment plant for health and safety issues (i.e. it will prevent raw sewage from going into the ocean). This is the only State-run owned wastewater treatment plant in the State.
Congressman Ed Case – Roberta Weatherford circulated Congressman Case’s monthly newsletter. In addition, she reminded everyone to turn in their survey.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Mabel Spencer said she was disappointed and appalled that the Department of Agricultural was not in Waimanalo during the flood. She also had concerns about the fruit flies. Weatherford will forward the concern to Congressman Case. Chair Ho made it known that there are two fruit fly facilities in Waimanalo and none benefits the state (one is for California and the other is for Florida) .
2) A resident asked for Congressman Case’s stance on “ice” and getting federal funding for Hawai’i. Weatherford will follow-up.
(Kahalewai departed at this time)
Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) - Bellows Air Force Station – Todd Lanning circulated “Environmental Fact Sheet – Bellows Air Force Station” and “Bellows Air Force Station Timeline of Historical and Environmental Restoration Milestones”. He also gave a brief update on the burial vault, which is completed.
Bellows – Capt. David Talafuse stated: 1) All Marines have returned safely from Operation Enduring Freedom. 2) Bellows has job opportunities available. For more information, visit www.bellowsafs.com or call 259-4128.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) A resident mentioned there is debris near the stream. Capt. Talafuse stated Marines will be cleaning the stream. He will follow-up.
2) Jamila questioned the posting of Air Force security at the gate at Bellows. Capt. Talafuse said the state asked that the guards to remain at the main gate because of the contaminated ocean.
U.S. Marines – Lt. Colonel Patricia Johnson reported: 1) MCBH, Kaneohe Bay, will be participating in the Hawai’i Prayer Breakfast on April 13 at Hilton Hawaiian Village. 2) Easter Sunrise Service will be held on this Sunday at Ft. Hase Parade Field at 6:30 a.m. If you wish to attend, please contact the Chapel at 257-3552. 3) The Kalaheo High School band will visit MCBH, Kaneohe Bay, on April 19 as guests of the Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Band Director.
EDUCATION:
Blanche Pope Elementary – No report or representative was available.
OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS:
Hawaiian Homestead Association – No report or representative was available.
Waimanalo Health Center – Chuck Braden announced the Waimanalo Health Center is co-sponsoring a Keiki Car Seat Community Event on April 22, Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate School, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Trained safety specialists will be on hand to provide installation assistance, necessary adjustments and education to parents, family members and childcare providers. Child safety seats will be available at a discounted price for needy families who financially qualify. For more information, call Ashlyn Kanuha at 259-7948, ext. 133.
Wastewater Treatment Plant – No report.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – BWS’ monthly report was circulated.
Nation of Hawai’i – No report or representative was available.
Oceanic Institute – Dr. Bruce Anderson stated: 1) Oceanic Institute was able to retain all the water from the recent rain on their property. They did not experience any discharge as the injection wells worked well. 2) Follow-up: the stonewall is aligned to their property line. There is no encroachment on State land.
Chair Ho and Jamila reiterated the concern that an individual was parked on the grassy area, outside of the stonewall, at Oceanic Institute and a security guard on a golf cart told the individual to leave. Dr. Anderson will follow-up.
Waimanalo Farm Association – No report or representative was available.
NEW BUSINESS:
Motion needed to transfer $458.31 from Board’s Operating Account to its Publicity Account to cover cost for videotaping on Olelo – Chair Ho said a motion is needed to transfer funds from one account to another to pay Bob Farrell for his videotaping services. Buck moved and Jamila seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board transfer $458.31 from its Operating Account to its Publicity Account to cover cost for videotaping on Olelo. The motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Submitted by:
Steve J. Rodrigues
Neighborhood Assistant