WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2006

HAWAI’I ARMY NATIONAL GUARD AUDITORIUM

MEMBERS PRESENT: Nani Akeo, Kevin Andrews, David Bettencourt, Joe Birtles, Michael Buck, Phillip Ellsworth, Wilson Kekoa Ho, Andrew Jamila, Jr., Bobbie Kahalewai, Mabel Spencer, Solomon Spencer.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Peter “Kahana” Albinio, 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, Tuti Baker (Representative Tommy Waters’ office), Lt. John Cheong (HPD), Devon Nekoba (BWS), Dave Nagamine (Department of Environmental Services), Rod Haraga and Brennon Morioka (State Department of Transportation), Major Patricia Johnson (MCBH Kaneohe), Mark Petersen (USAF), Captain David Talafuse (Bellows), Staff Sergeant Randy Callejo (Hawai’i Army National Guard), Chuck Braden (Waimanalo Health Center), Julie Dugan (Hawai’i Job Corps), Bumpy Kanahele (Nation of Hawai’i), Albert Lewis (Friends of Waimanalo), Mary Alice Evans (Laulima O Waimanalo); Xiara Ah Sing, Kimo and Tayshea Aiwohi, Bo Galanti, Destiny Hauki, Jessica Hauki, Victoria K., John and Gail Mason, Pat Puakea, Chrys R., Nadine Nipp, Annette Saimone, Brandy Tamason, and Charissa Toyooka (Tayshea Aiwohi Foundation); Fred Welch (Hope Chapel Waimanalo), Lilia Morris (Hale Au Puni Association), Jeff Bloom (Malama O Waimanalo), Annie Laimana and Ahuena Lakalo (Kupuna Housing), Kehaulani Padilla (Empowerment O’ahu), Bob and Yvonne Farrell (video producers), Jai Cunningham (KHON TV 2 News), Paul Udell (KITV 4 NEWS), Marilyn Abejon, Noe Aguiar, Lucy Akau, Jaye Aquino, Eve Anderson, Davelynne Choi, E. Gomes, Wilbur H., Isaiah Hladky, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Ho, Priscilla Ho, Dee Kekahuna, Rich and Bobbie Lebersax, Lerma and Kako Nakashima, Janet Paoa, Juanita Paoa, Bill Rodrigues, Bob Shleser, Barbara Snyder, Cookie Summer, Fred Teramoto, Robyn Thomson, Sandra Tingly, Reginald Torres, Cliff Ziems, Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

PULE: Ellsworth offered the pule.

FILLING OF VACANCY IN SUBDISTRICT 7 – Chair Ho asked if there were any candidates for Subdistricts 7. There were no interested candidates.

CHAIR’S REPORT – Chair Ho stated after being on the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board for 15 years, Waimanalo is changing. Major changes are being trust upon Waimanalo. (An excerpt of his speech is attached to the minutes). (A round of applause was given at this time).

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

(Buck arrived at 7:37 p.m.)

EMERGENCY PUBLIC INPUT (Part I)

Honolulu Fire Department – No report or representative was available.

Honolulu Police Department – Lt. John Cheong reported: 1) For the month of December in the Waimanalo area, there were 5 burglaries, 15 other property thefts, 11 thefts from auto, 0 robberies, 7 auto/motorcycle thefts, for a total of 38 incidents. 2) District 4 park statistics for December in the Waimanalo area: 79 park closure citations; 10 parks/warrants/liquor arrests; 14 illegal camping/no permit citations; 8 human habitation citations; and 26 vehicle in park citations. If anyone sees ATV’s on the beach, please call 911. Officers will be addressing illegal camping and abandoned vehicles.

Mayor’s Representative – Wayne Hashiro had no report, but was available for questions. Neighborhood Assistant Steve J. Rodrigues circulated the Mayor’s monthly newsletter “Honolulu News”.

Chair Ho congratulated Hashiro for being named the new City’s Managing Director.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Chair Ho recognized Staff Sgt. Randy Callejo for opening and closing the meeting facility, and Col. Wong, Commander of Training Facility, for allowing the Board to use the facilities. He also introduced Capt. Masutani, who recently returned from the Middle East. Capt. Masutani introduced himself at this time. He said there were 500 soldiers from Hawai’i in his unit. The support from their family and the community was tremendous. Always be thankful that you are living in Hawai’i, there are worse places to be. He thanked everyone for their support. (A round of applause was given at this time).

APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 14, 2005 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Mabel Spencer moved and Jamila seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 approve the minutes with the following corrections:

            Page 1, under Members Absent, it should read “Victoria Bobbie Kahalewai”

Page 5, under Closing of Mauli Ola Program, second paragraph, second sentence, it should read “She encouraged Dr. Akina to work with the Waimanalo Health Center in submitting an extension of services for Waimanalo. Spencer used the WIC program as a good example of a supplemental program that will benefit diabetics that can’t afford the change.”

The motion carried unanimously.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

Mekia Street – Clean and Sober House – Chair Ho explained to everyone the ground rules: don’t name names, don’t point fingers, no negativity, no shouting, and have respect for each other.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Resident Janet Paoa said she’s opposed to the clean and sober house. The community does not want it. It is an active drug house, which has been raided four times by police. Why on our street, why in our community. It would only bring in more drug people.

2)       Fred Teramoto stated he paid $495 for his daughter to enter the clean and sober house. Nine days later his daughter was kicked out of the program because of alleged dirty drug test. He was told he wouldn’t get a refund. If he knew the house was raided, he wouldn’t put his daughter into the program.

3)       Resident Robyn Thomson said there is lots of traffic coming and going to the house. The problem has been ongoing for a long time. They are not good neighbors. Tonight is the first time she heard about the clean and sober house. She questioned the zoning, especially since it’s in a residential neighborhood.

4)       Tuti Baker, Representative Tommy Waters’ Office, stated State law now requires that any group home where eight or more non-related individuals reside, including clean and sober homes, must have a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP). Before the county can issue a CUP, a public informational hearing must be held in the affected community. After receiving feedback from the community, the county has the power to grant or deny the permit. To date, the Mekia Street home has no CUP. Concerned residents can call DPP at 527-6305.

5)       Ellsworth suggested residents form a neighborhood security watch/patrol. For more information, contact HPD at 247-0748.

6)       Dee Kekahuna said she supports the program. The Tayshea Awoihi Foundation tried to ho’oponopono with the neighbors. They held an open community meeting last month, but no neighbors showed up.

7)       Jamila asked for a show of hands for residents from Mekia Street and surrounding areas. (The majority of the audience raised their hands). Personally, he’s not against clean and sober houses. He lives two houses away from the house. Neighbors are opposed to the house because of the procurement process. Concerns include: there was no opportunity for input; the way it was done; location; children playing in the area. Some residents are afraid to talk for whatever reasons. The Nuisance Abatement Law states if any house is caught selling drugs their house would be forfeited. More people need to speak up. He thanked residents for attending tonight’s meeting.

8)       A resident said he’s not against clean and sober houses. It doesn’t belong in the neighborhood where children play so close to the house. It should be located in Sand Island.

9)       Tayshea Awoihi offered a public apology for not bringing this issue to the Neighborhood Board. She did not know the protocol. The foundation was created not for her, but in memory of her son. She wants to make a difference in the community. Her family is from Waimanalo. She is tired of seeing children suffer. There are only three clean and sober houses on the Windward side. A brochure, detailing her foundation, was distributed to all those in attendance.

10)   In response to Chair Ho, Awoihi stated there are four women in the program. They are referred from various agencies. The program is legal. Bo Galanti, also with the foundation, said they are legal because they follow every protocol. They don’t have to be licensed. The foundation has never been raided. They do not own the house. The owners of the house live upstairs. Mr. Teramoto is upset because he feels like he was deceived. His daughter broke the rules. The rules clearly state that if you break the contract, you forfeit your money. Clients pay a deposit and monthly rent. 

11)   The treasurer for the foundation apologized for the miscommunication. They just wanted to open a safe house. It will be trial and error in the beginning since it’s their first clean and sober house. Recovery is not only for the mothers, but also the families. They have signed-waved against “ice” and participated with Dwayne “Dog” Chapman in the Waimanalo Christmas Parade. The foundation has no tolerance for substance abuse. The four women in the program are doing good. Police did respond to the house, but it was for a parking issue. There is always a concern about NIMBY (not in my back yard).

12)    Bettencourt had concerns that Awoihi never admitted in court that she had an “ice” problem.

13)   Chair Ho asked the foundation if they hear the concerns of the community, especially since none of you are Waimanalo residents. The issues are: a) the way the program came to the community; b) the history of the house. He said the foundation brought attorneys to the meeting at the health center (the residents are lay people). A lot of residents didn’t know about the meeting.

14)   Cookie Summer supported the idea of a clean and sober program, but the problem is that proper protocol wasn’t followed. (A round of applause was given at this time). Apologizing was important. The opposition is not directed at you personally. The issue is the house and children playing near the house. It’s not going to work at the present location. (Another round of applause was given at this time). You need to get everybody together. The issue is not going to get resolved as you want it. Clean and sober houses are good, but it’s not going to happen at this time. Chair Ho noted that Summer took two years to bring her program into Waimanalo. He asked the foundation to listen to your neighbors and have dialogue with the Janet Paoa and Bill Rodrigues.

15)   Janet Paoa mentioned on December 12 or 13 there was yelling and someone said they were going to kill someone. About 20 police officers with shotguns responded. She asked if residents would have to deal with this type of incidents on a regular basis. Galanti said women from the foundation called police regarding the incident. They want to be part of the solution.

16)   Galanti said there is one clean and sober house in Kaneohe. Akeo suggested moving this program to Kaneohe since the population and land in Kaneohe is greater than Waimanalo.

17)   Solomon Spencer stated everyone needs to work together. Mabel Spencer said mano’o is good. A second meeting would be good. We are not going to solve this issue in one night. She suggested the foundation hold their own meeting.

18)   Ellsworth said if you really care about Waimanalo, talk to the owners and ask them to move out of the house.

19)   Chair Ho thanked everyone for coming. Dialouge is good. He is available to mediate another meeting. Chair Ho said this issue is important for your neighborhood and your kids.

Kapuna Housing – A resident mentioned the first month she moved into Kapuna Housing her vehicle was broken into. Last night, six vehicles experienced the same fate. Drug transactions are occurring at the facility. Residents, who are between the ages of 65-80, have formed a community patrol.

Chair Ho referred the resident to Micah Kane, Governor’s representative and Director of Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

Malama O Waimanalo – Jeff Bloom said Malama O Waimanalo is starting a program to prevent illegal dumping. They have already done a cleanup in Waimanalo. Stakeholders have been identified and an assessment is being done (i.e. convenience center, bulky-item pickup, etc.). He asked the community to contact Chair Ho for more information.

Chair Ho asked the community to notify him of illegal dumping areas and if you witness illegal dumping write down the license plate number. Your help is needed and you can remain anonymous. They are working with City and State agencies.

Waimanalo Carnival – Al Lewis announced the Friends of Waimanalo decided not to do the Waimanalo Carnival this year. Although members wanted to continue the carnival, negotiations with E.K. Fernandez did not improve the situation. E.K. Fernandez takes 83% of the profits, while Friends of Waimanalo only takes 17% and they have to pay for parking, permits, and police. The only way they make their money is through rides and games, and only take a small percentage from food sales. Majority of money raised is given back to community organizations. The carnival was one of the few community carnivals. It has been in existence for the past 35-40 years. They tried to keep the costs at a reasonable rate. Carnivals now are so expensive. Waimanalo had the best carnival. He thanked everyone for their support.

Chair Ho stated the proceeds from the carnival supported literacy program in schools and rides for kupuna. Mabel Spencer said, on behalf of the community, thank you. (A round of applause was given at this time).

Empower O’ahu – Kehau Padilla said volunteers do make a difference. Waimanalo participated in Empowerment O’ahu in 2000. One of the projects they formed is Malama O Ke Kai. The strategic plan needs to be updated. She will be going to all community meetings. Membership is open to all members in the community. For more information, please contact her at 224-9193.

Chair Ho suggested contacting Al Lewis of the Waimanalo Round Table, who is a good resource in contact with 20 community organizations.

Ala Moana-Kakaako Development Resolution – Chair Ho said a member from the Ala Moana/Kakaako Neighborhood Board asked for the Board’s support in passing a motion objecting to the action taken by HCDA in pursuing development of the Kakaako Makai area. Mabel Spencer moved and Jamila seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 support Ala Moana/Kakaako Neighborhood Board’s position on the Kakaako Makai area. The motion failed, 5-2-4. (note – a total of 7 votes, quorum, is needed for a motion to pass).

Rusting Playground Equipment at the Beach Park – Safety Factors – No report.

PUBLIC INPUT (Part II):

Community Announcements:  

Waimanalo Christmas Parade Appreciation – Jamila said the Waimanalo Christmas Parade was a successful event. He thanked the community, staff, and volunteers for their support. The Waimanalo Christmas Parade is known as the candy parade – the parade is for the children.

96795 News Reminder for Articles – No report.

State Department of Transportation (DOT) – Rod Haraga reported: 1) The project to correct the drainage problem for Poalima Street and Kalanianaole Highway went out to bid. Construction will begin this year. 2) Kalanianaole Highway will be repaved with Super Pave. The project will begin this year. 3) Designs to improve the “s” curve near Olomana Golf Course will be done this year. 4) He circulated a power point presentation handout on Kalanianaole Highway Shoreline Erosion project. They selected option number two, which includes construction of a berm on the Makai side of Kalanianaole Highway, openings in the berm at repaired eroded areas, installation of sheet piles, and monitoring. It’s a short-term solution.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Chair Ho said parking spaces will be eliminated on the Makai side of Kalanianaole Highway. Haraga added that the sheet piles will last five years.

2)       Jamila asked when are the guardrails on Kalanianaole Highway going to be adjusted. Motorists are parking on the right side of the road and bike riders are forced to ride on the road. Haraga answered they will adjust the parking when they address the long-term solution.

3)       Bettencourt inquired about the purpose of using the yellow tape. Haraga stated it is to define the shoulder area. He will follow-up. Bettencourt then asked about Oceanic Institute. Haraga said he would work with Kane to get an answer.

4)       Solomon Spencer asked about the grading of the roadways that would help alleviate the runoff during the rainy season. He has noticed that the newer roadways had a grade that could direct the runoff to the side that created erosion. Spencer wanted to insure that the planning looked at the slanting/grading of the roadways to help eroding roadsides.

Waimanalo Health Center – Chuck Braden reported: 1) A letter was recently sent out to all of the parents and guardians of the keiki patients that Dr. Leila Agullana would be the primary pediatrician seeing children (newborn to 18 years old) at the health center effective January 1, 2006. Dr. Agullana has been at the health center since 2004. She will continue to provide the highest quality care to our keiki. 2) The health center wants to remind the community that space is available for free for community meetings. Interested groups may contact Maureen Trevenen, Executive Assistant, at 259-7948, ext. 113 to check on availability and conditions of use. Daytime use is sometimes limited, however, evenings and weekends are the most available times. The health center can accommodate 2-50 people comfortably.

Jamila inquired if the Waimanalo Health Center is associated with the clean and sober house on Mekia Street. Braden answered no. In fact, it bothered him that they made the statement to that effect.

Temporary Change of Meeting Site – Chair Ho announced that for the next three months the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board will meet at Waimanalo Public Library. The Hawai’i Army National Guard will be using the facilities.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Councilmember Barbara Marshall – Councilmember Marshall circulated her monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) She wished everyone a Hauoli Makahiki Hou (Happy New Year). 2) The deadline for homeowners to appeal your Real Property Assessment is January 17. She called the Mayor to reduce the

taxes, but he said no. The Budget Committee will hold a meeting on January 26 at 9:00 a.m. 3) There is a vacancy on her staff. Applicants can email their resume to bmarshall@honolulu.gov. 4) The next “3 Talks” will be held on January 23, St. John Lutheran Church, 7:00 p.m. For Waimanalo, it will held on February 8, Waimanalo Public Library, 7:00 p.m.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Ellsworth said he is opposed to the increase in property tax. Councilmember Marshall stated if you feel your assessment is too high you can pay the $25 fee and appeal to the assessment board. She doesn’t know what action the City Council will take, but there will be some relief for property owners.

2)       Councilmember Marshall reiterated what Chair Ho said earlier in the meeting – stay involved in your community. If you have a problem with the City, call her office and Ikaika Anderson will assist you. Chair Ho noted that Anderson has been very responsive to his concerns. (A round of applause was given at this time).

3)       A resident asked about Bed and Breakfast rentals. Councilmember Marshall stated B&B’s is not a vacation rental. At last month’s meeting, Representative Waters gave out misleading information – Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) is enforcing the law. If you suspect illegal B&B’s, call DPP with the information. She knows it’s frustrating.

4)       A resident wanted to know the status of a drivers license bureau for the Windward side. Councilmember Marshall answered the City is negotiating for space at the Ko’olau Mall, near Valley of the Temples.

Governor’s Representative – Micah Kane circulated the Governor’s Update. In addition, he stated: 1) He wished everyone a Happy New Year. 2) He thanked Rod Haraga for coming out this evening. 3) The Governor will return from the Philippines tomorrow. She asked the Governor’s representatives to brief the Neighborhood Boards on ethanol gas. Beginning April 2, at least 85% of Hawaii’s gasoline must be “E-10 Unleaded”: gasoline containing 10% ethanol. 4) 2006 Legislative Session opens January 18. 5) He thanked the Waimanalo community for bringing up the clean and sober issue. It’s an issue he will bring up to the Governor’s cabinet. The intent of the program is good, but the protocol isn’t.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Bettencourt asked the State administration’s position on illegal B&B’s. He said any issue with homelessness is useless unless B&B’s is addressed. Kane answered the issue hasn’t been brought to their attention. He can ask the Governor and the Attorney General.

2)       Chair Ho inquired about the concern brought up earlier regarding Kapuna Housing. Kane said he would personally look into the issue.

Senator Fred Hemmings – Councilmember Marshall said Senator Hemmings was present earlier in the meeting, but departed because he was under the weather and it was his birthday. Before he left, Senator Hemmings circulated his monthly report.

Representative Tommy Waters – Tuti Baker circulated Representative Waters’ monthly report and was available for questions. Representative Waters sends his regrets.

Congressman Ed Case – Roberta Weatherford circulated Congressman Case’s newsletter.

MILITARY REPORT:

U.S. Marines – Major Patricia Johnson reported: 1) Hawai’i Combined Arms Exercise - will be held on January 8-30, Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island. 2) Marine Aircraft Transit – 12 Marine Corps F/A – 18A’s will transit Hawai’i January 9-11, utilizing Hickam AFB airfield facilities, on their way from MCAS Miramar in California to Japan. 3) Windward Civilian-Military Council – will be held on January 17 in the League Room at the MCBH Officers’ Club, beginning at 12:00 noon. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. 4) Upcoming Periods of 24-Hour

Operations at MCAF, Kaneohe Bay, for exercises in the Hawaiian Islands area  – a) January 9-13: in support of U.S. Navy (USS Reagan); b) February 25-27 – in support of U.S. Navy (USS Peleliu); c) March 13-16: in support of U.S. Navy (U.S. Lincoln). 5) Marine Corps/Hawai’i Air National Guard Joint OPS – 10 visiting FA-18D’s will be operating at MCAF, Kaneohe Bay, for joint training with the Hawai’i Air National Guard, February 6-20.

Bellows – Captain David Talafuse said soldiers took special education students from Waimanalo Elementary School to Bellows.

Chair Ho thanked Captain Talafuse for all their efforts in Waimanalo. (A round of applause was given at this time).

Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) - Bellows Air Force Station – Mark Petersen said there are no new updates. The next RAB meeting will be held end of February – early March.

EDUCATION:

Blanche Pope Elementary – No report or representative was available.

OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS:

Hawai’i Job Corps – Julie Dugan stated: 1) Students have returned from the holiday break. 2) The Department of Labor will be on campus to evaluate the program. Hawai’i Job Corps is ranked No. 1 out of 119 Job Corps in the nation. 3) Hawai’i Job Corps is looking forward to 2006 and being good neighbors. (A round of applause was given at this time).

Hawaiian Homes Association – No report or representative was available.

Waimanalo Sewer Rehabilitation Project – Dave Nagamine of Department of Environmental Services, stated they will be rehabilitating approximately 12,000 feet of sewer line in the Humunuki Street area. The objective is to seal any cracks or leaking joints to prevent ground water from entering sewer lines and overloading the Waimanalo Wastewater Treatment Plan. Overloading could affect the treatment plan process and result in spills. The project is tentative scheduled for February 15 through April 30, Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Residents in the work areas may be requested to not use water for a short period of time.

Wastewater Treatment Plant – Mabel Spencer and Mary Alice Evans of Laulima O Waimanalo asked the Board to support a resolution urging the State Legislature to approve funding for the Waimanalo Wastewater Treatment Facility Phase II Repairs. The community has been working on this issue for a long time.

Andrews circulated copies of his recommendations regarding the Waimanalo Wastewater Treatment Plant. Testing of the tracers in the wellheads needs to be completed to determine if the wells are in fact contaminating the bay and the water table. This needs to be done before anything else happens regarding the upgrading of the plant. After that determination, a decision could be made. Roy Abe of Hawai’i Pacific Engineers, responded to his concerns about the treatment plant. Copies of the letter were circulated to the Board.  Andrews said he’s opposed to passing a resolution tonight.

Mabel Spencer moved and Buck seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 support a resolution urging the State Legislature to approve funding for the Waimanalo Wastewater Treatment Facility Phase II Repairs. The motion carried, 7-2-2.

Board of Water Supply – Devon Nekoba circulated BWS’ monthly report and BWS’ 2006 Water Conservation Calendar.

Nation of Hawai’i – Bumpy Kanahele circulation two correspondences regarding the designation of items that were recovered from Honokoa Gulch – Forbes Cave, Kawaihae, South Kohala.

Oceanic Institute – No report or representative was available.

Waimanalo Farm Association – No report or representative was available.

ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 10:07 p.m.

Submitted by:

Steve J. Rodrigues

Neighborhood Assistant