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http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/nb32/06/32_2006_07Min.pdf 
WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, JULY 10, 2006
HAWAI’I ARMY NATIONAL GUARD TRAINING AUDITORIUM
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Wilson Kekoa Ho called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with a quorum present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Kevin Andrews, David Bettencourt, Michael Buck, Wilson Kekoa Ho, Andrew Jamila, Jr., Bobbie Kahalewai, Blanche McMillan, Mabel Spencer, Solomon Spencer.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Nani Akeo, Peter “Kahana” Albinio, Jr., Joe Birtles, Phillip Ellsworth.
GUESTS: Cyndy Aylett (Mayor’s Representative), J. Ikaika Anderson (Councilmember Barbara Marshall’s office), Steve Cayetano (Congressman Ed Case’s office), Kay Ahina (Governor’s Representative), Heather Bankston (Senator Fred Hemmings’ office), Captain Ben Suiso (HFD), Lt John Cheong (HPD), David Nagamine (City Dept. of Environmental Services), Keiko Nitta (State Department of Health), Ray Lovell (State Civil Defense), Captain David Talafuse (USAF Bellows), Barney Ho (HIARNG), Mark Petersen (Hickam), Pi’ilani Kai and Anita Nakamura (Waimanalo Health Center), Paul Richards, Tony and Joe-Ann Sang (WHHA), Kahua Naihe and Lucy Salas (Hawai’i Job Corps), Fred Welch (Hope Chapel Waimanalo), Nickie Hines (St. Matthews), Mackenzie St. Lawrence (HCAP), Ed Yonamine (Good Beginnings Alliance), Kathy Irwin (API Center), Bob and Yvonne Farrell (Makakilo.com), Dean Otsuki (community beach clean-up), Ben Shafer (Defend O’ahu Coalition), Earl Decker (Alline Inc.), Phil Esterman (Sandy Beach Coalition), Elizabeth Reilly (Hawai’i Kai Neighborhood Board/Livable Hawai’i Kai), Lucy Akau, Eve Anderson, Jaye Aquino, Shannon Clancey, Moana DeMello, Amanda Hermanson, Sui Lan Kepa, David and Liz Matthews, Bob Shleser, Marlene Wilson, Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
PULE: Chair Ho said if prayer offends anyone, now is the time to leave the room. Mabel Spencer offered the pule.
CITY EMERGENCY AGENCIES/PUBLIC INPUT (Part I)
Honolulu Fire Department – Captain Ben Suiso reported: 1) For the month of June, the Waimanalo Fire Station responded to 9 fires; 29 medical emergencies; 8 search and rescues; and 3 miscellaneous calls. There were two major incidents – brush fires at Hawai’i Kai and Maunawili. 2) Fire Safety Tip: “Take the time to childproof your home, especially since keiki are on 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 the reach of small children.” 3) Water Safety Junior Lifeguard program is ongoing.
Honolulu Police Department – Lt. John Cheong reported: 1) For the month of June in the Waimanalo area, there were a total were 20 unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle (UEMV); 5 burglaries; and 1 auto theft. 2) Regarding Ellsworth’s concern about abandoned vehicles in his neighborhood, they towed away eight vehicles.
Chair Ho and Mabel Spencer thanked Lt. Cheong for printing the report in color. Lt. Cheong indicated the thanks should go to Officers Jarod Hiramoto and Ryan Sato.
Mayor’s Representative – Cyndy Aylett reported on follow-up items: 1) Permittees can arrange to have the restroom at Kaiona Beach Park remain open later at a cost of $10. The fee covers the cost of an attendant, who will inspect and close the facility. 2) The unsafe playground equipment was removed from Waimanalo Beach Park on June 28. 3) The City provides cesspool pumping service for a fee of $132.90 per load. The City will service cesspools only and not septic tanks. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain their septic tank. 4) Waimanalo and Bellows Field Beach Parks are cleaned by a vendor weekly. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is reviewing cleaning the area between the two locations, but has no additional funding to expand current services. 5) DPR Summer Fun program at Waimanalo Beach Park currently does beach cleanups as community service. While there is no specific program just for cleaning the beaches, DPR’s volunteer organizations are
active during the summer around the island. 6) More details on what is required is needed to keep it and/or change agricultural zoning in Waimanalo. 7) The City has different resources that might by accessed, either through the Office of Economic Development or through the Department of Community Services regarding a community baseyard and/or small business incubator for Waimanalo. The City would like to work with Board member Jamila to get a better description and vision of what they would like to see there, so the proper resources can be investigated.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Kahalewai mentioned that even if you have a permit for Kaiona Beach Park, the park attendant will ask you to leave by 7:00 p.m. Beach parks in Kailua are closed at 11:00 p.m. Aylett will follow-up.
2) Resident Amanda Hermanson has a petition with 100 signatures asking to extend bus route 77 to evenings and weekends. It’s needed for seniors and college students. She asked if there is another process besides a petition. Aylett will follow-up.
3) Jamila said Waimanalo farmers are asking the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) to attend a community meeting and explain the definition of Ag 1 and Ag 2. Aylett will follow-up.
4) Dean Otsuki inquired if it’s possible to extend the City’s beach park cleanup. Aylett answered not at this time. She suggested he submit a request when the next budget process comes up again in October/November.
5) Bettencourt asked what day does the City clean the beach parks. Aylett will follow-up.
APPROVAL OF JUNE 5, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Mabel Spencer moved and Kahalewai seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 approve the minutes with the following corrections:
Page 4, under Councilmember Marshall, item number 2, delete the second and third sentences.
The motion carried unanimously.
RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:
Chair Ho said a developer wants to build vacation cabins on State conservation land along the Ka Iwi coastline. The project was presented to the Hawai’i Kai Neighborhood Board in June and they voted against the project.
Queen’s Rise Recreational Center – Elizabeth Reilly, a member of the Livable Hawai’i Kai Hui and Hawai’i Kai Neighborhood Board, stated the developer of Queen’s Rise Recreational Center presented conceptual plans to their Board at June’s meeting. The project does not need City Council approval; according to Reilly it only needs one “rubber stamp” from DPP. No traffic study or public hearing is required, although DPP could ask for a public hearing. An East Honolulu Town Hall Meeting will be held this Wednesday at Kaiser High School Cafeteria at 6:30 p.m. The Mayor and Senator Slom will be guest speakers. Phil Esterman, one of the authors of Save Sandy Beach, said they would like to linkup with Waimanalo to offer a strong coalition. They would like to keep the Ka Iwi coastline open space. He encouraged everyone to attend Wednesday’s town hall meeting. They would like to come back and make a formal presentation. (A round of applause was given at this time).
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Resident Lucy Akau had concerns that the land is being used and misused. (A round of applause was given at this time).
2) Jamila acknowledged the Hawai’I Kai Neighborhood Board for giving him the opportunity to speak at their meeting. Although there was a very long line and comments were no longer being accepted, the Vice Chair recognized him and allowed him to speak. (A round of applause was given at this time). Reilly said the Hawai’i Kai Neighborhood Board welcomes any Waimanalo Neighborhood Board member to speak at their meetings.
3) Chair Ho noted that Brennon Morioka, Deputy Director of State Department of Transportation, was scheduled to speak on this issue but is not in attendance tonight.
Jamila moved and Mabel Spencer seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 affirmatively oppose building vacation cabins along the pristine Ka Iwi stretch of Kalanianaole Highway. The motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC INPUT (Part II):
Community Announcements:
Good Beginnings Alliance – Keiko Nitta, State Department of Health (DOH), stated they are in the third year of a five year grant. They are looking at operating out of the Weinberg building. The Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Grant (ECCS) is focused on five areas: parenting, family support, medical homes, social emotional health, and early childhood education and care. DOH is coordinating with Good Beginnings Alliance. Ed Yonamine, Good Beginnings Alliance, said they will be preparing children from homeless families who are about to enter kindergarten. They have been in discussions with the Waimanalo Health Center, Windward Homeless Coalition, etc. If all goes well, they hope to begin the program in a couple of months.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Chair Ho asked Nitta what is the role of DOH. Nitta answered they look at how services are being accessed.
2) Mabel Spencer questioned who invited Good Beginnings Alliance to use the Weinberg building. Nitta answered Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawai’i (HCDCH). Spencer had concerns about duplication of services. She asked if Nitta if they would come back and give an update. Nitta answered if they are invited. Spencer said not to wait for an invitation. Nitta indicated they really want to be responsive to the community.
3) Chair Ho said the Board and the community welcomes you to Waimanalo, but we need to know who you will be helping.
Defend O’ahu Coalition – Ben Shafer stated Defend O’ahu Coalition is a diverse group of community residents, environmentalists, activists, and religious leaders all working together towards one goal: protecting communities along the North Shore from the dangerous effects of large scale development. Owners of Turtle Bay Resort plan to build five new hotels with 3,500 more condo, timeshare and resort hotel units on and around Kawela Bay on the basis of an agreement and a land use permit that are nearly 20 years old. These are based on an environmental study that is even older. Councilmember Marshall, Chair of the Zoning Committee, refused to have the committee take a position because of advise from Corporation Counsel. If anyone has any questions, he can be reached at shafer001@hawaii.rr.com.
State Civil Defense – Ray Lovell announced training exercises will held at Bellows on August 15-17. Residents will see an unusual amount of emergency vehicles on the road. They will be using their lights and sirens. The exercises will be based on a terrorist bomb going off at the harbor (note – no bomb will actually go off). There shouldn’t be any impact to the community. A news release will be sent out on August 1.
Rehabilitation of Sanitary Sewers – Earl Decker of Alline Inc. reported they are coordinating with the City to inspect, repair and rehabilitate sewer lines on Kumuhau Street. The majority of the work will be done without digging. They will be using a process called CIPP (Cured-in-Place Pipe). The project begins by inspecting the lines; repairs (open cut) are carried out on sections of lines that are broken. Typically, the lining of one section of pipes takes one day, while the reinstatement of laterals to 100% may take two days. The work will be completed in several phases. Work began on June 27 and will continue for 12 weeks. Hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. They have put “door knockers” around the community and plan to do more. Before they begin the portion of the project where they ask residents not to use water, they will give 24-hour notice. They will try to be quiet and unseen. The project entails using five vehicles and three to seven workers.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Bettencourt asked what type of problems do you find. Decker answered broken sewers; infrastructure; pipes are broken, cracked and leaking. He has seen worse problems.
2) In response to Jamila, Decker stated they will ask residents not to use water for five hours (this includes flushing the toilet). They will put “door knockers” to inform residents before they do this portion of the project.
Bellows Beach Cleanup – Dean Otsuki announced there will be a Bellows Beach Cleanup on July 16, 2006, 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Bags, gloves and water will be provided. Volunteers will have an opportunity to win great prizes. Everyone is welcome to participate. For more information, please call 554-2902 or 393-2168. (A round of applause was given at this time).
Welcome to Waimanalo Sign – Tony Sang of WHHA, said a site visit will be held this Wednesday with Dan Quinn of the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to determine where to erect a Welcome to Waimanalo sign near the Makapu’u Lighthouse. Sang has selected two potential sites. If anyone is interested in the site visit, you are welcome to attend. Heavy equipment, landscaping, etc. are needed for the project. For more information, he can be reached at 259-7602.
OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS:
U.S. Marines – No report or representative was available.
Bellows – Capt. David Talafuse reported: 1) There are still some employment opportunities at Bellows. For more information, visit www.bellowsafs.com or call 259-4111. Some of their outstanding employees are from Waimanalo. 2) It has been a very safe summer. He encouraged everyone to keep up the good work.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Chair Ho inquired if any RIMPAC exercises would be held at Bellows. Capt. Talafuse answered yes; he suspects it will be held in a couple of days. He’s not sure the extent of helicopters use.
2) Mabel Spencer had concerns about dust if helicopters would be used. Capt. Talafuse said the Marines would be best to answer the question. He will relay the concern.
3) Jamila asked Capt. Talafuse to remind RIMPAC officials not to anchor vessels offshore – because when they used to anchor they used to pull up the reef. Former President Clinton passed a law protecting the reef. Capt. Talafuse will relay the concern.
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Senator Fred Hemmings – Heather Bankston circulated Senator Hemmings’ monthly report and was available for questions.
Governor’s Representative – Kay Ahina, substituting for Micah Kane, made the “Governor’s Update” available on the sign-in table and was available for questions. Kane sends his regrets.
Jamila expressed his appreciation to Kane for taking time out of his busy schedule to do a walk-through through the community, with him and Kaleo Keeno of Keeno Farms, regarding potential sites for baseyards. They don’t want to use Ag land for baseyards.
Councilmember Barbara Marshall – J. Ikaika Anderson circulated Councilmember Marshall’s monthly report and was available for questions. Councilmember Marshall sends her regrets.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Bettencourt asked what is Councilmember Marshall’s position on the vacation cabins proposal. Anderson will follow-up.
2) Mabel Spencer asked that more money be appropriated to DPR (during the next budget cycle) so they could keep the beach parks open longer and defective playground equipment could be replaced. Anderson will follow-up.
Representative Tommy Waters – No report or representative was available.
Congressman Ed Case – Steve Cayetano made Congressman Case’s monthly newsletter available on the sign-in table. In addition, he stated Congressman Case is continuing with his “Talk Story” series in his district. He was available for questions.
Oceanic Institute – No report or representative was available.
Bellows AFS Restoration – Mark Petersen announced the next Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting will be held on July 27, 2006, Olamana Golf Course Restaurant, 6:00 p.m. For more information, contact one of the Board members (Jamila, Solomon and Mabel Spencer, etc.) who sit on RAB.
Hawai’i Job Corps – Lucy Salas, Outreach & Admissions Specialist, said Hawai’i Job Corps is an academic and vocational skills training program for individuals aged 16 to 24. There is a residential program with free room and board, or a non-residential program with transportation allowance, depending on your needs. Individuals will have the opportunity to earn a GED or a competency-based high school diploma. Vocational training includes: automotive repair, business occupations, culinary arts, facility maintenance, health occupations, landscaping (horticulture) and painting (pre-apprentice). The program is federally funded. For more information, she can be reached at 536-0695, 721-5972 or salas.lucy@jobcorps.org. (A round of applause was given at this time).
Waimanalo Health Center – Pi’ilani Kai reported: 1) The Waimanalo Health Center (WHC) will be distributing school supplies through the Ready to Learn program this week. They do this on an annual basis and sign up is usually held in April. If families did not sign up but are in need of supplies, please see Kai at the Center. 2) WHC is currently planning activities for Women’s Health Month in September. More information will be provided at next month’s Board meeting. Plans include free bone density screenings, a keiki car seat community event and prenatal classes with Kamehameha Schools Hi’ilani Project.
EDUCATION: The report or representative was available.
OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS
Waimanalo Hawaiian Homestead Association – Paul Richards reported: 1) He apologized for missing last month’s meeting. 2) He’s working with Kekoa Fraser of CHAMPS, which submitted a grant for a program to help youths in the community. 3) God’s Country Waimanalo submitted a $45,000 grant. 4) Five mentors from Kailua High School will be tutoring seventh and eight graders beginning August 16. If anyone is interested, please call 778-4250. 5) They provided scholarships to Kailua High School and Waimanalo Intermediate School students.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) In response to McMillan, Richards stated the association charges $1,000 for the use of the halau ($750 includes tables, chairs, etc.; $250 is refunded back to you after the event). The halau is open to everyone, on a first come first serve basis, however they are booked through 2007.
2) Kahalewai had concerns that a young lady interrupted a baseball game this past weekend when she screamed at the top of her lungs and asked spectators to move their vehicles. Some of the vehicles belonged to visitors from Kaua’i. It put a damper on the game. Richards will follow-up.
Wastewater Treatment Plant – Mabel Spencer asked to defer this item to next month’s meeting.
Nation of Hawai’i – No report or representative was available.
Waimanalo Farm Association – Chair Ho said he asked Jamila to coordinate to see where a baseyard could be located in the community. Farmers say they can co-exist. (A round of applause was given at this time). Jamila stated they are not trying to change Ag zoning. Light industrial businesses support agricultural. We need to protect Ag 1 and Ag 2; and we need to co-exist. If anyone has any questions, please call him at 259-7342.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1) Andrews announced a new website – www.Waimanalonews.org. 2) Mabel Spencer announced that a recent court decision allows Hawaiian people the right to sue the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) if they feel they have been on the waiting list (for a home) for a long period of time. (A round of applause was given at this time).
ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
Submitted by:
Steve J. Rodrigues,
Neighborhood Assistant