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WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2006
HAWAI’I ARMY NATIONAL GUARD AUDITORIUM
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Wilson Kekoa Ho called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. with a quorum present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Nani Akeo, Kevin Andrews, David Bettencourt, Joe Birtles, Michael Buck, Phillip Ellsworth, Wilson Kekoa Ho, Andrew Jamila, Jr., Bobbie Kahalewai, Blanche McMillan, Mabel Spencer, Solomon Spencer.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Peter “Kahana” Albinio, Jr.
GUESTS: Cyndy Aylett (Mayor’s Representative), Councilmember Barbara Marshall, J. Ikaika Anderson (Councilmember Marshall’s office), Representative Tommy Waters, Captain Paul Kahele (HFD), Lt Kathy Campbell (HPD), Ofelia Carag (Blanche Pope Elementary), Susan Hummel and Noel Richardson (Waimanalo Elementary), Capt. David Talafuse (USAF Bellows), Todd Lanning (Bellows), Chuck Braden (Waimanalo Health Center), Julie Dugan (Hawai’i Job Corps), Fred Welch (Hope Chapel Waimanalo), Bob and Yvonne Farrell (video producers), Kehaulani Padilla (96795 News), Hugh Baptiste (Pukiki Tree Service), Kaleo Keeno (Keeno Farms), Wally, Francis and Carole Nitta (Rocky Road), Bob and Rhonda Burk (Celebrate Recovery Waimanalo), Suzanne Frazer and Dean Otsuki (community beach clean-up), Jaye Aquino, Joe Correa, Priscilla Ho, Sui Lan Kepa, Janet Paoa, Richard Ubersax, Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
ANNOUNCEMENT: Chair Ho explained that the meeting is held tonight (the first Monday of the month) because the second Monday of the month is a holiday and they would be without the services of the Neighborhood Assistant.
PULE: Chair Ho said if prayer offends anyone, now is the time to leave the room. Ellsworth offered the pule.
(Birtles arrived at 7:33 p.m.)
ELECTION OF NEW OFFICERS:
Chair – The floor was open for nominations. Jamila nominated Wilson Kekoa Ho to serve as Chair for 2006-2007. (Note a nomination does not require a second). Andrews nominated David Bettencourt. Bettencourt declined. There being no other nominations, Ho was elected Chair by acclamation. (A round of applause was given at this time). Chair Ho mentioned this will be his 12th year as Chair and 16th year on the Board. He appreciated being reelected Chair. The Neighborhood Board is a forum for the community. They try to be open and fair to everyone. He encouraged the community to use the Board to voice your concerns. The Board’s monthly meeting is aired on Olelo channel 49 on Sundays at 6:00 p.m.
Vice Chair – Chair Ho noted that Vice Chair’s duty is to convene the meeting in the absence of the Chair. Andrews nominated Andrew Jamila to serve as Vice Chair for 2006-2007. There being no other nominations, Jamila was elected Vice Chair by acclamation. (A round of applause was given at this time).
Secretary – Chair Ho noted that the Secretary’s duty is to take the minutes in the absence of the Neighborhood Assistant. Jamila nominated Mabel Spencer to serve as Secretary for 2006-2007. Spencer declined. Spencer nominated David Bettencourt to serve as Secretary. There being no other nominations, Bettencourt was elected Secretary by acclamation. (A round of applause was given at this time).
Treasurer – Jamila nominated Kevin Andrews to serve as Treasurer for 2006-2007. There being no other nominations, Andrews was elected Treasurer by acclamation. (A round of applause was given at this time).
ESTABLISHMENT OF MEETING PLACE AND TIME – By consensus, the Board will continue to meet at the Hawai’i Army National Guard Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.
EMERGENCY PUBLIC INPUT (Part I)
Honolulu Fire Department – Captain Paul Kahele reported: 1) For the month of May, the Waimanalo Fire Station responded to 54 alarms. They responded to an accident involving a motorcycle and a van. There were two fatalities. He asked motorcycle and moped riders to be careful while on the streets – 99% of the time you will not win against a van, car or a utility pole. 2) Fire Safety Tip: “Brush fire season is here, so remember to maintain a 30-foot wide clearing in between any structure and vegetation. Recent rains may have overgrown vegetation in some breaks.” 3) Have a Happy and Safe Independence Day celebration.
Honolulu Police Department – Lt. Kathy Campbell reported: 1) For the month of May in the Waimanalo area, there were a total of 618 calls (the crime report was tabulated in a different format). On a good day, three officers are assigned to Waimanalo; normally there are two officers. 2) HPD is looking for new recruits. If you know anyone interested in becoming a police officer, please ask him/her to apply. 3) Regarding last month’s inquiry about a HPD substation in Waimanalo, the City does not own any property that is centrally located. Between 3,000 and 5,000 square feet would be needed. Also, HPD does not have adequate staffing for a substation. It would cost $6 million per year for six officers. Even if the community would donate a trailer, the City Council would still need to accept the gift.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Ellsworth mentioned there is a red abandoned pickup truck with no license plates in his neighborhood. His neighbor called several times to report the vehicle but nothing happened. Lt. Campbell will have officers check on the vehicle and mark it abandoned, if it isn’t already marked abandoned. Ellsworth also indicated that people are parking on the wrong side of the road. Lt. Campbell will have officers follow-up.
2) Jamila inquired if there is any new information regarding mopeds. Last month, he brought up the concerns that parents and grandparents are buying mopeds for their children and grandchildren not knowing that it is illegal for them to ride it on the streets. Lt. Campbell noted Lt. Cheong distributed copies of the law at last month’s meeting. You must be at least 15 years of age and posses a drivers license or permit. Officers have been vigorously enforcing the law.
Mayor’s Representative – Cyndy Aylett reported: 1) The Mayor’s Chinatown Summit will be held on June 22, Hawai’i Theatre, 2:00 p.m. 2) Transit community meetings will be held on June 24, Kapolei Hale, 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., June 26, Honolulu Hale/Mission Memorial Auditorium, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., June 28, Aliamanu Middle School, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 3) Copies of the Mayor’s monthly newsletter “Honolulu News” was circulated to the Board and made available on the sign-in table.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) A resident asked if the City could lock the bathrooms at Kaiona Beach at 9:00 p.m., especially during the busy summer months. Aylett will follow-up.
2) Mabel Spencer had concerns that the playground equipment at Waimanalo District Park is not safe. Aylett will follow-up.
APPROVAL OF MAY 8, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Ellsworth moved and Jamila seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 approve the minutes as submitted. The motion carried unanimously.
RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:
Beach Parks’ Cleanup – Suzanne Frazer and Dean Otsuki said their concern is keeping the beach parks clean (i.e. Bellows and Waimanalo Beach Park). There is lots of debris. The City only cleans a certain section of the beach park and they do not haul away trash that is not in bags. There aren’t enough trash cans in the area. Also, the State Recreational Park is very neglected. They have adopted the State Recreational Park. Volunteers bag the trash then the lifeguard drags the bags down the beach. If anyone wants to volunteer, Frazer can be reached at 393-2168 or 554-2902. Aylett, Mayor’s representative, will follow-up on the trash pickup schedule.
Waimanalo Zoning Issues – Hugh Baptiste of Pukiki Tree Service and Kaleo Keeno of Keeno Farms Construction, had concerns about agricultural zoned land in Waimanalo. They both feel there are bring unfairly singled out by Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) for parking their work trucks on agricultural land. Baptiste said the Waimanalo Agricultural Association is trying to push all the tree services out of Waimanalo. His company is trying to make the environment safe by planting trees, etc. Most of his 26 employees are from Waimanalo.
There was lengthy discussion on this issue. Some of the concerns and comments include:
1) In response to Baptiste, Chair Ho stated land in Waimanalo is zoned Agricultural 1. He said you are not the only company that is being targeted. Some businesses are laying concrete so they can park their vehicles, especially on Hihimanu Street. There are questions whether the land is agricultural or light industrial. Baptiste said they were defined light industrial. They are not on DLNR land. His business plants trees; they don’t lay concrete. Waimanalo is not the enemy; DLNR is the enemy. Baptiste said they have been struggling with this issue for years. DLNR has rules, but they don’t follow it. His business brings money into the community. (A round of applause was given at this time).
2) Keeno said he owns his property (fee simple). He’s not doing anything different than he was before. He has two acres, of which one-acre he plants flowers. Everyone in the area is not light industrial. Waimanalo has no program for incubator business for young people in Waimanalo. He explained that he volunteers his services to the community, 24-7 (i.e. cleared the river during the flood; towing stalled vehicles, etc.).
3) Board members Jamila and McMillan spoke in strong support of Keeno. They experienced first-hand Keeno’s volunteered efforts. Chair Ho thanked Keeno for all his efforts in the community. (A round of applause was given at this time).
4) Resident Joe Correa mentioned the 2002 Ko’olaupoko Sustainability Community Plan. The plan was supposed to create community base yards. Under the plan, they would operate in industrial areas. It’s good to have our own infrastructure. What we need in Waimanalo is land. Greed is not a factor in Waimanalo. We need to help each other. Keeno has been very important in our community. Others in the community have also offered their services (i.e. Jamila, etc.). We need to ask DLNR their definition of Agricultural land. (A round of applause was given at this time).
5) Wallace Nitta of Rocky Road, who has been with the Farm Bureau for many years, said this was only plan available for farmers. This was not prime agricultural land. We are facing economics (urban encroachment). In order to make money, you need an “x” number of acres. The future in Waimanalo is not agricultural. Every time he turns around, he gets turned in. We need to find a way to make this a pleasant place to live. He asked the Board to look into this issue. (A round of applause was given at this time). Frances Nitta asked that the State and the City conduct a feasibility study to determine where prime agricultural land is available, where it’s economical for farmers. McMillan mentioned she and her sisters worked for the Nittas. The Nittas are hard working people.
6) Jamila asked Aylett to remain during this part of the meeting because these individuals have had problems with City inspectors. Aylett clarified that inspectors only respond to complaints they receive.
7) Chair Ho asked the status of Meadow Gold land. Nitta answered they were regulated out of farming. Meadow Gold folded up because of the Clean Water Act. Nitta said he would’ve been fined $10,000 and Meadow Gold $20,000.
8) Jamila mentioned he has been a member of the Waimanalo Vision Team for the past six to seven years; the program was created by former Mayor Harris. Jamila said he was the project champion of a community base yard/recycling center. His project is finally come to fruition. If anyone wants to participate, please contact him at 259-7342. (A round of applause was given at this time). Mabel Spencer noted that there the Vision Team projects have been cancelled by Mayor Hannemann. What we need to discuss is zoning. She supports agricultural, as she doesn’t want this area turned into commercial.
9) Chair Ho thanked all the business owners who spoke tonight. This issue is important because it was published on the front page of the newspaper.
PUBLIC INPUT (Part II):
Community Announcements:
Sea Life Park – No representative was available.
Celebrate Recovery Waimanalo – Bob Burk announced Celebrate Recovery is a Christ Centered Recovery Program providing Biblical help for overcoming hurt, habits and hang ups. The program is held every Thursday at Waimanalo SDA Church at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please call 259-5021. (A round of applause was given at this time).
Waimanalo Relay for Life – Jamila, co-Chair of the Waimanalo Relay for Life, announced this year’s event will be held on Friday, June 23, 5:00 p.m. through Saturday, June 24, 7:00 a.m. at Waimanalo Beach Park. There will be music, food, entertainment, a silent auction, and a country store.
Kailua Reservoir – Andrews mentioned General Robert Lee of State Department of Defense spoke about the flooding at Kailua Reservoir at last month’s meeting. Andrews said it’s not a good idea to keep the sediment in the reservoir. He asked the Board to pass a resolution on this issue. Chair Ho noted in order for the Board to take action, this item needs to be added to the agenda. Buck moved and Mabel Spencer seconded to add the Kailua Reservoir to tonight’s agenda (note: a two-thirds vote of the Board is needed to add an item to the agenda). The motion carried unanimously. Andrews moved and Ellsworth seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 ask the Army Corps of Engineers to create a master plan for our watershed and flood systems. The motion carried unanimously.
OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS:
U.S. Marines – No report or representative was available.
Bellows – Capt. David Talafuse stated it’s been a busy summer season at Bellows. They have had a safe first two weeks. There is a concern with campfires. People are dumping their leftover hot coals into the base of the trees. Everyone needs to fully extinguish their fires.
Mabel Spencer asked the status of helicopters flying over the community at night. Capt. Talafuse answered he contacted the Army and they had no record of any helicopters flying over the community during that period.
Waimanalo Health Center – Chuck Braden reported a four-part stop smoking seminar will be held on August 21, 25, 28 and September 1, Diamond Head Unity Church. Classes are two-hours each, twice a week for two weeks. Monday and Fridays from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Register in advance with your check for $80 or $100 at the door. Attend all four classes (eight hours total) and get your check returned to you. If you drop out of class, the check will be cashed by the church. To reserve your place, call Fae at 735-4436, ext. 316.
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Senator Fred Hemmings – No report or representative was available.
Governor’s Representative – No report or representative was available.
Councilmember Barbara Marshall – Councilmember Marshall circulated her monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) The City Council passed the fiscal year ‘07 budget last Wednesday. There will be a reduction in property tax rates. Additionally, a $200 discount will be given to all improved residential and apartment class properties if they are currently receiving the homeowners exemption. 2) A Windward drivers’ license bureau will open in November at the Ko’olau Shopping Center. They will be hiring six new examiners. 3) The next series of “3 Talk” sessions will be held on June 20, Kaneohe Community & Senior Center; July 31, St. John Lutheran Church; and August 29, Waimanalo Public Library. All meetings begin at 7:00 p.m.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Jamila said he found a vendor willing to donate the first six months of rent for a police substation in Waimanalo. It wouldn’t need staffing. The facility could be used for officers to write their reports. Councilmember Marshall indicated she had a discussion with the new major regarding the community needs and wants. Waimanalo has more beats per capital than Kailua.
2) In response to Bettencourt, Councilmember Marshall stated the City does not administer sub-divisions, the State does. Bettencourt asked why can’t the City enforce their own rules. Councilmember Marshall answered the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) is looking into their rules. She will follow-up.
3) A resident asked about agricultural land in Waimanalo. Councilmember Marshall answered a lot of agricultural land is Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) land. She asked those in attendance if they want the zoning changed (there wasn’t unanimous consent). The community needs to come together. She is willing to work with the community. A task force is needed.
4) Andrews mentioned he is a firm believer in sustainability. He asked if there is any community design team. Councilmember Marshall stated the City Council is on record supporting community planning. They are in the process of reviewing the Ko’olaupoko Community Sustainability Plan.
Representative Tommy Waters – Representative Waters circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) The Governor has signed into law a bill releasing all the money for Capital Improvement Projects in Waimanalo, including $1 million for Blanche Pope Elementary and $1 million for Kailua Reservoir. 2) There were no laws passed regarding bed and breakfasts. 3) The gas cap was repealed. 4) The Governor signed a number of Acts into law: three strikes law; allows Hawai’ to exchange criminal records with other states and the federal government; allows the Attorney General to conduct DNA testing on convicted felons; makes an emergency appropriation to the Department of Health for ambulances. 5) The Legislature passed the Student Weighted Formula a couple of years ago. Approximately $122 million was appropriated. He’s concerned that schools in the community are losing money. 6) Regarding the zoning issue, if you change the zoning it could bring in developers who would build houses. He explained that the State sets the zoning and the City enforces it. The City can change the zoning only if it’s less than so many acres. The community baseyard is a good idea. DLNR and DPP have been understaffed for years. He will fight for funding for DLNR – Hawai’i needs to be preserved.
Congressman Ed Case – No report or representative was available.
Oceanic Institute – No report or representative was available.
Bellows AFS Restoration – Todd Lanning said: 1) There are no changes to the burial vaults on Bellows. 2) The next Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting will be held on June 16, Bellows, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Hawai’i Job Corps – Julie Dugan stated the Hawai’i Job Corps is thriving. They have been ranked the number one job corps in the nation for the past year. She thanked the Board for their continued support. Their students continue to be good neighbors. (A round of applause was given at this time).
EDUCATION:
Blanche Pope Elementary – Ofelia Carag stated: 1) Today was the last day of school. The new school year begins July 31. 2) Summer programs include Hawaiian Emersion and a keiki program. 3) Construction work is continuing on an elevator – to make the school ADA compliant. 4) Work on the cesspool will begin tomorrow. 5) Also beginning tomorrow will be a re-roofing job for the cafeteria. Asbestos has been discovered. They are taking all the necessary precautions. Letters have been sent to parents and area residents.
Waimanalo Elementary – Noel Richardson said: 1) They will also be undertaking a cesspool project. 2) There will be no summer program this year.
OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS
Waimanalo Hawaiian Homestead Association – No report or representative was available.
Wastewater Treatment Plant – Mabel Spencer stated they received funding for the Waimanalo Wastewater Treatment Plant. There is concern regarding the injection wells, it won’t be happening now. DLNR has to file a permit.
Andrews noted that DLNR will not issue the permits until they unclog the wells. He asked how much wastewater is coming into Waimanalo. Spencer answered she has not explored the issue.
Nation of Hawai’i – No report or representative was available.
Waimanalo Farm Association – No report or representative was available.
ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Submitted by:
Steve J. Rodrigues
Neighborhood Assistant