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WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, MARCH 13, 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.

Chair Ho recognized two groups in attendance: Lunalilo Home staff, and Boy Scout Troop 48, which is here to earn a citizenship merit badge. Also, next month’s meeting will be held again in the library. Beginning in May, the meetings will return to the Hawai’i Army National Guard Auditorium.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Peter “Kahana” Albinio, Jr., David Bettencourt, Joe Birtles, Phillip Ellsworth, Wilson Kekoa Ho, Andrew Jamila, Jr., Bobbie Kahalewai, Mabel Spencer, Solomon Spencer.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Nani Akeo, Kevin Andrews, Michael Buck, Blanche McMillan.

GUESTS: Cyndy Aylett (Mayor’s Representative), Councilmember Barbara Marshall, J. Ikaika Anderson (Councilmember Marshall’s office), Micah Kane (Governor’s Representative), Senator Fred Hemmings, Heather Bankston and Kate Bepko (Senator Hemmings’ Office), Representative Tommy Waters, Tuti Baker (Representative Waters’ Office), Captain Ben Soiso, (HFD), Lt. John Cheong (HPD), Lt. Col. Patricia Johnson (MCBH Kaneohe), Todd Lanning (Bellows), Chuck Braden (Waimanalo Health Center), Gwen Kailihiwa (Hope Chapel Waimanalo), Jodie Saffery (Waimanalo Canoe Club), Bob and Yvonne Farrell (video producers), Kehaulani Padilla (96795 News), Iwalani Ah Quin, Keahi Allen, Jenelle Awaya and Roberta Choy (Lunalilo Home), Kim Jacobsen (Habitat for Humanity), Valerie Calasa and Darin Kawazoe (Care Hawai’i), Charlie Ioane (Boy Scout Troop 48), Lucy Akau, Vernon Akina, Jaye Aquino, Moana DeMello, Kenneth Ho, Priscilla Ho, Sui Lan Kepa, Ken Lesperance, Eunice McElroy, Raven Pokini, Tristan Pokini, William Rodrigues, Cliff Ziems, Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

PULE: A member of Boy Scout Troop 48 offered the pule.

EMERGENCY PUBLIC INPUT (Part I)

Honolulu Fire Department – No representative was present at this time, but arrived later in the meeting to make a report.

Honolulu Police Department – Lt. John Cheong reported for the month of February in the Waimanalo area, there were 5 burglaries, 9 other property thefts, 14 thefts from auto, 1 robbery, 2 auto/motorcycle thefts, for a total of 31 incidents.

(Board member Albinio arrived at 7:33 p. m.)

Mayor’s Representative – Cyndy Aylett reported: 1) Green waste – pickup changes from manual to automated collection system. Households with blue bins will begin the new system first and use them for green waste collection. As the city expands the automated green waste pickup around the island, the added households will receive green bins. 2) Bulky-item pickup – by July 2006, all areas of the island will be on a no-call, regular monthly collection schedule. Waimanalo is in Sector 20, which will begin in July. Continue to call 262-4346 until the monthly schedule begins. 3) Follow-up: Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) just signed a letter of agreement with Ko’olau Shopping Center for a Windward Driver License Substation. No timetable has been set. 4) The Neighborhood Assistant circulated the Mayor’s monthly newsletter “Honolulu News”.

Concerns and comments followed:

1) Jamila had concerns regarding the proposal to limit refuse pickup to once per week. People would dump their garbage in the back roads. Aylett will follow-up.

2) Ellsworth inquired about property tax cuts. Aylett stated Bill 80 became law without the Mayor’s signature.

The agenda was taken out of order. There were no objections.

Honolulu Fire Department – Captain Ben Soiso reported: 1) For the month of February, the Waimanalo Fire Station responded to 4 fires, 29 medical emergencies, 3 search and rescues, and 7 miscellaneous calls. Major incident – brush fire rear of 639 Illiana Street (Kalaheo hillside). 2) Fire Safety Tip: “Brush fires cause great damage. Dispose of all fires properly. Make and maintain a 30-foot wide firebreak by clearing vegetation surrounding structures. Formulate emergency plans. For more information, contact Denise Laitinen of Firewise at 281-3497 or visit www.firewise.org.

(Board member Kahalewai arrived at 7:38 p.m.)

The agenda resumed regular order.

APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 13, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Mabel Spencer moved and Birtles seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 approve the minutes with the following correction:

Page 5, under Community Announcements, fifth paragraph, first line, it should read “E Komo Mai Sign”.

The motion carried unanimously.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

Bed & Breakfast Resolution – Chair Ho had concerns about a bed & breakfast resolution proposed by a fellow Board member, especially since it mentions organized crime. At last month’s meeting, he said there would be no negativity or defamation of character. Chair Ho said because of the circumstances he would not address the resolution. The Board could override him, if they desire.

Mabel Spencer asked that this resolution be sent back to committee for redrafting. Bettencourt mentioned he is the author of the resolution. There was never a problem with the language previously.

William Rodrigues – Status of defamation of character/TRO – Chair Ho said at last month’s meeting there was discussion of defamation of character for an innocent William Rodrigues. Rodrigues was accused of being a sex offender, but the convicted sex offender William Rodrigues is deceased.

Concerns and comments followed:

1) Rodrigues stated police attempted for the third time to serve a temporary restraining order (TRO) to his next door neighbor and was finally successful. He thanked Lt. Cheong and Board member Bettencourt for their assistance.

2) Chair Ho asked the status of Mekia Street. Jamila said the vacant house on Mekia Street is being used by neighbors as a illegal drug transaction facility. It’s an enforcement problem. He continues to encourage residents to call 911, but a lot of them are intimated by these individuals.

PUBLIC INPUT (Part II):

Community Announcements:

Lunalilo Home – Roberta Choy introduced staff members of Lunalilo Home. Lunalilo Home is located in Hawai’i Kai, next to Kaiser High School. About one year ago they began providing adult day care. The day care is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They will be expanding to Saturdays, from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. She encouraged everyone to adopt a kupuna and become a volunteer. For more information, contact 395-1000.

Concerns and comments followed:

1) Mabel Spencer questioned if there were any openings.

2) Jamila asked how old does one need to be to enter the program. Keahi Allen answered their youngest client is 55 years old. Age does not matter. However, they can’t take any wheelchair-bound individuals since their hallways are too narrow.

3) Ellsworth suggested putting an announcement in the Waimanalo newspaper.

Honolulu Habitat for Humanity – Kim Jacobsen stated their organization helps families who cannot afford a traditional mortgage loan, rebuild their home. Four weeks ago, they started on a house on Bell Street. Their problem is finding qualified families. Families who qualify are required to put in 300 hours to build another house. As she drove in Waimanalo, she uncovered 50 houses in bad shape. Informational meetings will be held at Waimanalo Public Library on March 22 and April 5 at 7:00 p.m. and April 8 at 11:00 a.m. For more information, call 538-7070

Waimanalo Canoe Club – Jodie Saffery announced that the first practice of the season will be held on Monday, April 3 at Kaiona Beach Park. Practice will be held Monday through Friday. The first regatta will be held on Sunday, June 25. There will be between seven to eight regattas. The club welcomes members 8-67 years of age.

Waimanalo Wastewater Treatment Plant – Jamila read a letter from Board member Kevin Andrews, who is in Washington, D.C. meeting with EPA officials regarding wastewater funding programs for Waimanalo. Andrews asked residents to go to Google and search for “Sewage Injection Wells” and you will be informed why the injection wells are wrong for Waimanalo and what has happened in Florida. The injection wells were a temporary fix that became permanent. He also asked residents to search for “Alternatives to Sewage Injection Wells” and you will find a number of systems that will work in Waimanalo and that seem much lower in price. Andrews has also sent out preliminary requests for proposals to construct a system, which does not inject the sewage into the ground but processes it above ground into reusable water. Also, he has organized a cleanup for Waimanalo in June, which is being sponsored by HMR/Schnitzer.

Care Hawai’i – Darin Kawazoe stated their mission is to provide a comprehensive array of mental health and addiction services to promote the physical, emotional, spiritual, and educational development of all identified clients and their families/significant others. Their program is different from the Clean and Sober program. Care Hawai’i began outpatient treatment last November. Outpatient treatment includes three times per week for a total of nine hours. Clients are generally adults who have drug and and/or alcohol problems. Since the inception of the program, they have had 57 consumers (many of which were from Waimanalo). There have been five successful completions and 48 unsuccessful completions. They put together stakeholders, one of which is Wilson Ho. Monthly meetings are held. The next meeting will be held on March 28, IOP site, 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact 479-2702. He introduced Valerie Calasa, a new staff member.

Concerns and comments followed:

1) Jamila asked the difference between Care Hawai’i and clean and sober. Kawazoe answered Care Hawai’i offers treatment services. Their plan is to continue to partner up with agencies in the community. They have no intention of opening up a clean and sober house. If they do, they will first come before the Board.

2) Chair Ho inquired what is the probability of the four remaining consumers being successful. Kawazoe said he could not answer the question.

3) In response to Mabel Spencer, Kawazoe stated their clients are referred by probation officers, supervised released programs, courts, Waimanalo Health Center, etc. Typically, treatment lasts three to four months. They can take up to 20 clients at a time. Some agencies require and mandate that these individuals are in treatment and have a support group (i.e. AA, NA, church, etc.).

4) Birtles asked about statistical information on drug and alcohol abuse. Kawazoe answered research shows that 65-70% who enter treatment have a co-dependency problem.

5) A resident had concerns regarding the amount of people loitering around the property. Kawazoe said the program hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. If you have any concerns, contact him.

6) Jamila stated there are many teenagers who are involved with underage drinking and smoking. He asked if these individuals could be sent to the program (he has a 12-year old nephew who could use the help). Kawazoe noted that the program is only for adults. They have a goal to develop recreational activities in Waimanalo. A dance they held attracted about 350 youths. (A round of applause was given at this time).

Boy Scout Troop 48 - Charlie Ioane, Troop Leader, said their troop is sponsored by the Mormon church (Church of Latter Day Saints). Troops do not have to be Mormons to join. They must be between the ages of 11-20. Classes are offered to the troops every Wednesday. He offered their services to the community. For more information, contact 428-5101. (A round of applause was given at this time).

Neighborhood Board Meetings on Olelo – Bob Farrell announced that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board meetings have been scheduled to be aired every Sunday on Olelo Channel 49 at 6:30 p.m.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Senator Fred Hemmings – Senator Hemmings circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Last week, bills crossover occurred in both houses. 2) SB 2850, which he introduced, would increase the minimum fine for littering from $25 to $250. 3) He has been one of the State’s leading proponent for designating the Northwest Hawaiian Islands as the world’s largest sanctuary. On February 27-28, he and a delegation from Hawai’i were in Washington, D.C. to urge federal officials to support Governor Lingle’s initiatives to have the Northwest Hawaiian Islands declared a marine sanctuary by executive order sometime this year. 4) The State has a surplus of $630 million. The Governor and Senate President Bunda are in support of tax cuts. Approximately 20% of wage earners are paying the highest amount of taxes. He urged everyone to contact their legislators and ask them to pass legislation to pass tax cuts for local wage owners.

Governor’s Representative – Micah Kane made available the Governor’s Update on the sign-in table. In addition, he stated the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) is reviewing the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget. The Governor is recommending $9 million for the department. He will provide more details at next month’s meeting.

Concerns and comments followed:

1) Chair Ho asked for an update on Kupuna Housing. A resident stated they have hired a private security firm for the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. A security gate will also be installed. Kane said he’s glad that the concerns from last month’s meeting have been addressed.

2) Jamila thanked the Governor for her efforts to improve infrastructure in Waimanalo. He contacted Rod Haraga, Director of State Department of Transportation (DOT), regarding Kalanianaole Highway improvements. His concern is the proposal to dedicate one lane down, in the middle of the highway. Chair Ho agreed that it wasn’t in the design plans. Kane will follow-up.

3) Bettencourt had concerns about the area near Oceanic Institute on Kalanianaole Highway. Kane said the question should be posed to Dr. Bruce Anderson of Oceanic Institute, who attends the meetings.

Councilmember Barbara Marshall – Councilmember Marshall circulated her monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Waimanalo Beach Park playground equipment is not safe and will be removed. Parks department is looking at equipment that will last. 2) There are pros and cons regarding the City’s Green Waste Recycling program. She will continue to fight for refuse pickup two times per week. 3) If anyone has any concerns about the budget, contact her office at 547-7003 or testify at the hearings. 4) The next three “3 Talks” will be held on March 20, Kaneohe Community & Senior Center; April 17 at St. John Lutheran Church in Kailua; May 3, Waimanalo Public Library. All meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. The meetings are open to everyone in the district.

Ellsworth had concerns that residents with a lot of green waste would have to purchase another 96-gallon container. Councilmember Marshall explained the complicated process. The process of the colored bins may be altered.

Representative Tommy Waters – Representative Waters circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) The House budget passed today, which included $10 million to complete the much needed upgrades

to the Waimanalo Waste Water Treatment Plant. It now goes to the Senate. 2) Also approved was $5 million for the construction of a new access road to Kailua High School. 3) Kalanianaole Highway Improvements from Olomana Golf Course to Waimanalo Beach Park are in OMPO’s budget as “shelter lanes”. 4) Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard will be hiring. 5) As Chair of Higher Education, he was able to get $150 million for community colleges. 6) Included in his report were “2006 Mid-Session Highlights”.

Concerns and comments followed:

1) Jamila said instead of “shelter lanes”, it should be called “suicide lanes”. Representative Waters agreed and said he would be the advocate and fight for the community. Mabel Spencer said hilly bumps were included to slow down speeders. Representative Waters stated he would submit comments and concerns to OMPO.

2) Mabel Spencer mentioned now is the time to write letter of support to the Senate regarding funding for the Waimanalo Waste Water Treatment Plant. There has been some difference on the Board on this matter. Representative Waters indicated that the Board made it a priority so he made it his.

3) Bettencourt inquired about Bed & Breakfast bills. Representative Waters noted that there have been a lot of bills to legalize B&B’s, but he has killed them. He agrees that there needs to be more tax investigators.

Congressman Ed Case – No report or representative was available.

U.S. Marines – Lt. Colonel Patricia Johnson reported: 1) Upcoming periods of 24-Hour Operations at MCAF, Kaneohe Bay: March 13-16. 2) A symposium on women’s issues will be held on March 21. 3) JROTC will be held next week.

Bellows – No report or representative was available.

Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) - Bellows Air Force Station – Todd Lanning said four sites at Bellows need to be cleaned-up, two of the sites completed a feasibility study (which he submitted to Chair Ho).

Chair Ho mentioned that four members on the Board sit on RAB.

EDUCATION:

Blanche Pope Elementary – No report or representative was available.

OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS:

Hawai’i Job Corps – No report or representative was available.

Hawaiian Homestead Association – No report or representative was available.

Waimanalo Health Center – Chuck Braden reported: 1) The Waimanalo Health Education Project is a collaborative effort between Papa Ola Lokahi, Waimanalo Health Center and Ke Ola Mamo. The project provides the community with access to web based health information. Computers are located at Waimanalo Health Center Pediatric and Adult Reception areas. For more information, contact 259-6666. Mabel Spencer was the founding member of Ke Ola Mamo. 2) A Community Needs Assessment was done a couple of years ago. Brochures were available that contained information on the Waimanalo Health Center. For more information, contact 259-7948.

Wastewater Treatment Plant – Mabel Spencer said an article on the Waimanalo Waste Water Treatment Plant is published in 96795 News. She asked for letters of support, especially to the Senate. Ikaika Anderson suggested emailing letters to Senator Taniguchi.