Printable version (copy and paste into browser):

 http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/nb32/06/32_2006_11Min.PDF

WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2006

HAWAI’I ARMY NATIONAL GUARD TRAINING AUDITORIUM

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Wilson Kekoa Ho called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. with a quorum present.

Chair Ho welcomed everyone to the final Neighborhood Board meeting of the year. The Board will recess in December. He thanked everyone for participating throughout the year. Chair Ho congratulated Senator Hemmings and Representative Waters for being reelected and hoped that they will represent Waimanalo as they have done in the past.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Nani Akeo, 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., Kevin Andrews, David Bettencourt.

GUESTS: Cyndy Aylett (Mayor’s Representative), J. Ikaika Anderson (Councilmember Barbara Marshall’s office), Roberta Weatherford (Congressman Ed Case’s office), Micah Kane (Governor’s Representative), General Robert Lee (Hawai’i National Guard), Molly Arthur (Senator Fred Hemmings’ office), Sandra Kunimoto (Department of Agricultural), Eric Hirano (DLNR), Devon Nekoba (BWS), Captain Ben Suiso (HFD), Lt Dave Eber (HPD), Fred Welch (Hope Chapel Waimanalo), Julie Dugan (Hawai’i Job Corp), Lani Almanza (American Cancer Society), Celeste P. (Waimanalo Relay for Life), May Akamine (Waimanalo Health Center), Pauline Sato (Malama Hawai’i), Kahi K. (Kai Makana), Todd Lanning and Mark Petersen (Bellows AFS Restoration), Mike Okamoto (R.M. Towill), Jaye Aquino, Henry Castillo, Moana DeMello, Amanda Hermanson, Nikki Hines, Laurene Kaluau, Sui Lan Kepa, Al Lewis, Charlotte Rowe, Joe Ryan, Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

PULE: Chair Ho said if prayer offends anyone, now is the time to leave the room. Ellsworth offered the pule.

CITY EMERGENCY AGENCIES/PUBLIC INPUT (Part I)

Honolulu Fire Department – Captain Ben Suiso reported: 1) For the month of October, the Waimanalo Fire Station responded to 9 fires, 25 medical emergencies, 2 search & rescue, and 5 miscellaneous calls. Unusual incidents: a) para glider fatality on October 21; b) hit and run on November 4; and c) no rescue boat at Kailua or Waimanalo – only available at Hawai’i Kai. 2) Christmas Safety Tip: “The holidays are a time for celebration and that means more cooking, home decorating, entertaining, and an increased risk of fire due to heating equipment. *Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States; *After a party, check for smoldering cigarettes; *Use caution with holiday decorations and, whenever possible, choose those made with flame-resistant, flame-retardant, or noncombustible materials; *Purchase only lights and electrical decorations bearing the name of an independent testing lab, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance; *Do not overload extension cords; * Try to keep live trees as moist as possible by watering them daily; *When purchasing an artificial tree, ensure it is made with fire-retardant materials.

Honolulu Police Department – Lt. Dave Eber reported: 1) For the month of October in the Waimanalo area, there were 1 aggravated assault, 61 arguments, 6 auto theft recoveries, 6 burglaries, 1 fraud, 1 graffiti, 4 harassments, 25 hazardous drivers, 4 loud parties, 1 missing person, 2 motor vehicle theft, 17 noise complaints, 26 nuisance complaints, 24 parking violations, 6 property damage, 2 simple assault, 10 thefts, 3 threatening, 29 traffic stops, 7 UEMV, 2 vehicles towed (abandoned), 5 warrant arrests. There were a total of 570 calls. 2) The Uniform Crime Reporting Index for District 4 – he compared the statistics for Jan-Oct 2006 to Jan-Oct 2005: 1/1 murder/manslaughter - no change; 26/31 rape - 16% decrease; 55/32 robbery - 72% increase; 67/72 aggravated assault - 7% decrease; 570/589 burglary - 3% decrease; 1480/1514 theft - 2% decrease; 1280/1310 UEMV - 2% decrease; 433/463 auto theft - 6% decrease; and 3912/4012 total offenses - 2% decrease. 3) HPD is scheduled for an on-site assessment from December 10-13, as part of a program to achieve reaccredidation by verifying it meets professional standards. The public is invited to offer comments by calling 479-6307 on December 11, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Written comments may be sent to Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), 10302 Eaton Place, Suite 100, Fairfax, Virginia, 22030-2215.

Mayor’s Representative – Cyndy Aylett reported: 1) Bill 83 would delay the date that the general excise and use tax surcharge for the City and County of Honolulu to be levied. This bill, if passed, would delay federal funding. Starting January 1, 2007, businesses and landlords generally must pay the ½% tax on any O’ahu related transactions subject to the 4% general excise tax. The tax will pay for Oahu’s mass transit system.  Mass transit will help the community and the entire island. She asked for the public’s support. 2) Follow-up: a) Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is doing a major project in Waimanalo; b) The spikes that were sticking out of the grass field at Waimanalo District Park has been removed; c) The City sprayed the ants at Waimanalo District Park. 3) Neighborhood Assistant, Steve Rodrigues, circulated “Honolulu News”, the Mayor’s monthly newsletter.

Introduction – Ikaika Anderson introduced May Akamine, the new Director of the Waimanalo Health Center. (A round of applause was given at this time). He also introduced members of the Board of Directors – Nikki Hines, Moana DeMello and Andrew Jamila.

APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 2, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Mabel Spencer moved and Ellsworth seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board approve the minutes as submitted. The motion carried unanimously.

Status Report – Department of Agricultural – General Robert Lee gave a brief update on the Kailua Reservoir Emergency Improvement project. They will be making the slope a lot more steeper, stabilize the ground to prevent erosion and flooding. The project will be completed in a couple of months.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) General Lee answered the following: a) The blocks will be half buried in the ground. The purpose of the blocks is to slow down the water coming down Waimanalo Stream and to prevent erosion; b) They do want the water to flow. As the Mayor said a couple of months ago, we need the water to flow (General Lee also made the same statement a couple of meetings ago). Property owners need to clean their portion of the stream. If anyone need assistance, please call 211; c) Jacks are used on the mainland. It has been tested and used before; d) He will follow-up on who owns the water; d) He will follow-up with Micah Kane, DHHL, regarding Mabel Spencer’s two concerns: overgrown vegetation near the stream and the polo fields; and boulders near the new subdivision. 2) Jamila stated that residents want to thank you (General Lee) for coming to a solution. In the past, there hasn’t been a preventive maintenance plan. The State will do maintenance. Everyone has to do their part (i.e. State, City, property owners, military). 3) Chair Ho thanked General Lee, Commander Wong, SSG Callejo for providing the Board the use of the meeting facilities. (A round of applause was given at this time).

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

Waimanalo District Park – Al Lewis and Henry Castillo had concerns about the status of the Waimanalo Gym roof and the Waimanalo District Park play courts. Chair Ho asked Ikaika Anderson of Councilmember Marshall office, and Cyndy Aylett, Mayor Representative, to follow-up.

Illegal Dumping – Lewis said he observed Pukiki Tree Service illegally dumping. He’s concerned it’s a potential fire hazard. Chair Ho asked if a police report was made. Lewis answered no. Mabel Spencer indicated she would follow-up with Kimberly Clarke of Waimanalo Village.

Handi-Van – Charlotte Rowe, a heart patient who lives on a private road, had concerns that the Handi-Van won’t service her to her doorstep, instead she is dropped off at the end of the City road. Ikaika Anderson was nice enough to meet with her tomorrow. (A round of applause was given at this time).

Kailua High School Access Road – Joe Ryan said residents worked very hard to get funding for an access road, but somehow the project has stalled. Chair Ho he found out when Waimanalo resident go through the backway, they are not allowed to park on the road. It’s a major concern. Sidewalks would only cost $300,000, while the access road will cost $6 million. He thanked Ryan for representing the community. Ryan said the original proposal was to relieve half of the traffic on the road. Half of the student body is from Waimanalo.

Various Issues – McMillan had the following issues: 1) Potholes on Kalanianaole Highway. 2) The disrepair of the bathroom facilities at Waimanalo District Park, at the campsites, and at Makapu’u Beach Park. 3) She acknowledged Daimen High School students for cleaning up Waimanalo District Park this past weekend. (A round of applause was given at this time).

Pony League – Kahalewai inquired about funding for the Pony League. She has already spoke to Aylett. Kahalewai asked Anderson to follow-up.

Acknowledgement – Amanda Hermanson mentioned she has been working on four projects for more than one year. She is satisfied with the results and acknowledged the Neighborhood Board (especially Chair Ho and McMillan), Micah Kane’s office, Kaipo Duncan of DHHL, Senator Hemmings office, Representative Waters, Mayor Hannemann, Councilmember Marshall, Ikaika Anderson, and Cyndy Aylett. (A round of applause was given at this time).

PUBLIC INPUT (Part II):

American Cancer Society – Lani Almanza distributed brochures on “Preparing for a Smoke-Free Hawai’i”. In addition, she announced AMC will be celebrating its 30th Anniversary of the Great American Smokeout on November 16, 2006, Kailua Beach Center, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. Almanza introduced Celeste P., co-chair of the Waimanalo Relay of Life. (A round of applause was given at this time). Celeste said she’s honored to be the co-chair of the Relay of Life.. Cancer is a disease we don’t have to die from. She and Almanza will attend the monthly Neighborhood Board meetings. Celeste encouraged everyone to attend the Relay of Life (Another round of applause was given at this time). She will provide more details regarding the date of the event.

Chair Ho wished Celeste good luck.

American Diabetes – Tour de Cure – Chair Ho announced Tour de Cure will be held this Saturday. There is a 50-mile route and a 70-mile route. They will follow the same route as the Century Bike Ride.

Patrick Ching – Waimanalo – Ching asked the community to support his book project. He invited everyone to be a part of his project. If anyone has any pictures of old-time Waimanalo, please contact him. He has already coordinated several books. (A round of applause was given at this time).

Empower Waimanalo – No report or representative was available.

Malama Hawai’i – Pauline Sato distributed information on “Proposed Amendments to Hawai’i Administration Rules, Title 13, Chapter 75, Regarding Lay Gill Nets. She read a volunteer testimonial on an endangered monk seal pup’s short life before lay gill net drowning. (A round of applause was given at this time).

Chair Ho thanked Sato for the report.

Department of Land and Natural Resources – Eric Hirano thanked Mabel Spencer for her efforts with the Waimanalo Wastewater Treatment Plant. In addition, he gave a brief update on the treatment plant improvement project. There are two phases – currently, phase I is 22% completed. The project will cost $27.9 million. One of the expected goals is to allow treatment plant to operate at design capacity of 1.1 million gallons per day (MGD) average flow (currently operates at 0.7 mgd). He thanked the community, Representative Waters, Senator Hemmings and the Governor for supporting and fighting for DLNR’s budget request for the project.

Chair Ho thanked Hirano for the update.

Aloha Aina Earth Day No. 21 – A representative from Aloha Aina Earth Day showed a brief video on their project. In addition, he announced a recycling community clean-up will be held on November 18, 2006, Waimanalo District Park, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Waimanalo Construction Coalition. It’s a fundraiser for the Waimanalo Christmas Parade. (A round of applause was given at this time).

(Birtles departed at this time).

OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS:

U.S. Marines – No report or representative was available.

USAF Bellows – No report or representative was available.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Senator Fred Hemmings – Molly Arthur circulated Senator Hemmings’ monthly report and was available for questions.

On behalf of the Seaburry family, Kahalewai presented Arthur with a photograph of six generations of the Seaburry family. (A round of applause was given at this time).

Governor’s Representative – Micah Kane stated: 1) He appreciates the recognition of DHHL employee Kaipo Duncan. 2) He acknowledged Eric Hirano of DLNR for giving the Board an update. 3) Lastly, he appreciates the opportunity to service the Neighborhood Board, and hopes he can continue subject to conformation.

Councilmember Barbara Marshall – J. Ikaika Anderson circulated Councilmember Marshall’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Councilmember Marshall sends her regrets. 2) HPD Chief Correa will provide free security for the Waimanalo Christmas Parade. (A round of applause was given at this time). 3) The City Council Transit Planning Committee will hold a meeting on rapid transit on November 20, Windward Community College, 6:30 p.m. 4) He apologized for the cancellation of Councilmember Marshall’s “3 Talk”. 5) Councilmember Marshall has made an inquiry with Les Chang, Director of DPR, regarding the Waimanalo Gym roof and its play courts. 6) He thanked Mabel Spencer for bring the concern about the sprinkler at Waimanalo Beach Park. Councilmember Marshall has also made an inquiry with Chang.

Representative Tommy Waters – No report or representative was available.

Congressman Ed Case – No report or representative was available.

Oceanic Institute – No report or representative was available.

Bellows AFS Restoration – Mark Petersen said the Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) will remain active. More information will be available in January/February 2007. They have been getting a lot of input from the State. If anyone has any questions, please speak to himself, Todd Lanning, or members of the Neighborhood Board.

Hawai’i Job Corps – Julie Dugan reported: 1) They have a fire prevention sign in front of their facility. 2) Hawai’i Job Corps will be volunteering in three Make A Difference Day projects. 3) Students will be assisting with a sidewalk project at the Weinberg Village. 4) They are participating in a project at Kupuna Housing. 5) Hawai’i Job Corps will be on Christmas break from December 15, 2006-January 3, 2007. (A round of applause was given at this time).

Waimanalo Health Center – May Akamine stated: 1) She acknowledged Ikaika Anderson, president of the Board of Directors. There is an opening on the Board and encouraged the Neighborhood Board members to apply. 2) The health center is participating in many events (i.e. food drive, etc.). 3) Dr. Shintani will be assisting with the health center. 4) She feels blessed to be serving this community.

Board of Water Supply – Devon Nekoba circulated BWS’ monthly report.

EDUCATION:

Blanche Pope Elementary – No report or representative was available.

OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS:

Waimanalo Hawaiian Homestead Association (WHHA) – No report or representative was available.

Wastewater Treatment Plant – Mabel Spencer had no report.

Nation of Hawai’i – No report or representative was available.

Waimanalo Farm Association – No report or representative was available.

ANNOUNCEMENTS – 1) Jamila announced applications are still available for the Waimanalo Christmas Parade. He wished everyone a Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas. 2) Mabel Spencer announced open enrollment for MedQuest is November 1-December 31. She encouraged illegible participants to choose their plan.

ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.

Submitted by:

Steve J. Rodrigues,

Neighborhood Assistant