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WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2006

HAWAI’I ARMY NATIONAL GUARD TRAINING AUDITORIUM

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Wilson Kekoa Ho called the meeting to order at 7:25 p.m. with a quorum present.

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: Nani Akeo, Michael Buck.

GUESTS: Cyndy Aylett (Mayor’s Representative), J. Ikaika Anderson (Councilmember Barbara Marshall’s office), Representative Tommy Waters, Captain Paul Kahele (HFD), Capt. Greg Lefcourt and Lt Dave Eber (HPD), Lt. Col. Patricia Johnson and Maj. Chris Perrine (MCBH), Capt. David Talafuse (USAF Bellows), Fred Welch (Hope Chapel Waimanalo), Randy Chun, Ka’anoi Clemente, Lori Hoo, Harold Kageura and Steve Yoshida (HECO), Sione Manupule and Gary Wailehua (Alline Inc.), Gwen Kailihiwa (I ka na’au o ke keiki), Sherry Vega (Blanche Pope Elementary), Lucy Akau, Karla Albinio, Jaye Aquino, Amanda Hermanson, Pricilla Ho, Vionna Keola, Dawn Kepa, Sui Lan Kepa, Kehau Padilla, Harriet Seaburry, 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.

CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION – Chair Ho said nothing brings more energy to a meeting than children. We have an opportunity to honor our keiki. These children are not only from Waimanalo, but there are champions. The Waimanalo Neighborhood Board and Representative Waters recognized four youth volleyball championship teams from Waimanalo. Representative Waters presented each player and coach with a certificate of recognition from the House of Representative. (A round of applause was given to each recipient).  The coaches thanked the Neighborhood Board and Representative Waters for being recognized.

CITY EMERGENCY AGENCIES/PUBLIC INPUT (Part I)

Honolulu Fire Department – Captain Paul Kahele reported: 1) He acknowledged all the parents, coaches and athletes for their fine achievement. (A round of applause was given at this time). 2) For the month of September, the Waimanalo Fire Station responded to 5 fires, 34 medical emergencies, 3 auto accidents (1 fatality), 1 search & rescue, and 6 false alarms. 3) The National Fire Protection Association has selected “Prevent Cooking Fires: Watch What You Heat” as the theme for Fire Prevention Week, which will be held on October 8 – 14, 2006. Signs will be displayed at all fire stations and demonstrations will be conducted at various schools and shopping centers around the island. 3) The 2006 Fire Fighter’s Safety Guide will also be distributed to all elementary schools. 4) HFD would like to take this opportunity to remind the community that the provisions of the traffic code regulating the operation, parking and standing of vehicles does not apply to emergency vehicles responding to emergencies providing the driver of the vehicle sounds a siren, bell, or exhaust whistle and displays a red lamp. These warning devices help to ensure the safety of the public as well as the safety of the emergency responder.

A resident said HFD should form a junior fire fighter program, similar to the Indian reservations on the mainland. Captain Kahele indicated HFD does have a program of that nature. If anyone is interested please go to your nearest fire station. He is a former graduate of the program.

Honolulu Police Department – Lt. Dave Eber reported: 1) For the month of September in the Waimanalo area, there were 2 aggravated assaults, 55 arguments, 3 auto theft recoveries, 6 burglaries, 2 drugs/narcotics, 2 fraud, 1 graffiti, 5 harassments, 16 hazardous drivers, 1 ID theft, 3 loud parties, 1 missing person, 1 motor vehicle theft, 17 noise complaints, 26 nuisance complaints, 16 parking violations, 5 property damage, 1 robbery, 1 runaway, 1 sex assault, 1 simple assault, 8 thefts, 4 threatening, 34 traffic stops, 19 UEMV, 6 vehicles towed (abandoned), 3

warrant arrests. There were a total of 525 calls. 2) The Uniform Crime Reporting Index for District 4 – he compared the statistics for Jan-Sept 2006 to Jan-Sept 2005: murder/manslaughter 0% (no change); rape 18% decrease; robbery 88% increase; aggravated assault 13% decrease; burglary 4% decrease; theft 2% increase; UEMV 14% increase; auto theft 5% increase; and total offenses 4% increase. 3) He introduced Capt. Greg Lefcourt, who is new to this district. Capt. Lefcourt said the Neighborhood Board is the communication board for the community. He is looking forward to working with the Board. (A round of applause was given at this time).

Chair Ho welcomed Capt. Lefcourt and thanked him for attending.

Hawaiian Electric Company – Lori Hoo and Ka’anoi Clemente gave a brief update on the recent power outage that occurred in Waimanalo on September 17-19, 2006. During that three-day period, there were a total of six outages. She apologized for any inconvenience. HECO did activate its Incident Command Team.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       In response to Chair Ho, Clemente stated he would have an inspector investigate the concern. HECO will have to work with the telephone and cable companies. Also, HECO does yearly inspections (i.e. looking for signs of termites).

2)       Jamila acknowledged HECO for being a proud sponsor of the Waimanalo Sunset on the Beach the past years. (A round of applause was given at this time).

3)       Mabel Spencer had concerns about the huge trees growing into the telephone poles near the Polo Fields and along the highway. The trees are in jeopardy of falling. Clemente will follow-up. It may be difficult since some trees are on private lands.

Mayor’s Representative – Cyndy Aylett reported: 1) Follow-up: a) She brought a copy of Bill 54 (property tax exemption for residents making under $50,000 of income), which she gave to Bettencourt. b) She is still waiting a response from DTS (Department of Transportation Services) regarding concerns about bus stop shelters at Hale Apuni Street, and fronting 7-Eleven; and extending Route 77. c) The Windward District Manager approved the project at Waimanalo Beach Park. The project consists of creating a grass sculpture of the floor plans to an old house in Waimanalo occupied by a longtime Waimanalo family. The lines are being created by growing the grass and mowing. It will not interfere with permitted activities and will not pose a hazard to park users. The grass outline was to remain for one month and then removed. DPR (Department of Parks and Recreation) does not understand what is meant by “The installation of the sculpture reduces play/travel area that was in use.” d) The boulders at Kaiona Beach Park were placed intentionally to protect known burial sites in accordance with State Law. Regrettably, park users have a history of putting up large canopies that require pegs from 12-18 inches long. After reviewing options it was decided that the best way to eliminate the potential of pegs penetrating the burials was to place the boulders. A request to repair the fence that is routinely vandalized has been submitted.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       McMillan had concerns that campers at “Baby Makapu’u” were being cited $1,000. Aylett will follow-up.

2)       Solomon Spencer had two concerns regarding Waimanalo Beach Park: a) two stakes with yellow flags sticking out of the ground near the goal posts; b) there are lots of ants. He suggested spraying the area. Aylett will follow-up.

APPROVAL OF AUGUST 10, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Ellsworth moved and Kahalewai seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board approve the minutes as submitted. The motion carried 10-0-1. Abstain: Bettencourt.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

Shrimp Truck – Chair Ho said he received a concern from a resident inquiring why the shrimp truck was parked in front of the quarry and in front of the bus stop.

I ka na’au o ke keiki – Gwen Kailihiwa stated their mission is to encourage and support more foster families in the Waimanalo community involvement and to link the foster families to the available resources in the community. She has been a foster parent since 2001 and has been working with Kokua Ohana to help her start a Waimanalo

Hui to reach out and help the foster families and Kupuna raising their grandchildren. The Waimanalo Hui meets monthly to help form relationships with lasting bonds with other families that share similar experiences. The meetings are held the last Wednesday of the month at the Waimanalo Health Center from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Chair Ho thanked Kailihiwa for her work in the community.

2)       McMillan mentioned she raises five foster children. (A round of applause was given at this time).

3)       Kailihiwa said if you know of anyone who wants to be a foster parent to please contact her, there is not enough homes for foster children. (A round of applause was given at this time).

Kuilima Expansion Project – Chair Ho noted that a copy of Bettencourt’s resolution was circulated to the Board members at last month’s meeting. Bettencourt stated the resolution has already been passed by the North Shore Neighborhood Board and others. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Kuilima Expansion project is more than 20 years old. Bettencourt moved and Ellsworth seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 adopt a resolution requesting the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) and the Office of Environmental Quality Control (OEQC) determine whether a supplemental environmental impact statement should be prepared and accepted by Department before further subdivision permits are issued for the Kuilima Expansion project. The motion carried, 10-1-0. Nay: Andrews.

PUBLIC INPUT (Part II):

American Cancer Society – No report or representative was available.

Bus Stop Shelters – Resident Amanda Hermanson reiterated her concerns about the lack of bus stop shelters in Waimanalo, specifically near the 7-Eleven, and Waimanalo Elementary; and extending the hours of Bus route 77. She submitted a petition signed by residents asking the City to extend Bus route 77 to evenings, weekends and holidays. Chair Ho said the Mayor’s representative already responded to these concerns.

Various Issues – McMillan stated: 1) She contacted DOT (State Department of Transportation) regarding the lack of sidewalks at Nakini and Oluolu Streets. A project that was supposed to begin in three years, will now begin in four months. (A round of applause was given at this time). 2) A lot of people in the community walk up to her and ask for help. 3) There are a lot of children who go to school with no lunch money. She called the school and they are only allowed one IOU. There needs to be a petty cash fund so that children are not deprived of lunch.

DUI Laws – Bettencourt said we need to keep our community informed regarding DUI laws (resident Lucy Akau’s concern). Harriet Seaburry of MADD, noted that the DUI laws are available on the Internet.

Thank You – Resident Sui Lan Kepa thanked the Board for listening to her issues with Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. She also thanked her family for their support. The Channel 2 News report on her case contained errors. The report indicated that the community was against her. She gathered 184 signatures from Waimanalo residents to keep her home. They also said she was behind on her rent, which is not true. The notice of lease cancellation did not mention anything about “ice”. The case has been going on since April 2005. She has received an eviction notice on August 25, 2006.

Sewage Line Update – Gary Wailehua of Alline Inc. stated the sewage line project is one-third completed.

Chair Ho asked if there has been any negative reaction from the community. Wailehua answered no, this has probably been the best place they have ever worked. (A round of applause was given at this time). Chair Ho thanked Wailehua for their work.

OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS:

U.S. Marines – Lt. Col. Patricia Johnson introduced the new director of Public Affairs, Maj. Chris Perrine (her replacement as the U.S. Marines liaison). (A round of applause was given at this time). Maj. Perrine reported: 1) He is looking forward in working with the Board and the community. He’s been stationed in Hawai’i for the past two years and just returned from a tour in Iraq. 2) He did sign an approval letter today to participate in the Waimanalo Christmas Parade. 3) The military will be honored during halftime of this Saturday’s UH football game at Aloha Stadium. It’s military appreciation night. 4) Marines are returning from Iraq. 5) The airfield will be closed during Columbus Day weekend. 6) There have been problems with runway crossings. While on base please follow approved routes.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Chair Ho mentioned the elementary school has a partnership with the Marines. He stated it would be nice if the Marines could hold an event with the school. Maj. Perrine will follow-up.

2)       Jamila said he sent the request to the Marines to participated at the December 16 Waimanalo Christmas Parade. He welcomed Maj. Perrine and thanked him for accepting the invitation.

USAF Bellows – Capt. David Talafuse reported: 1) A farewell party was held for a group of airmen going to Iraq. It will be an eight-month deployment. 2) They are hiring lifeguards. Starting pay is $10-$14 based on experience, and it includes benefits. 3) If anyone has pictures of the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor or know of anyone who experienced the attack, please contact him.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       A couple of Board members and a resident gave Capt. Talafuse the name of a resident who could assist him with the Pearl Harbor attack.

2)       Capt. Talafuse stated lifeguards are on duty seven days per week. For more information on the job openings, please call 259-4128 or visit www.bellowsafs.com. (A round of applause was given at this time).

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Senator Fred Hemmings – No report or representative was available.

Governor’s Representative – No report or representative was available.

Councilmember Barbara Marshall – J. Ikaika Anderson circulated Councilmember Marshall’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Councilmember Marshall sends her regrets. 2) Improvements to Waimanalo Beach Park playcourts will begin in a couple of months. 3) Repairs to the Waimanalo Gym will occur between November and December. 4) Their office submitted a RISR (request for investigation and service report) for the request for bus stop shelters in the community.

Mabel Spencer had concerns that there are lots of ants at Waimanalo Beach Park. Also, the sprinkler system needs to be upgraded at the beach park. Park personnel water the grass manually. Anderson will follow-up.

Representative Tommy Waters – Representative Waters circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) All the certificates of recognition were hand-signed by House Speaker Say, who was happy to do it. (A round of applause was given at this time). 2) He introduced a bill to underground utility lines, but it would be very expensive. 3) A couple of months ago, he wrote a letter to HCDCH (Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawai’i) that it is their responsibility to clean up the stream. Residents are not responsible because their property only extends 15 feet. He introduced a bill to transfer the land to the Department of Agricultural, but they didn’t want it so he’s still working on the issue. 

Chair Ho thanked Representative Waters for all his work in the community.

Congressman Ed Case – No report or representative was available.

Oceanic Institute – No report or representative was available.

Bellows AFS Restoration – No report or representative was available.

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

Waimanalo Health Center – No report or representative was available.

EDUCATION:

Blanche Pope Elementary – Sherry Vega reported: 1) She is the facilitator of the family focus group at Blanche Pope Elementary. She is trying to form a PSTA (Parent Student Teacher Association). 2) They are planning to hold a fun fair in March 2007 – similar to Sunset on the Beach, but without the movie.

Chair Ho suggested contacting Keoni Fraser of CHAMP. Chair Ho said he tried to form a PSTA three years ago, but go nowhere. He thanked Vega for her work in the community. (A round of applause was given at this time).

OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS:

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

Wastewater Treatment Plant – Mabel Spencer said rehabilitation of the Waimanalo Wastewater Treatment Plant is part of the big picture. Laulima O Waimanalo has been in contact with DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources. Hopefully, they will make a presentation at November’s meeting.

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 9:14 p.m.

Submitted by:

Steve J. Rodrigues,

Neighborhood Assistant