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WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2006
HAWAI'I
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Wilson Kekoa Ho called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with a quorum present.
Chair Ho said the next Neighborhood Board meeting is scheduled for October 9, 2006 however it is a federal holiday and this National Guard facility will be unavailable. The Board has an option to meet on October 2 (the first Monday in October). There is a schedule conflict with October 16 (the third Monday in October). By unanimous consent, the Board agreed to meet on October 2. In addition, the Board airings on Olelo has changed from Sundays on channel 49 at 6:00 p.m. to Sundays on channel 54 at 9:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Nani Akeo, Peter "Kahana" Albinio, Jr., Kevin Andrews, David Bettencourt, Joe Birtles, Phillip Ellsworth, Wilson Kekoa Ho, Andrew Jamila, Jr., Blanche McMillan, Mabel Spencer, Solomon Spencer.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael Buck, Bobbie Kahalewai.
GUESTS: Cyndy Aylett (Mayor's Representative), J. Ikaika Anderson (Councilmember Barbara Marshall's office), Esther Kiaaina (Congressman Ed Case's office), Micah Kane (Governor's Representative), Heather Bankston (Senator Fred Hemmings' office), Representative Tommy Waters, Lt John Cheong (HPD), Devin Nekoba (BWS), Lt. Col. Patricia Johnson (MCBH), Julie Dugan (Hawai'i Job Corps), Fred Welch (Hope Chapel Waimanalo), Corey Adler (UH APIYVP Center), Lani Almanza (American Cancer Society), Dean Otsuki (East O'ahu Lifeguard Association), Lucy Akau, Jaye Aquino, Moana DeMello, Amanda Hermanson, Pricilla Ho, Kapiolani K., Sui Lan Kepa, Rich Ubersax, 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 Police Department – Lt. John Cheong reported: 1) For the month of August in the Waimanalo area, there were 3 auto theft recoveries, 4 burglaries, 5 drunk nuisance, 1 DUI, 1 fireworks violation, 2 graffiti, 4 harassments, 18 hazardous drivers, 1 loud party, 5 motor vehicle thefts, 21 noise complaints, 23 nuisance complaints, 8 property damage, 1 robbery, 2 simple assaults, 15 thefts, 46 traffic stops, 14 UEMV, 3 vehicles towed (abandoned). There were a total of 593 calls. 2) Regarding last month's inquiry about how does crime in Waimanalo compare to other parts of the island: Honolulu – 8,063; Pearl City – 7,865; East Honolulu – 5,886; Kalihi – 5,684; Kapolei/Waianae – 5,095; Waikiki – 4,808; Kailua/Kaneohe/Kahuku (including Waimanalo) – 4,669; Wahiawa – 4,106. The statistics for the district do not reflect on the Waimanalo community. (A round of applause was given at this time). 3) The break-ins at Kupuna Housing are under investigation. The thefts from the Boy Scout troop from
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Ellsworth inquired if the two women who robbed Dave's Ice Cream in Waimanalo have been arrested. Lt. Cheong answered the case is under investigation. If anyone has any information, please call 911.
2) In response to Andrews, Lt. Cheong stated he gave a copy of the 2004 crime statistics to Jamila (the statistics are broken down by geography and beats). The information is also available on-line at www.hpd.org.
3) Birtles asked if there is any information on a robbery that occurred last night at All Tree Services. Lt. Cheong answered the case is under investigation.
(Albinio arrived at 7:45 p.m.)
Mayor's Representative – Cyndy Aylett reported: 1) She thanked Vice Chair Jamila for giving her report at last month's meeting. 2) The City's "Discover Recycling Fair" will be held on September 21-23, 2006, Neal Blaisdell Center Arena. For more information, call the City's Recycling Office at 692-5410. 3) Neighborhood Assistant Steve Rodrigues circulated "Honolulu News", the Mayor's monthly newsletter.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Bettencourt had concerns about Bill 54. There is no requirement for income verification to obtain an exemption for under $50,000 of income. Aylett will follow-up.
2) Dean Otsuki of East O'ahu Lifeguard Association, inquired about the tractor clean-up schedule for the beaches in Waimanalo. Aylett noted she responded to that question two meetings ago. Otsuki's concern was that beaches in Waimanalo were being cleaned less than other beaches (i.e.
3) A resident said a bus stop overhead cover is needed for the bus stop in the Hale Apuni area. Aylett will follow-up
APPROVAL OF AUGUST 10, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Birtles moved and Ellsworth seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board approve the minutes as submitted. The motion carried unanimously.
RESIDENTS' CONCERNS:
Various Issues – Resident Amanda Hermanson requested to be on the October, November and December agendas to get and/or give status on three projects in her community. She has worked on these projects for over one year and has received no solutions from the government. Her concerns are: 1) Paving the mauka side of Kalanianaole Highway between Nakini and Oluolu Streets; 2) Constructing cover for the Waimanalo Beach Park bus stop in front of 7-Eleven; 3) Getting TheBus to run Route 77 weekends, holidays and weekends. Chair Ho asked Hermanson to have a little patience. It took six years for the City to fulfill the Board's request to move a bus stop on
Gratitude – Hermanson thanked the Waimanalo Construction Coalition for their efforts with this past weekend's Waimanalo Sunset on the Beach. (A round of applause was given at this time).
DUI Laws – Resident Lucy Akau had concerns that the public is not being educated on DUI laws (i.e. temporary license is available for those arrested for DUI to drive to work).
Speed Monitor Sign – Mabel Spencer thanked the State Department of Transportation (DOT) for installing a speed monitor sign near the school. It's a good educational program.
DOT Clarification – Chair Ho clarified two statements made by DOT spokesperson Scott Ishikawa regarding Makai Pier at last month's meeting: 1) Kalanianaole Highway wasn't moved 15 feet inwards; 2) Rainwater did not cause erosion, but leaking from underground pipes.
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) – Resident Sui Lan Kepa said she has been notified that she will be evicted from her DHHL home. Her concerns were: 1) DHHL came to her home when she wasn't home and took pictures; 2) She transferred ownership of her home to her brother, but DHHL has not recognized it; 3) The appraisal DHHL gave her for her home was too low ($91,000). She was given quotes of $268,000 (real estate appraiser) and $700,000 (City's website). She wants Micah Kane to address her concerns.
Arts in the Park – Mabel Spencer asked why wasn't the community consulted regarding the placement of an art sculpture at
Boulders in the Park – Kepa questioned why large boulders were placed inside of
PUBLIC INPUT (Part II):
American Cancer Society (ACS) – Lani Almanza announced the Hawai'i Smoke-Free Law goes into effect on November 16, in conjunction with the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout. For more information, call 211 or visit www.hawaiismokefreelaw.com.
Asian/Pacific Islander Youth Violence Prevention Center –
Waimanalo Sunset on the Beach – Jamila thanked all those who made the Waimanalo Sunset on the Beach a success (i.e. the City, Councilmember Marshall, Lucy Akau, the Ho family and all the volunteers from the community). He also thanked Hermanson for her comments. (A round of applause was given at this time).
East O'ahu Lifeguard Association – Otsuki announced they are organizing "Get the Drift & Bag It" Waimanalo Beach Clean-up on September 16, 2006, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Registration will be held at 2:30 p.m. Bags, gloves and water will be provided. Volunteer will be able to win prizes. A number of businesses and organizations are sponsoring the event. For more information, call 393-2168 or 554-2902, or visit www.eastoahulifeguards.org.
Rosette Steel Hawai'i-
OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS:
Bellows – No report or representative was available.
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Senator Fred Hemmings – Heather Bankston said Senator Hemmings sends his regrets. In addition, she asked the Board to support Senator Hemmings' resolution to request the City Council and the Mayor to abandon the rail transit proposal and rescind the half percent excise tax implementation as planned for 2007. Also, to explore and implement alternative transportation solutions including the elevated highway, moving destinations and making substantial improvements to our existing traffic infrastructure.
Chair Ho stated Waimanalo residents will pay an increase in the excise tax to build a rail transit that the majority of residents will ever use. All the costs are not related (i.e. bus, rail, etc.). Since this item is not on the agenda the Board will need to vote by a two-thirds vote to add it to the agenda. Mabel Spencer moved and Andrews seconded to add Senator Hemmings' resolution to the agenda. The motion passed, 9-2-0. Nay: Bettencourt, Birtles. Mabel Spencer moved and Andrews seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 support Senator Hemmings' resolution. Bettencourt indicated he does not support a toll road. The motion passed, 9-2-0. Nay: Bettencourt, Birtles.
Governor's Representative – Micah Kane reported DHHL is owned 640 acres in Kalaeloa (formerly Barbers Point). Approximately half of those acres have been awarded to the department. Navy lands have been under consideration.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) In response to Chair Ho, Kane stated since the Lingle Administration took office they have awarded 2,500 homes to those on the DHHL waiting list. Before this administration, they awarded only 100 homes per year. The Lingle Administration's goal is to award 6,000 homes in a five-year period. (A round of applause was given at this time).
2) Jamila commended Kane for putting qualified Hawaiians on DHHL homes. As a representative of Subdistrict 3, residents have asked to be included in the planning of the nearby project. Kane stated they are in the process of doing the site contract. They have received complaints regarding drugs, drinking, etc. Their goal is to clean the lot, maintain it and secure the lot. There are a number of issues including drainage. When it rains the water goes to
3) Kepa reiterated her concern about DHHL taking pictures while she wasn't home, etc. Kane said DHHL has give Kepa additional time to stay in her home. The Commission did vote unanimously to evict Kepa because of various criminal activities. It's something that they don't take lightly.
4) Hermanson thanked DHHL for addressing drugs, thefts, etc. (A round of applause was given at this time).
Representative Tommy Waters – Representative Waters circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) A meeting will be held regarding the second access road for
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Chair Ho had concerns about spending $5 million for the second access road, especially since no parking is allowed at the end of the road. Representative Waters will discuss it at the meeting.
2) Jamila inquired about funding for sidewalks at the Hawai'i Job Corps site. Representative Waters indicated U.S. Senator Inouye appropriated $115,000 in planning money. Representative Waters said he will ask for construction money at next year's session.
3) Bettencourt mentioned there was a concern earlier in the meeting regarding DUI and the forms being so complicated. The Legislature needs to clarify the issue to help those who don't have money to hire an attorney. Representative Waters said he would be happy to look into the matter.
4) Jamila had concerns about a new law that drivers' abstract now goes back 10 years instead of 3 years. This change will result in millions of dollars going into the insurance companies pockets.
Councilmember Barbara Marshall – J. Ikaika Anderson circulated Councilmember Marshall's monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Councilmember Marshall sends her regrets. 2) The City Council will be recognizing Andrew Jamila and the Waimanalo Construction Coalition on October 25, 2006 for their efforts with the Waimanalo Sunset on the Beach. (A round of applause was given at this time).
Bettencourt reiterated his question regarding Bill 54.
Congressman Ed Case – Esther Kiaaina circulated Congressman Case's monthly newsletter and highlighted the following: 1) Congress is currently in recess. 2) She thanked everyone who applied for the native Hawaiian grants. 3) The Letter to the Editor regarding Congressman Case's opposition to Legal Aid is not true.
(Albinio departed at 9:20 p.m.)
Oceanic Institute – No report or representative was available.
Bellows AFS Restoration – No report or representative was available.
EDUCATION:
Blanche Pope Elementary – No report or representative was available.
OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS:
Waimanalo Hawaiian
Wastewater Treatment Plant – Mabel Spencer had no report.
Nation of
Waimanalo Farm Association – No report or representative was available.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Devin Nekoba circulated BWS' monthly report.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1) Bettencourt said he would like to introduce a resolution regarding Turtle Bay Resort addressing the Special Management Area Use Permit and the Environmental Impact Statement at next month's agenda.
ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 9:28 p.m.
Submitted by:
Steve J. Rodrigues,
Neighborhood Assistant