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WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 32

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 2007

WAIMANLALO PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARY

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Wilson Kekoa Ho called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with a quorum present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Beverly Addington, Nani Akeo, David Bettencourt, Phillip Ellsworth, Wilson Kekoa Ho, Fred Humphrey, Andrew Jamila, Jr., Solomon Spencer.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Peter “Kahana” Albinio, Michael Buck, Cynthia Wahinekapu.

VACANCY: One (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 4.

GUESTS: Cyndy Aylett (Mayor’s Representative), J. Ikaika Anderson (Council Chair Barbara Marshall’s office), Micah Kane (Governor’s Representative), Representative Tommy Waters, Mandy Pearson (Representative Waters’ office), Cynthia Paliracio (Senator Fred Hemmings’ office), Captain Paul Kahele (HFD), Lt. Dave Eber (HPD), Captain Tamara Duke Patrick (U.S. Air Force Bellows), Major Chris Perrine (MCBH), Renee Wallace Silberstein (DPR), Russ Saito (DAGS), Ofelia Carag and Mike St. Laurent (Blanche Pope Elementary), Francine Honda (Kailua High School), Susan Hummel (Waimanalo Elementary & Intermediate), Lani Almanza (American Cancer Society), Julie Dugan (Job Corps), Michael Kahumoku (Hope Chapel Waimanalo), Gwen Kailihiwa (Kokua Ohana), Mitchell Nakagawa (HBL), Kehau Padilla (96795 News), Becky Paul (Kau Inoa), Bob Farrell and Yvonne Cardenas (videographer); Lucy Akau, Jaye Aquino, Pricilla Ho, Sui Lan Kepa, Mabel Spencer, Richard Ubersax; Leland Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

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

ANNOUNCEMENT I: Chair Ho reminded everyone that next month’s meeting will be held at the Hawai’i Army National Guard Training Auditorium.

FILLING OF VACANCIES IN SUBDISTRICTS 4:  Chair Ho asked if there were any candidates willing to fill the vacancy in subdistrict 4. There were no willing candidates.

CITY EMERGENCY AGENCIES/PUBLIC INPUT (Part I)

Honolulu Fire Department – Captain Paul Kahele reported: 1) For the month of July, the Waimanalo Fire Station responded to 4 fires, 36 medical emergencies, 2 search and rescues, 2 vehicle accidents, and 5 false alarms. 2) Three Waimanalo teenagers assisted HFD in putting out a fire. 3) They responded to a three car accident that involved infants. He encouraged parents to buckle up their babies in a car seat and place them in the center of the vehicle. 4) The station also responded to a shark bite at Bellows. 5) Safety Tip: With the beginning of a new school year, please be careful while driving near schools. Also, look both ways before crossing the street.

Chair Ho asked Captain Kahele to give him the names of the three teenage heroes so that Representative Waters and Council Chair Marshall can honor them at the next Board meeting.

Honolulu Police Department – Lt. Dave Eber reported: 1) For the month of June in the Waimanalo area, there were 9 auto theft recoveries, 3 burglaries, 1 drunk nuisance,  5 harassment, 24 hazardous drivers, 4 motor vehicle thefts, 31 noise complaints, 11 property damage, 2 rape, 4 simple assaults, 18 thefts, 2 threatening, 30 traffic stops, 25 UEMV, 5 warrant arrests. 2) They received complaints regarding vehicles driving on the beach during the night. Officers on ATV’s cited nine vehicles for this infraction.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Chair Ho inquired how many officers are assigned to Waimanalo. Lt. Eber stated one sergeant and three officers. 2) Addington asked how long can a vehicle park on the street without being moved. Lt. Eber answered 24 hours. The fine is $270.

Mayor’s Representative – Cyndy Aylett reported: 1) She congratulated Waimanalo Health Center for a successful health fair. 2) The City is sponsoring a recycling fair on September 6. Buses will be available to pick up school children. 3) Follow-up: a) the playcourts at Waimanalo District Park should be open shortly; b) the numbers at the camp grounds will be changed to match the map; c) work to fix the fence at Kaiona Beach Park will begin in four weeks; d) the request for adequate signage at the scenic parking lot near the Makapu’u Lighthouse is a State issue; e) a new bus shelter will be installed at the Nikini Street bus stop in 2008.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Jamila said the tennis courts still have no nets. Aylett will follow-up. 2) Jamila gave a letter to Aylett signed by 12 kupuna concerned about the safety of the bus stop fronting Weinberg Village. Aylett will follow-up. 3) A resident mentioned the street lights on Hihimanu Street have burned out. Aylett will follow-up. 4) A resident indicated the bathrooms at the Waimanalo Pavilion needs doors. Due to vandalism, she suggested locking the bathrooms at night. Aylett will follow-up. 5) Akeo asked if the fence on the beach-side of Kaiona Beach Park will be replaced first. Aylett will follow-up.

Council Chair Barbara Marshall – J. Ikaika Anderson circulated Council Chair Marshall’s monthly report. In addition, he stated: 1) He congratulated Waimanalo Health Center on their 15th Anniversary and health fair. 2) Council Chair Marshall will be honoring Hawai’i Job Corp on Wednesday in front of the Full Council. The Job Corp has been ranked number one in the nation for the past couple of years. 3) The deadline to apply for the County Tax Credit or Real Property Tax exemptions is October 1. If anyone has any questions, he can be reached at 547-7003.

APPROVAL OF JULY 9, 2007 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Ellsworth moved and Jamila seconded to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion carried unanimously.

ANNOUNCEMENTS II:

Waimanalo Neighborhood Board Meeting – Chair Ho announced that the Board meeting is aired on Sundays on Olelo, channel 49, at 9:00 p.m.

Sunshine Law Training – Chair Ho also announced that the Neighborhood Commission Office will be holding Sunshine Law training for Neighborhood Board members on August 14, 2007, Mission Memorial Auditorium.

Rediscover Waimanalo Fair – Jamila announced the next planning meeting for the Rediscover Waimanalo Fair will be held on August 23, 2007, Waimanalo District Park, multipurpose building, 6:30 p.m. All non-profit and vendors are welcome. The event is scheduled for October 19-21.

The Honolulu Century Ride – Mitchell Nakagawa, Hawai’i Bicycling League, announced the 26th Annual Honolulu Century Ride will be held on Sunday September 30, 2007. The ride begins and ends at Kapiolani Park. The course will come up Kalanianaole Highway, left on Hihimanu, left at the district park, right on Waikupanaha, right on Kumuhau, and left on Kalanianaole. There will be no road closures, detours or street coning. Out of the 4,500 riders, about 2,000 will pass through Waimanalo. Seven police officers will be placed in Waimanalo. He asked for the Board’s support. For more information, he can be reached at 735-5756.

Chair Ho stated the international riders have no regard for vehicles, as they ride side-by-side instead of single file. He’s concerned for the safety of the riders, as well as they should have courtesy for Waimanalo residents. Chair Ho said he would write a letter of support.

Jamila moved and Akeo seconded to add the Kailua High School access road to the agenda. The motion carried unanimously.

Kailua High School Access Road – Russ Saito, Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), gave a brief update on the proposed access road for Kailua High School. The concern was the traffic going through the Pohakupu subdivision. The task force came up with seven alternatives, including a no built option. An Environment Impact Statement (EIS) was done and there was Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for each of the alternatives. The designs have begun and the contract will be awarded shortly. The Department of Education (DOE) sent a letter with a new alternative: improvement of the Akiohala Street access, including the addition of a parking lot. Under the option, the school would permit, during special events, cross campus

connections between the Akiohala and Ulumanu Drive entrances to facilitate more cars parking on campus and not in the Pohakupu subdivision. DAGS will need to reassess the project. They will also need to go back to the Legislature for funding.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Chair Ho noted that two-thirds of the access road is already constructed. The community has discussed and researched this issue. About 50 percent of the student body comes from Waimanalo. 2) Representative Waters said he supports whatever the community wants. He would rather build a new high school near the women’s prison. He also questioned the $8 million price tag. 3) A resident stated the traffic is horrendous in the morning, and suggested a left-turn signal. 4) Jamila mentioned there will be opposition from area residents now that there is urban use in the area..

Jamila moved and Akeo seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 support the Akiohala Access Road alternative, including installing a left-turn signal. Discussion ensued. The motion carried, 8-1-0. Nay: Bettencourt.

Waimanalo Relay for Life – Lani Almanza, American Cancer Society, said the 2007 Waimanalo Relay for Life honored the late Cookie Summer. Her niece, Celeste Parker, was the event co-Chair. They raised $30,000, which is a 100 percent increase over the previous year. Almanza asked the community to support the 2008 Relay for Life and years to come. She showed a brief slide presentation that contained names of those who were inflicted with cancer.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

Overgrown Trees – A resident said the trees need to be trimmed on Kalanianaole Highway near St Matthew’s Church. Representative Waters will follow-up. Chair Ho mentioned if the trees are affecting the electrical lines, to contact Hawaiian Electric (HECO).

Bellows’ Project – Chair Ho had concerns regarding a newspaper article indicating a $35 million project to be constructed at Bellows. The community is upset that they were not notified and only found out by reading the paper. He asked why an Environmental Assessment (EA) was not done. Bellows is on ceded land. The Hawaiian community prefers nothing be built on the land. This issue brings a lot of distrust. The article says it’s a done deal. Land is precious and the community will fight for it.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Major Chris Perrine, U.S. Marines, stated the $35 million project has not been approved yet. It is not a done deal. The project was presented to the Board in 2003. The project calls for (Matson-type) containers. No permanent structures will be built. He apologized, as he was only notified last week. At that time, he sent an email to Chair Ho. If they proceed with the $10 million project, he will notify the community. 2) Chair Ho said although it was in the minutes, it was an intention at that time and not a plan. 3) Resident Mabel Spencer, who sits on the Restoration Advisory Board (RAB), said they were never notified. The apology is not acceptable, it is appalling. At the last RAB meeting, they were called out of order because they didn’t accept the plan. 4) A resident was concerned about military maneuvers on Hawaiian ceded lands. Chair Ho said the concern is not training, but notifying the community. 5) Jamila agreed that it was unacceptable to find out about this project by reading the paper. It’s shocking. The Hawaiian community wanted the ceded lands back. The community is also seeking five acres for a community base yard. 6) Bettencourt inquired if there are any plans to build housing. Major Perrine stated he isn’t aware of any plans. 7) Gwen Kailihiwa, Kokua Ohana, was so disenchanted with this issue that she excused herself from the meeting.     

COMMUNITY PUBLIC INPUT:

U.S. Marines – Major Chris Perrine reported: 1) RAB members are invited to tour their facilities. 2) On August 3, a Change of Command Ceremony was held. 3) A ribbon cutting ceremony for their corrosion repair program will be held on Wednesday. 4) At next month’s meeting, a presentation will be made for an air show in October.

USAF Bellows – Captain Tamara Duke Patrick reported: 1) She thanked everyone for a warm welcome to the community. 2) She also thanked the community for assisting the victim of a shark attack at Bellows. 3) A number of soldiers have returned from the Middle East. She thanked the community for their support. 4) Bellows will be closed this weekend for joint exercises. 5) Job opportunities are available at Bellows. 6) There will be changes to the road. Construction will begin in September and take four weeks to complete. 7) The Air Force will celebrate its

60th Anniversary from September 7-11, 2007. There will be a Thunderbird Air Show and a parade in Waikiki. 8)  She also thanked Wilbur Ho, DPR, for directing City workers to pick up trash along Bellows. 9) A planning meeting to build 48 duplex cabins will be held in October. The project is tentative scheduled one year from now. 10) Yesterday, she noticed graffiti on their premises. 11) An individual injured his spine while horse playing in the water. She asked everyone to be careful.   

Hawai’i Job Corps – Julie Dugan stated: 1) Students are thankful to be honored by the City Council this Wednesday. She thanked Councilmember Marshall, 2) Job Corps volunteered at this past weekend’s Waimanalo Health Center Health Fair. 3) Students will cater a community event this weekend.

Governor’s Representative – Micah Kane stated: 1) He apologized for missing the past meetings. 2) The Governor appointed two new members to her cabinet: Laura Thielen – Department of Land and Natural Resources, and Darwin Ching – Labor and Industrial Relations. 3) The Governor’s 4th Annual International Women’s Conference will be held on September 25, 2007. Everyone is invited.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) A resident asked if the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) were given to the military. Kane answered the land was never deeded to DHHL. Chair Ho added that the 175 acres was part of the Cayetano administration. 2) Jamila inquired about the Kakaina/Hihimanu properties. Kane stated the project will be awarded late 07/early 08. There are drainage issues. There were concerns regarding the Kakaina property (i.e. drug activity, stolen vehicles, etc.). 3) A resident asked who do DHHL residents contact if there is an emergency. Kane answered DHHL. 4) A resident mentioned Kane was recognized for outstanding leadership by the Hawaiian Civic Club. (A round of applause was given at this time).

Senator Fred Hemmings – Cynthia Paliracio introduced herself. She will be representing Senator Hemmings at the Neighborhood Board meetings.

Representative Tommy Waters – Representative Waters circulated his monthly report. In addition, he stated: 1) He introduced his new aide, Mandy Pearson. She is putting together an e-newsletter. If anyone wants to be placed on the mailing list, please send your request to repwaters@capitol.hawaii.gov. 2) Regarding the Kailua High School access road, he will defer to the Board and the community. The idea came from the community. He was able to secure $5 million for the project, but would rather see the money be used to build a new library in Waimanalo. Also, a new Kailua High School is needed, along with a new women’s prison. 3) The 2007 Legislature appropriated $300,000 for a homeless shelter in Waimanalo. 4) A resident was concerned about military amphibious vehicles landing on the beach and destroying the reef. 5) There are two new laws: a) if you drive over 85 mph or 30 miles over the speed limit, you will be charged with excessive speeding. After the second conviction, your insurance rates will rise to $7,000; b) highly intoxicated law – if your blood alcohol level is 1.6 or higher, you will automatically lose your license for six months.

Hope Chapel Waimanalo – Pastor Michael Kahumoku said Hope Chapel offers the use of their sound system for any community event, free of charge.

Kokua Ohana – Gwen Kailihiwa deferred her report.

Waimanalo Health Center – No report or representative was available.

Bellows AFS Restoration – No report or representative was available.

Blanche Pope Elementary School – Principal Ofelia Carag reported: 1) She thanked Hope Chapel Waimanalo for assisting in the school’s sidewalk project. 2) She also thanked the community and Costco for donating school supplies. 3) HSA scores for the 2006-2007 school year are out and Blanche Pope did not meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). However, scores have increased from the 2005-2006 school year. 4) The School Community Council (SCC) will be holding their first meeting on September 12, 6:00 p.m. Dinner will be served. The community is invited. 5) Jobs are available for dependable and responsible individuals. The part-time jobs are lunch ticket taker and lunch monitor.

Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate School – Principal Susan Hummel reported: 1) She circulated a follow-up report from May’s meeting. It includes HSA scores – both reading and math scores have improved. Waimanalo Elementary has met AYP. It has been 12 years since they have met AYP. 2) The school is looking for

part-time teachers to oversee the school garden. They received a grant from the State Department of Health (DOH) relating to healthy eating and healthy families. 3) She clarified last month’s report made by Vice Principal Noel Richardson regarding students who were promoted to the next grade.

96795 News – Kehau Padilla said they sent out over 2,000 newsletters. 96795 News is asking the community to submit articles.

Friends of Waimanalo Roundtable – No report or representative was available.

Oceanic Institute – No report or representative was available.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirano – No report or representative was available.

Waimanalo Hawaiian Homes Association – No report or representative was available.

Waimanalo Beach Park Recreation and Education – Renee Wallace Silberstein, Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), reported: 1) She thanked the Board for keeping her on the agenda. 2) She also thanked the community for supporting DPR’s programs, including Summer Fun. 3) Registration for Fall Programs will begin on September 5, and continue through September 7. 4) The gym is now open – and it will remain open on Friday and Saturday nights. 5) A planning meeting for the Halloween Dance will be held on August 26, Waimanalo District Park, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The dance is scheduled for October 26. For more information, call 259-4926.

Wastewater Treatment Plant – Mabel Spencer had no report.

Waimanalo Agricultural Association – No report or representative was available.

ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 9:51 p.m.

Submitted by:

Steve J. Rodrigues,

Neighborhood Assistant