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WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 2007

HAWAI’I ARMY NATIONAL GUARD TRAINING AUDITORIUM

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Wilson Kekoa Ho called the meeting to order at 7:28 p.m. with a quorum present.

Chair Ho welcomed everyone to the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board meeting. He thanked Commander Wong and Staff Sgt. Callejo for the use of the Hawai’i Army National Guard Training Auditorium. In addition, he acknowledged Bob Farrell and Yvonne Cardenas for an outstanding job videotaping the meeting on Olelo. (A round of applause was given at this time). Chair Ho reminded everyone to sign-in on the attendance sheet. Also, on the sign-in table is information on Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Spring Program for Waimanalo District Park.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Nani Akeo, Kevin Andrews, David Bettencourt, Michael Buck, Phillip Ellsworth, Wilson Kekoa Ho, Andrew Jamila, Jr., Bobbie Kahalewai, Mabel Spencer, Solomon Spencer.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Peter “Kahana” Albinio, Jr., Joe Birtles, Blanche McMillan.

GUESTS: Cyndy Aylett (Mayor’s Representative), J. Ikaika Anderson (Councilmember Barbara Marshall’s office), Micah Kane (Governor’s Representative), Heather Bankston (Senator Fred Hemmings’ office), Lt. Richard Robinson (HPD), Devon Nekoba (BWS), Renee Wallace-Silberstein (DPR), Commander Wong and SSG Callejo (Hawai’i Army National Guard), Maj. Chris Perrine (MCBH), Julie Dugan (Hawai’i Job Corp), Celeste P. (Waimanalo Relay for Life), May Akamine (Waimanalo Health Center), Kehau Padilla (Friends of Waimanalo), Joseph Aipa (Oceanic Institute), Victoria Kekahuna (Aneka’s Hale), Tayshea and Kimo Awohi, Ashley Eismann, Jessica Hauki and Brandi Tamasoa (Tayshea Awohi Foundation), Wayne Panoke (Ilioulaokalani), Rose Canon, Moana DeMello, Pricilla Ho, Sui Lan Kepa, Ken Lesperance, Connie Oki, William Rodrigues, 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 – No report or representative was available.

Honolulu Police Department – Lt. Richard Robinson reported: 1) For the months of November/December in the Waimanalo area, there were 1/NA aggravated assault, 7/3 auto theft recoveries, 2/1 burglaries, 1/2 drunk nuisance, 2/NA DUI, 34/76 fireworks violations, 1/NA graffiti, 3/4 harassments, 15/11 hazardous drivers, 3/7 loud parties, 2/1 missing person, 4/2 motor vehicle theft, 23/28 noise complaints, 27/31 nuisance complaints, 10/4 property damage, 6/2 simple assault, 10/21 thefts, 2/1 threatening, 45/67 traffic stops, 14/17 UEMV, 6/8 vehicles towed (abandoned), 8/9 warrant arrests, and 652/752 total calls. 2) He will be the permanent HPD representative at the monthly Board meetings.

Mayor’s Representative – Cyndy Aylett reported on follow-up items: 1) The Department of Design and Construction (DDC) has oversight responsibility for the planning and construction of the Waimanalo gym roof repairs. The work was completed and accepted by the City. The leaking is covered under the warranty. As soon as the leaks were reported the contractor was notified. The contractor inspected the roof leaks reported under the roof ventilator. A water test was conducted in the area, but the exact location of the leak could not be found. The contractor re-caulked the seams in the flashing in this area. The work has reduced the leaks, but there remains one small leak which the contractor and Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) are monitoring. The construction contract for the exterior courts is still underway. The work has not been completed and is the responsibility of that contractor. 2) DDC also has the oversight responsibility for the planning and construction of the play courts. The foundations for all of the new light poles have been constructed. The weather is delaying the installation of the light poles. Once the ground is dry enough, the poles will be installed and the courts can then be paved. Approximately two months more of work remains. Completion will depend on the weather. 3) DPR works

to schedule all facilities fairly and equitably among all park users. With the growth in youth sports the “traditional” boundary has faded as player from Kailua and Waimanalo have come together on numerous teams. The sports councils are composed of all of the organization that use park(s) annually in a community (i.e. Kailua/Waimanalo). The supervisor of each community complex works with the sports council that oversee the parks within the community. An organization may be a member of two sports or more councils if their practices/games use their facilities. For information about sports councils, please call the Windward District Office at 233-7300. 4) DPR has seen the display prepared by McMillan and has taken action to remedy the problems. The recent hiring of new staff has provided the much needed manpower to improve coverage at Waimanalo District Park, Waimanalo Beach Park and Makapu’u Beach Park. The disrepair of the restroom facilities is a result of daily abuse by park users and vandalism. Repairs are needed to bring the facilities up to an acceptable standard. However, without community and HPD intervention to deter future vandalism and abuse the facilities will quickly deteriorate again. 5) The project manager for the Waimanalo gym is Robert Inouye. He can be reached at 523-6325. The contractor is Abbe & Svoboda, Inc. 6) The access road to Kailua High School is a State project. 7) The Handi-Van is a curb-to-curb public transportation service that operates on public roadways, and not on private roadways or driveways. In the past, some drivers had chosen to enter the private driveway to Mrs. Rowe’s home. A recent site assessment revealed that the road is long and narrow with rocks on one side and large vehicles often parked along the opposite side. While certain drivers may have chosen to transverse this road in the past, OTS determined that van drivers cannot provide service along the roadway safely.

Concerns and comments followed:

1) In response to Chair Ho, Aylett stated the road was inspected.

2) A resident indicated the site numbers at Waimanalo Beach Park do not match the campsite diagrams. Aylett will follow-up.

3) A resident asked if there are any plans to build a swimming pool in Waimanalo. Aylett will follow-up. Chair Ho explained when a swimming pool was first proposed six to eight years ago, it would’ve cost $6 million to construct and $2 million a year to maintain.

4) Akeo mentioned the chain link fence near the Kaiona Beach Park parking lot is broken. She asked when will it be repaired. Aylett will follow-up.

APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 13, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Buck moved and Jamila seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board approve the minutes with the following corrections:

Page 3, under Pony League, first line, delete “funding” and insert “support”.

Page 5, under Announcements, third line, delete “illegible” and insert “eligible”.

The motion carried unanimously.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

Tayshea Awohi Foundation – Tayshea Awohi said the foundation will be closing down their clean and sober house on Mekia Street because their lease has expired. They have been offered another house in Waimanalo. The clean and sober house was a structured program for women with rules, curfews, chores, etc. A lot women didn’t succeed and a lot of them didn’t act appropriately.

Awohi answered: 1) They have to move out of the house by January 15. 2) Their next location would be on Inaole Street. No papers have been signed yet. 3) As to their success rate, 6 out of 10 women remain clean and sober. The Judiciary supports their program.

Chair Ho thanked Awohi. (A round of applause was given at this time).

Clean and Sober House – A former client at the clean and sober house said there is no structure at the facility. Although she followed every rule, she got evicted because she had a daughter.

96795 News – Kehau Padilla announced 96795 News is going online. The website address is www.96795News.org. She encouraged everyone to visit the site. In addition, Padilla gave a brief update on Empower Waimanalo.

Christmas Gathering – Mabel Spencer thanked Chair Ho for gathering the Board members together for a Christmas dinner. The Board has never fellowshipped outside of the Board meeting. Besides Chair Ho, she also thanked Chair Ho’s wife. One of the topics of discussion was the Christmas light displays on the houses as you’re entering Waimanalo. It gives Waimanalo the yuletide spirit. The Board wants to know their residents. (A round of applause was given at this time). Jamila echoed Spencer’s sentiments. (Another round of applause was given).

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Neighborhood Board Elections for 2007-2009 Board Term – Chair Ho announced that the deadline to submit an application for the Neighborhood Board Elections is Tuesday, January 16, 2007.

Ilioulaokalani Presentation – Wayne Panoke said the Ilioulaokalani Board of Directors has taken a strong position to protect the shorelines on O’ahu. Presently, their efforts are trying to preserve the Kahalu’u shoreline. Developers want to build 18 luxury homes along the shoreline. Besides Ilioulaokalani, residents are opposed to the development. He hopes all Windward residents will come out and support their efforts. (A round of applause was given at this time).

Waimanalo Christmas Parade – Jamila announced that the Waimanalo Christmas Parade would be aired on Olelo Channel 52 on January 11, January 25, etc. (A round of applause was given at this time).

PUBLIC INPUT (Part II):

American Cancer Society Relay of Life - Celeste P. announced the Relay of Life Waimanalo Kickoff will be held on January 19, 2007, Waimanalo Health Center Parking Lot, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Registration fees for a team is $50. Their goal is to have 30 teams. For more information, she can be reached at 256-5740. (A round of applause was given at this time).

Department of Parks and Recreation Spring Program – Renee Wallace-Silberstein introduced herself. She is the new Recreation Director for Waimanalo Beach Park. In addition, she announced that registration for Spring Program will be held on January 17-19, 2007, Waimanalo District Park. The program begins on January 29. For more information, call 259-8926 or 259-9106.

OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS:

Hawai’i Army National Guard – Commander Wong indicated that they would be using the training auditorium for the months of March and August. Chair Ho said the Board would meet at the Waimanalo Public & School Library for those aforementioned months.

U.S. Marines – Maj. Chris Perrine reported: 1) On January 5, 2007, the Navy League awarded six military spouses in Mayor Hannemann’s office for their tireless support of their military spouse and unit. 2) The Third Radio Battalion will participate in a joint color guard at the Hula Bowl on January 14. They will also participate I the Martin Luther King parade on January 15. 3) The base chaplain and volunteers will help feed the homeless at IHS on January 26 as part of a community outreach program. 4) Noise Advisory: several flights of F-18 aircraft will come through the Marine Corps Air Facility as part of a transatlantic movement. This may result in an increased noise level on several days throughout the month. 5) Public Scoping Meeting: the Department of Navy plans to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) regarding the feasibility of replacing the P-3C aircraft at MCBH with P-8A aircraft. No decisions have been made, and a detailed study will be conducted. A Public Scope meeting will be held on January 18, 2007, Pacific Beach Hotel, 8:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to allow the public to submit written comments on environmental concerns that need to be addressed in the EIS. For more information, contact 757-322-4894 or visit www.mmaeis.com.

Chair Ho inquired about the lease agreement with Bellows. Maj. Perrine will follow-up. Chair Ho then asked Maj. Perrine if he would be the regular representative for the U.S. Marines. Maj. Perrine answered in the affirmative.

USAF Bellows – No report or representative was available.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Senator Fred Hemmings – Heather Bankston circulated Senator Hemmings’ monthly report and was available for questions.

Governor’s Representative – Micah Kane stated: 1) All members of the Governor’s Cabinet are coming before subject committees. Also, the administration’s budget will be presented to the Senate Ways and Mean Committee and the House Finance Committee. 2) He thanked Chair Ho for attending last week’s Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) Committee meeting where the original draft plan was presented. A presentation could be made at either the February or March Board meeting. 3) DHHL will begin clearing debris on the Mekia Street property in late January/early February.

Concerns and comments followed:

1) Chair Ho informed Kane that the presentation would be better suited for the February meeting.

2) Kane will follow-up on Mabel Spencer’s concern regarding the pine tree digital tower.

Councilmember Barbara Marshall – J. Ikaika Anderson circulated Councilmember Marshall’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Councilmember Marshall sends her regrets. 2) Councilmember Marshall was recently voted the Chair of the City Council. (A round of applause was given at this time). She is the first woman to be chair in over 20 years. Councilmember Marshall thanks everyone for your support. Please continue to contact their office. Her constituents will always be her number one priority. 3) Their office followed up on last meeting’s concerns (i.e. DPR and Charolette Rowe). 4) “3 Talk” is scheduled for January 16, 2007, Waimanalo Public Library; February 13, St. John Lutheran Church; Kaneohe – will be held in March, date to be determined.

Representative Tommy Waters – No report or representative was available.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirano – No report or representative was available.

Oceanic Institute – Joseph Aipa introduced himself. He will be representing Oceanic Institute for the next nine months. Dr. Bruce Anderson will be unavailable. (A round of applause was given at this time).

Bellows AFS Restoration – No report or representative was available.

Hawai’i Job Corps – Julie Dugan reported: 1) She wished everyone a Happy New Year. 2) Classes resumed on January 3, 2007. Hawai’i Job Corps has a total of 260 students – 26 students have entered college. (A round of applause was given at this time). 3) As of January 3, 2007, their campus is smoke-free. 4) She thanked everyone for their support.

Waimanalo Health Center – May Akamine reported: 1) The Waimanalo Health Center (WHC) participated in the Waimanalo Christmas Parade. (A round of applause was given at this time). 2) They will also participate in the Waimanalo Relay for Life. 3) WHC is partnering with Kapiolani Women’s and Children’s Hospital. 4) They have a new psychology training program. 5) The center will be applying for two grants: a) seniors; b) dental expansion program. 6) They have a new women’s health physician. 7) She thanked everyone for their support and wished everyone a Happy New Year.

Chair Ho asked if WHC has a booster seat program. Akamine answered yes. (Another round of applause was given at this time).

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.