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WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2007
HAWAI’I ARMY NATIONAL GUARD TRAINING AUDITORIUM
CALL TO ORDER: Temporary Chairperson Wilson Kekoa Ho called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. with a quorum present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Beverly R. Addington, David Bettencourt, Michael Buck, Matthew K. Chun, Phillip L. Ellsworth, Wilson Kekoa Ho, Fred Humphrey, Andrew M. Jr. Jamila, Solomon C. Jr. Spencer, Cynthia H. Wahinekapu.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Peter “Kahana” Albinio (elected at this meeting).
GUESTS: Captain Job Harris (Honolulu Fire Department), Wailani Apo, Mabel Spencer, Celeste Parker, Celeste Wong; Lt. Richard Robinson, Sgt, Jonathan Grems, Lt. David Eber, Sgt. Alan Cui (Honolulu Police Department – HPD), Grave Adviento, Julie Dugan (Hawaii Job Corps Center), J. Ikaika Anderson (Councilmember Barbara Marshall’s office), Councilmember Barbara Marshall, Dr. Patrick Ching, Mike Fujita, Joseph Aipa (Oceanic Institute), Capt. Duke-Patrick (U.S. Air Force Station Bellows), Major Chris Perine (MCBH), Lionel Wright, Rich Thomas, Micah Kane (Director, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands – DHHL, Governor’s Representative), Susan Hummel (Principal, Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate School), Fred Welch (Hope Chapel Waimanalo), Ofelia Carag (Principal, Blanche Pope Elementary), Bob Farrell (videographer), Mrs. Kepa, Elwin Spray (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
Pule: Temporary Chairperson Ho welcomed the community to the meeting and asked Ellsworth to offer a pule, requesting if anyone felt uncomfortable, this was an appropriate time to leave the room. Ellsworth offered the pule.
Board Organization: Temporary Chairperson Ho welcomed the new Board members and the community, explaining that at the first meeting of the Board’s two-year term there are Board organization issues to be addressed.
Swearing in of Board members: All Board members were sworn in for the 2007-2009 term.
Election of Chair: Temporary Chairperson Ho explained that the first item was the election of a chair for the one-year term ending May 31, 2008. Jamila nominated Wilson Kekoa Ho. Addington nominated Andrew Jamila. There were no other nominations. Temporary Chairperson Ho asked for the vote, which was Ho—seven and Jamila—three, and announced that Ho was elected as chair. Ho: Buck, Ellsworth, Ho, Humphrey, Jamila, Spencer, Wahinekapu. Jamila: Addington, Bettencourt, Chun.
Appointments to fill vacant seats in Subdistricts 4 and 9: Chair Ho explained that there were three vacancies, but that the items for action were Sub-districts 4 and 9, asking for any nominations from the Board or audience. There were no suggestions or volunteers for sub-district 4. Chair Ho reported that he had a volunteer for sub-district 9, Peter Albinio (announcing that Albino was unable to be present at tonight’s meeting) and asked for any additional nominations; with no objections, Chair Ho announced the election of Albino as a member of the Waimanalo Neighborood Board No. 32 for a term to expire May 31, 2009, 10-0-0. Aye: Addington, Bettencourt, Buck, Chun, Ellsworth, Ho, Humphrey, Jamila, Spencer, Wahinekapu. Chair Ho announced that the other two sub-district vacancies (SD 4 and 8) would be on the next agenda for action and invited volunteers. Ellsworth suggested that former Board member Nani Akeo be invited to fill the vacancy; Chair Ho noted that she had chosen not to file for election so she may not wish to serve.
Election of other Board Officers: Chair Ho asked for nominations for Board Vice Chair. Addington nominated Andrew Jamila for Vice Chair, with Chair Ho announcing no other nominations and the election of Jamila, 10-0-0. Aye: Addington, Bettencourt, Buck, Chun, Ellsworth, Ho, Humphrey, Jamila, Spencer, Wahinekapu.
Chair Ho asked for nominations for Board Secretary. Jamila nominated Mike Buck for Board Secretary, with Chair Ho announcing no other nominations and the election of Buck, 10-0-0. Aye: Addington, Bettencourt, Buck, Chun, Ellsworth, Ho, Humphrey, Jamila, Spencer, Wahinekapu.
Chair Ho asked for nominations for Board Treasurer. Jamila nominated David Bettencourt (who declined) and Buck nominated Fred Humphrey for Treasurer, with Chair Ho announcing no other nominations and the election of Humphrey, 10-0-0. Aye: Addington, Bettencourt, Buck, Chun, Ellsworth, Ho, Humphrey, Jamila, Spencer, Wahinekapu.
Chair Ho asked for proposals for the Board’s meeting time. Ellsworth proposed the Board meet at 7:30 p.m., with Bettencourt suggesting the earlier time of 7:00 p.m. Ellsworth moved and Wahinekapu seconded that the Board’s meeting time be set at 7:30 p.m. Chair Ho asked for a vote and announced the motion’s passage, 9-0-1. Aye: Addington, Bettencourt, Buck, Chun, Ellsworth, Ho, Humphrey, Jamila, Spencer. Abstain: Wahinekapu.
Chair Ho asked for proposals for the Board’s meeting date. Ellsworth suggested the second Monday of the month and Addington suggested the second Tuesday, with Bettencourt saying he had a conflict with the Tuesday date. Chair Ho announced agreement for future meetings on the second Monday of the month, 8-0-2. Aye: Addington, Bettencourt, Buck, Chun, Ellsworth, Humphrey, Jamila, Spencer. Abstain: Ho, Wahinekapu.
Chair Ho asked for suggestions for the Board’s meeting site. Ellsworth suggested continuing to meet at the Hawaii Army National Guard Armory and Addington suggested the meetings be moved to former site at the Waimanalo School Library. Chair Ho announced agreement for future meetings at the National Guard Armory, 8-0-2. Aye: Addington, Bettencourt, Buck, Chun, Ellsworth, Humphrey, Jamila, Spencer. Abstain: Ho, Wahinekapu.
Chair Ho asked for suggestions for the Board’s videotaping and payments. Ellsworth moved and Addington seconded to authorize continuing payments to videographer Robert Farrell. Chair Ho announced payments to videographer Farrell were authorized, 9-0-1. Aye: Addington, Bettencourt, Buck, Chun, Ellsworth, Humphrey, Jamila, Spencer, Wahinekapu. Abstain: Ho.
Recognitions: Chair Ho and Jamila recognized the accomplishments of Waimanalo community volunteers who served in leadership positions in the recent Waimanalo Relay-For-Life, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, presenting certificates from the Hawaii State Legislature through Representative Tommy Waters. Certificates were presented to event co-chair Celeste Parker, Celeste Wong, Grave Adviento (youth leader), and Julie Dugan (Hawaii Job Corp Center). Parker commented on the success of the event due to the hard work of many community colunteers and thanked them for helping the event goals to be met.
Honolulu Fire Department – HFD: Captain Job Harris reported activity statistics over the prior month for the Waimanalo Station, reporting two brush fires, four rubbish fires, and one vehicle fire, as well as thirty-eight medical emergency calls, two search/rescue calls and three miscellaneous calls. He provided a fire safety tip, warning of the dangers of the brush fire season, suggesting attention be paid to grass and brush in the areas around your home and your neighborhood property and cautioned about fireworks starting fires.
Ellsworth asked about the parking of vehicles in front of fire hydrants, with Harris reporting that the HFD would report any noticed violations to the HPD and asked for the community to do the same. Chair Ho thanked Harris for his report.
Honolulu Police Department – HPD: Lt. Richard Robinson introduced Lt. David Eber, Sgt. Jonathan Grems, and Sgt. Alan Cui (community policing team), and distributed copies of the monthly HPD activity statistics for the prior month. Robinson reported one drug-related arrest in Waimanalo Beach Park, four graffiti arrests and twenty-five Driving-Under-the-Influence (DUI) arrests in Kailua and Waimanalo.
Chair Ho referred to the agenda item with Grems reporting that the officers appreciate calls for assistance to 911 and encouraged the community to call about beach problems. Addington asked about active community patrols, with Richardson reporting that cars are on patrol, including looking for violations fronting fire hydrants, but that there are generally three patrol vehicles for the Waimanalo area. A community question was asked about the Mekia and Kakaina Street intersection, explaining that as the result of the improved sight distance from the clearing of a lot, there are many more incidents of motorists ignoring the stop sign, suggesting that patrol officers monitor the location in the morning between 6 and 7 a.m.; Robinson said he would ask officers to follow up. Jamila asked for reestablishing the community policing team, explaining that there had once been an active neighborhood watch and that he would like to try again; Robinson agreed to follow-up. Chair Ho thanked Robinson and the other officers for their reports.
Mayor’s Representative: Chair Ho explained that Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s representative Cindy Aylett was not present and deferred her report.
Councilmember Barbara Marshall: Council Chair Barbara Marshall distributed a community newsletter and highlighted items: 1) The City’s budget has been voted on – a larger budget than last year’s, property tax credits and breaks have been passed by the Council, and she is continuing to schedule community meetings where she is inviting the community to meet with her. 2) She reported community items being funded include $325,000 for a Waimanalo Beach Park sprinkler system, repairs to the park’s gym’s leaky roof are being worked on but not completed, although the gym is being planned to open soon anyway, and the fields at the park will also soon be completed and open. 3) She is encouraging the creation of a commission to deal with affordable housing funds, rather than coming into the general revenue.
Bettencourt asked about City employees’ labor contract “step movements”; Marshall explained that the Hawaii Government Employees’ Association (HGEA) employees have a step movement every three years and the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO) also has step movements, elaborating that the SHOPO contract is discussed as costing about 6% per year but which is costed out as closer to a 15% increase. She explained that each contract is different, that the labor contracts are negotiated every year, and that she hasn’t seen the contracts yet for this year. Chair Ho thanked her for her report.
Approval of Minutes for Regular Meeting of May 14, 2007: Buck moved and Ellsworth seconded to approve the circulated minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 14, 2007. Chair Ho announced the unanimous approval of the minutes, 10-0-0. Aye: Addington, Bettencourt, Buck, Chun, Ellsworth, Ho, Humphrey, Jamila, Spencer, Wahinekapu. Oceanic Institute representative Joe Aipa said he was present and had made a report; Chair Ho asked that the minutes note that Aipa had made a report at the May 14, 2007 meeting.
Presentations:
Artistic Literacy – Naturally Hawaiian: Patrick Ching explained the project as intending to teach literacy skills to adults through the use of arts, developing a teaching method using visual arts, but the program has now expanded to the performing arts, with existing teaching centers in other parts of Oahu, on the Neighbor Islands and now in Waimanalo. Ching will provide the oversight and Dr. Kim Lee Clark will be the site coordinator, with the program funded through the Department of Education so that it is a free program for the participants. Ching explained the plan to include a community garden and recreation center at the Waimanalo Village location, fostering Hawaiian arts like gourd painting (after being grown in the garden), kapa making and bamboo nose flutes. Chair Ho asked how the community could be involved; Ching invited calls to 259-5635. Chair Ho thanked Ching for the report.
2007 Dick Evan Memorial Bicycle Race: Mike Fujita explained the planned Dick Evans Memorial Road Race, held annually in September, is a 112-mile bicycle race around the island of Oahu. The Waimanalo portion is usually transited around 10 a.m. on Sunday morning, this year on September 2, 2007, and rather than the Kalanianaole Highway, the route will be on the back roads. He distributed a written report and maps, showing the route as leaving from Kailua on Kalanianaole, onto Kumuhau Street at the begining of Waimanalo, onto Waikupanaha Street to Ahiki Street, towards the District Park, and then Hihimanu Street to Kalanianaole Highway. He reported that the 21st Century Bike Race is the same month of September, but that the 21st Century is at the end of the month and he is not part of the coordination of that event. Chair Ho asked Fujita to work with Board member Chun, who was familiar with Board and community concerns, including prior complaints of bikers riding three abreast with Fujita and Chair Ho agreeing that the intent is make this a safe ride. Chair Ho thanked Fujita for the presentation.
Papakolea F.I.G.H.T. Club: Lionel Wright and Rich Thomas were present to discuss plans for a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu club in Waimanalo, explaining that the intent is to have community involvment in a health and fitness club program, generally aimed at youth and young adults, based on an existing model in Papakolea, where the non-profit program has been operating for aseveral years. Wright discussed that there are currently 150 members, with the program based on teaching health education, fitness, promoting health screenings, martial arts training, and community service. He discussed the martial arts aspect as focusing on the warrior spirit of Polynesia and the need to take care of that release, explaining that otherwise the kids will lash out. He explained the success of the Papakolea Club has resulting in it as now ranked ninth in the nation, explaining that the recognition is giving pride to the community and pride to themselves. Chair Ho asked about the timetable for the program’s establishment, with Wright saying they were talking to the Waimanalo Homestead organization about setting up here, with donations welcome since they are an existing non-profit. Chair Ho noted that the concept of kids in sports was part of Grace Adviento’s involvement with the City Parks and Recreation Department and asked her to talk with Wright and asked Wright to work with Adviento. Chair Ho said he saw a number of positive things in Wright’s description. Addington asked if the program was open to women; Wright said it was. Ellsworth suggested that Wright discuss the issue with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) representative (referring to Micah Kane, DHHL Director); Wright said the group already has grants from DHHL for the Papakolea operation. Chair Ho thanked Wright and Thomas for the presentation.
State Quest-ACE Program: The State of Hawaii’s free health insurance for needy adults program was presented via a distributed flyer, inviting adults who meet the program levels of $11,760 per year for single adults and $15,756 for married adults (without dependent children) are invited to call: 211. The ACE program (part of the Department of Human Services Quest health coverage system) will cover physicians, hospitals, dental service and prescription drugs.
Bellows Air Force Station: Captain Duke-Patrick introduced herself as the new station commander, welcomed the new Neighborhood Board members, reported that the base had been recruiting civilian employees and announced that the Air Force jet-aircraft flying team Thunderbirds would be giving an air performance in the fall. Chair Ho welcomed her to Hawaii and thanked her for her report.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii – MCBH: Major Chris Perine represented the Kaneohe MCBH, reporting participation by base units in the Kamehameha Day and July 4th Independence Day parades and invited the community to the upcoming Bay Fest celebration on the Kaneohe base. He reported the base had hosted a recent national Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp (JROTC) event and that the Blue Angels Navy jet-aircraft flying team would be flying for a Kaneohe Bay air show in the fall. Bettencourt asked if an Osprey aircraft would be at the airshow; Perine said that none was scheduled at this time but he offered to have the air show coordinator (CWO O’Hare) present at the next month’s meeting for a presentation on the show. Chair Ho thanked Perine for the report.
Resident Concerns: Farrell reported on the need for better signage at the Makapuu Lighthouse parking area, explaining that the parking lot was locked at 7:45 p.m. (and he was locked in) after his hike and expressed the frustration that the sign was not larger and there is no way to have the gate released until the next morning.
Hawaii Job Corps: Dugan reported on participation by the Hawaii Job Corps in the Relay-for-Life, explaining that the benefit had a commitment of $1500 from the Job Corps members where the funds were raised primarily by benefit car washes, with the comment that many cars were washed for that money. She reported that the Hawaii unit has completed 24 consecutive months ranked as number one in the nation and that the summer break has started, with the sessions resuming on July 15, 2007. Chair Ho thanked Dugan for her report.
Governor’s Representative: Kane (Director, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands) represented Governor Linda Lingle and thanked Board members for their service to the community. He distributed information on plans for state-wide health emergency, the Quest-ACE flyer (which he asked those present to distribute to the general community), that Governor Lingle is inviting comments on the billed passed and not yet signed or vetoed (sign on to the Governor’s website and sent her an e-mail) and that the Jiu Jitsu club concept had first raised concerns with him but reported that the Papakolea experience has been successful. Kane reported that Wright’s plans for Waimanalo need to be addressed by the Homestead Association and that a concern is that he needs a bigger space than is currently available.
Chair Ho expressed his thanks for the follow-up, expressing thanks also to Adviendo.
Bettencourt asked about leases passing out of the hands of the legitimate leaseholder through sub-leasing; Kane reported that such a sub-lease is a violation of the primary lease without the primary leaseholder being present and that the primary lease could be ended. Kane invited those who are aware of such situations to forward to DHHL where an enforcement section will follow up.
Bettencourt also reported that the bill removing the gross excise tax from fuel should be vetoed.
A question was asked about the Kuluhau Kakina development, which Kane reported was scheduled to be announced in early to mid-August, and with the first project to start in September 2007.
Jamila asked about access to Kakaina Street; Kane said that the project is moving ahead. Jamila explained that kids are climbing in any 80-foot tree on the site; Kane said the immediate plan is to put a tenant on the site.
Mrs. Kepa asked about a homestead; Kane said the discussion needed to be done at the Homestead rather than at this Board meeting.
M. Spencer asked about the facility at the rear, with Kane describing it as for a medical structure. Chair Ho thanked Kane for his report.
Senator Fred Hemmings: No representative was present.
Representative Tommy Waters: No representative was present.
Hope Chapel Waimanalo: Pastor Welch reported that Hope Chapel Waimanalo was a Bronze Team for the Relay-for-Life, that the Chapel has a sound system what they would be willing to use to support other community functions and that they are setting up regular Friday night youth services. He also announced the starting of a community-wide television show on ‘Olelo, where he would be the host and would welcome people from the community to talk about community issues.
Ellsworth suggested an issue for the show could be the establishment of trashcans at the entrances to Waimanalo, encouraging trash being deposited there rather than out the car window.
Waimanalo Health Center: M. Spencer announced the 15th anniversary of the Health Center.
Blanche Pope Elementary School: Principal Ofelia Carag reported: 1) Students and faculty were on summer break, that kindergarten registration is continuing and that the Hawaiian immersion program is being conducted in conjunction with Kamehameha Schools. 2) She also reported that new cesspools are to be installed, as well as a project of widening (and extending) the sidewalks. 3) She also reported planned tree trimming and that a break-in had occurred over the past weekend, commenting that it was the second recent occurrence, and asking for community assistance in watching the school. An audience comment thanked Carag for the immersion program.
Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate School: Principal Susan Hummel: 1) Expressed thanks for participation in the Ho’olaulea and support for the grade program. 2) Announced that a summer session is starting. 3) Reported that the school stage is to be repaired. 4) Thanked the Job Corps for restripping the parking lot. 5) Electrical upgrades are being done. 6) Students are out now with the start of school August 2, 2007.
Friends of Waimanalo Roundtable: Chair Ho announced that Kehaulani Padilla had said that she could not be present. Wailani Apo introduced herself as giving the report for Padilla, saying that they are preparing an issue of the Waimanalo News to be mailed out to the 96795 community, expressing thanks to the Queen Liliuokalani Trust for their support.
Oceanic Institute: Aipa read a report from the Oceanic Institute, with M. Spencer noting the need for community support for the shoreline and asking for the Institute to expand its mission to include the Waimanalo shoreline.
Waimanalo Wastewater Treatment Plant: Chair Ho asked about a treatment plant report; M. Spencer said it should be deferred.
Unfinished Business: Chair Ho referred to appointment of committees and committee chairs as being on the agenda for the next meeting.
Adjournment: With no additional business, Chair Ho announced the adjournment of the meeting 10-0-0. Aye: Addington, Bettencourt, Buck, Chun, Ellsworth, Ho, Humphrey, Jamila, Spencer, Wahinekapu.
Submitted by Elwin Spray, Neighborhood Commission Office staff