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WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, MARCH 12, 2007

BLANCHE POPE ELEMANTARY SCHOOL

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

MEMBERS PRESENT: Peter “Kahana” Albinio, Nani Akeo, David Bettencourt, Michael Buck, Phillip Ellsworth, Wilson Kekoa Ho, Andrew Jamila, Jr., Bobbie Kahalewai, Blanche McMillan, Mabel Spencer, Solomon Spencer. (11 members present, 1 vacancy. 13 seats, quorum is 7 members.)

MEMBERS ABSENT: Kevin Andrews.

GUESTS: J. Ikaika Anderson (Councilmember Barbara Marshall’s office), Rosemary Galdeira, Gwen Kailihiwa, Beverly Addington, Gavin McCall, Julie Dugan (Job Corps), Molly Arthur (Senator Fred Hemming’s Office), Micah Kane (Governor’s Representative), Captain J. Harris (HFD), Lt. Richard Robinson (HPD), Representative Tommy Waters, Duke Artuyo and Wynette McMillan (Nalo Boxing) Robert Akau, Kipapa Ohina, Lovely Kauhola, Fred Welch (Hope Chapel Waimanalo); Paul Richards (WHHA); Ofelia Carag (Blanche Pope Elementary), Julie Dugan (Job Corps)Gwen Kailihiwa (Kokua Ohana), Moana DeMello, Russell Ito, David Larson, Sui Lan Kepa, Celeste and Hauoli Wong; Bryan K. Mick (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

PULE: Fred Welch of Hope Chapel Waimanalo offered the pule.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION: The Board, along with Representative Tommy Waters, presented certificates to the players and coaches of the Waimanalo Warriors youth football team, which won its first ever State title in the Pop Warner midgets division and then was victorious in a bowl game in California. Coach Dan Allen thanked the community on behalf of the team for their support and recognition.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chair Ho welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for coming. He announced: 1) Randolyn Hoku Nohara, a four time state wrestling champ, was in attendance. 2) Mike Leiderman from the Honolulu Advertiser was in attendance tonight. 3) The NCO elections will be running from March 23 to April 16. Chair Ho asked if there were any candidates in the audience tonight. Beverly Addington introduced herself.

CITY EMERGENCY AGENCIES/PUBLIC INPUT (Part I)

Honolulu Fire Department – Captain J. Harris reported: 1) For the month of February, the Waimanalo Fire Station responded to 6 fires, 37 medical emergencies, 1 search & rescues. 2) Safety Tip: Brush fires cause great damage in our communities and use resources that could be better utilized elsewhere. Now is the time to prepare for brush fire season. Be responsible and extinguish fires properly. Even small sources of fire, such as cigarettes and charcoal, can cause immense destruction. Formulate plans and communicate with family members and neighbors to create a safer community. Report and remove hazards. Maintain a 30-foot wide firebreak by clearing vegetation around all structures. For further information on creating a safe space around your home, street, or community, contact Denise Laitnen of Firewise Communities at 808-281-3497 or go to www.firewise.org.

Honolulu Police Department – Lt. Richard Robinson reported: For the month of February in the Waimanalo area, there were 5 auto theft recoveries, 3 burglaries, 1 drugs/narcotics, 1 drunk nuisance,

3 harassments, 10 hazardous drivers, 14 loud parties, 3 motor vehicle theft, 30 noise complaints, 37 nuisance complaints, 5 property damage, 2 runaways, 6 simple assault, 11 thefts, 2 threatening, 31 traffic stops, 4 UEMV, 12 vehicles towed (abandoned), 6 warrant arrests, 8 citations for park closure, 1 for human habitation in the Park, and 524 total calls.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) An audience member asked if they ever compare statistics between communities. Chair Ho said the Board does not worry about how Waimanalo compares to other communities. The resident said she was interested and wondered where someone could get the information. Lt. Robinson said it could be found on the HPD website.  2) Ellsworth said that today, a lady at the Jack-in-the-box dumped her tires and claimed HPD told her she could do so. Lt. Robinson replied that there are designated spots for bulky item pick-up, and she was probably directed to one of those.

Mayor’s Representative – Chair Ho explained Cyndy Aylett could not attend tonight but she submitted a report to the Board. 1) The elevated bacteria counts are not at Kualoa Regional Park, but in the State waters surround the park.  The State DOH has been unable to confirm the specific source of the bacterial contamination that is found in the feces of all mammals. 2) In regards to Waimanalo gym, DPR defers to DDC, who has oversight responsibility for the repairs. The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is working with the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) to complete the work to DPR’s satisfaction. 3) The Kaiona Beach Park restrooms were closed temporarily in early February for the installation of a protective coating that will guard against graffiti in the restroom.  DPR is planning to install an additional access near the comfort station to the beach.

APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 12, 2007 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Chair Ho gave two corrections.:

Page 3, line 3 “Norma Kaunamano.”

Page 5, line 5 “A Cultural Academy…” Mabel Spencer offered one amendment to page 2, line 43, after “thanked the City” delete “for cleaning up the site”, insert “for City inspector checking the outside courts and issuing concerns to the contractor.

Kahalewai moved and Ellsworth seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board approve the minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously, 11-0-0. (Aye: Albinio, Akeo, Bettencourt, Buck, Ellsworth, Ho, Jamila Jr., Kahalewai, McMillan, M. Spencer, S. Spencer)

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

First Tongan United Methodist Church– Architect Russell Ito distributed diagrams of the proposed work at the Church which is located on Flamingo Street. The plan is to demolish the existing Quonset hut and replace it a covered open air pavilion, as well as to demolish and upgrade the bathroom facilities. The Church has acquired the neighboring property and is using it for parking space, which helps keep the roadway clear.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) M. Spencer asked if the property goes all the way to the fence line fronting the highway. Ito said no. 2) Bettencourt asked if the new bathrooms would be hooked up to the sewer lines, connected to a cesspool, or connected to a septic tank. Ito said they were now connected to a septic tank. Bettencourt asked if the tank could handle an increase in use. Ito said it was designed for high rate of use.

Lucy Akau said she would submit her concerns to the Board, but is had to do with last month’s reports on Bellows beach.

David Larson – Former Waimanalo resident Dave Larson said he was visiting from California. He thinks the parks in Waimanalo suck, and he is disappointed in the City. His kids were born and raised in Waimanalo without the parks ever being upgraded. He sees it as a matter of pride. Some of those kids from the midget football team should be going to college for free and returning to Waimanalo to become community leaders. In California, I live near farmers and ranchers. Even thought they are not wealthy, our parks are great. We have cut grass, picnic tables, B-B-Q pits, and people can have a party without having to get permits. We need to nurture the kids. Sui Lan Kepa stood up and agreed that the parks suck. She questioned how the government can build a $1 million dollar kitchen at the halau when the District Park gym has been closed forever. McMillan said she has met with Deputy Director Dana Takahara-Dias about leaves from the Park blowing into residential properties and the need to reopen the gym. She promised to continue to lobby DPR on behalf of the community. M. Spencer said that Waimanalo residents don’t vote, so they continue to get sub par services from the government. Elected officials are not afraid of us. She added that although Waimanalo does not have the money and facilities like other areas, the strong parents in Waimanalo allow the kids to excel anyways. The government does not determine the quality of the Waimanalo community.

Waimanalo Warriors – Hauoli Wong introduced himself and said the Park permits in Waimanalo are being given to teams outside of Waimanalo. The Waimanalo league has 200 kids, and they need all the available fields. DPR gave the permits for Azevedo Field to the State PONY office rather than directly to the Waimanalo league. The Waimanalo families have held a clean-up day and fixed up the fields. People donated gas and equipment. Wong added that the teams would like boxes installed at the fields to store their athletic equipment at the fields, right now it gets stored at people’s homes. The State office’s attitude is that Waimanalo people are not competent enough to run a league. Opening day is this Saturday.

M. Spencer asked what the status of the permits is. Wong said they are stalling. M. Spencer asked who is stalling. Wong said the State office. M. Spencer said maybe the Waimanalo teams need to get out from under the State PONY office. Wong said there are just too many Waimanalo teams to share field time with outside teams. His number is 375-5303, while the State PONY office is 457-6869. McMillan commented she is already assisting the league and will continue to do so. She added that the problem is that the permits went to the State PONY office. Chair Ho asked who handles the permits at the State office. Wong said it was Nalani Thompson, but now it is Gwen Ho. Chair Ho said this issue is not on the agenda, but he is sure the Board supported the Waimanalo teams in their efforts to secure the permits. M. Spencer said the Board needs to take stronger action. Chair Ho suggested someone takes a roster count at opening day of which Neighborhood Board members attend.

M. Spencer moved to add to the agenda a resolution of support for the Waimanalo Warriors in their efforts to obtain permits to Waimanalo fields. S. Spencer seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 11-0-0. (Aye: Albinio, Akeo, Bettencourt, Buck, Ellsworth, Ho, Jamila Jr., Kahalewai, McMillan, M. Spencer, S. Spencer)

The resolution carried unanimously, 11-0-0. (Aye: Albinio, Akeo, Bettencourt, Buck, Ellsworth, Ho, Jamila Jr., Kahalewai, McMillan, M. Spencer, S. Spencer).

Akeo asked Wong to call her if they need her help. Albinio thanked all the wives of coaches. Jamila asked if they need dirt for their fields. Wong said five cubic yards of cinders would be great. Jamila introduced the owner of Bad Boys Trucking, who would be glad to help.

Hawaii Job Corps – Julie Dugan said she would like to acknowledge Representative Waters and Senator Hemmings who allowed students to shadow them as part of a career day. She also wanted to thank Ikaika Andersen from Councilmember Marshall’s office who has helped keep her informed of the sidewalk issue, which just went out to bid. The Job Corps is starting a program where senior citizens are tutoring youth in math and reading. Hawaii Job Corps is ranked 1 out of 127 nationally.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Council Chair Barbara Marshall – J. Ikaika Anderson circulated Council Chair Marshall’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) We are now in the 2008 budget process. Briefings start tomorrow. 2) The next round of “3 Talk” sessions will be held May 29 at St. John Lutheran Church, Kailua; and April 24 at Waimanalo Public Library. All sessions will begin at 7:00 p.m.

M. Spencer asked about the improvements to Azevedo Field, and how Paul Yuen did not show up at the meeting. This was one of the first vision team projects. Andersen replied that a request was sent to DDC requesting the status. Chair Ho said all the Board needs is a permit, and the community will take care of the rest. M. Spencer said that all these contractors are working on the park, but DDC is short of inspectors and projects are all backed up. Andersen replied the councilmember is aware of this problem. M. Spencer said the community deserves more of a commitment from the Mayor and the Councilmember. Andersen commented that the councilmember did send a letter to DDC about this issue, and will keep questioning them.

Ellsworth said that the Kailua Neighborhood Board was going to discuss illegal Bread and Breakfasts and their last meeting, and he wonder what came of the discussion. He thinks the B and B’s are causing everyone’s property taxes to rise. He asked Andersen what the Councilmember’s stance was on B and B’s. Andersen replied that in 2005 the Councilmember had introduced two bills that would have regulated B and B’s. It would have modeled the system after liquor licenses, where people living within a certain radius have to agree. The Department of Panning and Permitting (DPP) is still sitting on the proposal. Chair Ho said the president of the B and B coalition admitted to running an illegal one in the newspaper. Shouldn’t he be arrested? Andersen replied that currently, DPP is asking for two neighbors to sign an affidavit attesting the fact that their neighbor is running an illegal bed and breakfast and submit it to City. Chair Ho added that the argument put forth by the coalition that legalizing bed and breakfasts would provide a good tax base is flawed – we should legalize meth and cocaine using that logic. Bettencourt commented that property taxes are high. He would like to know if the Councilmember would commit to maintaining City parks and infrastructure before enacting any tax relief. McMillan asked if the councilmember would meet with her and DPP. A resident commented that if they see a house getting robbed, they call 911 and HPD comes. They wonder why it is not the same for an illegal Bed and breakfast. Andersen replied that HPD does not respond to zoning violations.

Governor’s Representative – Micah Kane, Director of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), thanked everyone for their support of his confirmation. He also reported: 1) DHHL will be presenting a regional plan next month. Paul Richards of Waimanalo Hawaiian Homestead Association and Representative Tommy Waters will be a part of that. 2) The half way point of the legislative session was just passed, and DHHL has a lot at stake in the budget process. 3) The Kakaina property was cleaned out in an effort to curb illegal activity. DHHL is trying to secure it and trying to find an interim use for it until housing can be built.

Sui Lan Kepa said she has previously asked that nepotism and favoritism within DHHL be investigated and would like to know the status of those complaints. Her house was improperly given away in her opinion. Kane said DHHL’s process of awarding lots is transparent. The lots are awarded by earliest date of application. All documents can be reviewed in the DHHL office. He can assure everyone that there is no nepotism in DHHL. Kepa asked why people have gotten awarded lots before her mother did. A Board member commented that this is not Board business. Ho suggested this discussion could be taken up outside of the meeting. Bettencourt asked if he knew the status of a proposal that would cut Native Housing funds in half. Kane said he did not know the status right now.

Senator Fred Hemmings – Molly Arthur said she could take back any concerns to the Senator’s office. The Senator’s newsletters are available tonight, and they cover the proposed DOE audit and the Superferry.

Representative Tommy Waters – The Chair thanked the Representative for making the certificates awarded earlier in the meeting. Representative Waters circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Chris, Gavin, and Jason from his office are present at tonight’s meeting. 2)  As noted earlier, the half way point of the session has been reached. The budget is now with the Senate. The House’s proposed budget included $5 million to fix the dip in the road caused by the retaining wall failing near Makapuu, $6 million to repair the irrigation system that Waimanalo farmers depend on. The system is leaking. Also $300,000 to plan and design a homeless shelter was included, perhaps State land can be found. The Board and community need to give feedback as to where the shelter should be located. $700,000 was put in to rebuild Kailua High School’s library, as well as $40 million to construct a library at Windward Community College. 3) The news has covered Representative Water’s involvement with the civil unions bill, which he deferred in his committee. After a six hour debate on it, he felt the bill would never have passed a vote.  He is welcome to answering questions from anyone about this.

Chair Ho commented that there once was a section near Bellows designated for homeless people. They did not like having to follow rules, and that will again be a problem with the proposed shelter. He thinks that WCC does indeed need a library.  M. Spencer asked about the large differences in funds for Kailua and WCC’s libraries. Representative Waters explained that the Kailua money is just for design and plan, while WCC’s money is for the actual construction of the library. Ellsworth commented that the representative’s name does not appear on his report. Representative Waters replied that’s okay, as the report actually comes from the community. A resident asked about reciprocal benefits. Representative Waters explained that is different from civil unions, with reciprocal benefits you can designate someone to receive your benefits. Bettencourt asked what the status of the proposal to move the family court to Kapolei was. Representative Waters explained that the Judiciary Committee deleted funding for that move and said they would only put it back if a Honolulu office stays open. Representative Waters added that he is against legalizing Bed and Breakfasts. A bill doing so was killed this session. A recent study reported that 40 percent of Waimanalo beach homes have illegal B and B’s in them. Chair Ho said the figure is 60 percent. M. Spencer said she would be happy to sign an affidavit to help any resident make DPP’s two person requirement for reporting illegal B and B’s.

EDUCATION:

Blanche Pope Elementary – Principal Ofelia Carag reported: 1) The fun fair on Friday went great. Thanks to the parents and to the Waimanalo businesses who donated. 2) The School Community Council (SCC) is sponsoring a family make and take night on March 15. The SCC is looking for people to join for two years terms. 3) Its kindergarten registration time. There is a keiki summer program for incoming kindergarteners. 4) The school is very concerned about problems with trespassers. The school is not a public park, and the campus is only open outside of school hours for facility use such as tonight. Trespassers leave broken glass, graffiti, and set off the alarms. There are currently four families who can access the gates; the school needs to sit down with them to address the security concerns.

Kokua Ohana -   Gwen Kailihiwa thanked the community for coming out.

OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS:

Waimanalo Hawaiian Homestead Association (WHHA) – Paul Richards reported: 1) Prince Kuhio celebration will be held on March 24. Other events include a parade in Waikiki from 4:00-6:00 p.m. 2) An Easter egg hunt will be held on April 6 at 8:00 a.m. 3) Homesteaders got a letter from WHHA and Ke Ola Mau. This is being funded by a grant to study cancer. The letter was to inform them of a random survey that will be done March-June with the help of UH med students. 4) The entire halau cost $1 million, not just the kitchen as was inferred earlier in tonight’s meeting. Previously, a survey was done to help design a ten year plan, of which the kitchen was the last phase. Now, a 25 year plan will be designed.

M. Spencer applauded their efforts to battle cancer. Does WHHA want to sponsor relay for Life? Richards said they are going to be a sponsor – the relay is in June.

Waimanalo Beach Park Recreation and Education - Duke Artuyo, from Nalo Boxing, reported that since the gym is still closed, he has been using the McMillan’s property to train boys and girls from the ages of eight to sixteen. He now has a female coach helping him Wynette McMillan. As soon as the gym reopens, we will move back.

Chair Ho encouraged all organizations to request to be placed on the Agenda so they can keep the community up to date.

New Business:

Kupuna Street Crossing - A resident commented that they lived in the Kupuna housing. A traffic light is needed so they can safely cross the highway. Representative Waters asked the resident to please get the Board’s support. Chair Ho asked the resident to come back to the Board with some numbers. He added that personally he does not like putting in lights, but thinks the crosswalk needs to sorely be repainted.

Passing of Ben Kama - Ellsworth commented that the opening pule tonight was excellent. Ben Kama, a former Board member and former Executive Secretary of the NCO, recently passed on. Two churches were represented in his funeral services. Ellsworth really felt like it was not so much a funeral as it was a gathering.

Hope Chapel - Fred Welch of Hope Chapel thanked Blanch Pope Elementary for allowing the church to use their facilities. On March 31, their will be a prayer walk thru the homestead. April 6 will be movie night, April 7 will be crosswalk praying for the safety of the community on the freeways, and April 8 will feature an Easter service at 8:00 a.m.

ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 9:17 p.m.

Submitted by:

Bryan K. Mick

Neighborhood Commission Office