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WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, MAY 14, 2007
HAWAI’I
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Wilson Kekoa Ho called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. with a quorum present. He welcomed everyone to last meeting of the 2005-2007 Waimanalo Neighborhood Board.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Nani Akeo, David Bettencourt, Michael Buck, Phillip Ellsworth, Wilson Kekoa Ho, Andrew Jamila, Jr., Bobbie Kahalewai, Mabel Spencer, Solomon Spencer.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Kevin Andrews, Peter “Kahana” Albinio, Jr., Blanche McMillan.
GUESTS: Cyndy Aylett (Mayor’s Representative), J. Ikaika Anderson (Councilmember Barbara Marshall’s office), Captain Ben Suiso and Acting Captain Morgan Parker (HFD), Lt. John Vines, Sgt. Jonathan Grems and Officer Antonio Bustamante (HPD), Heather Bankston (Senator Fred Hemmings’ office), Representative Tommy Waters, Capt. David Talafuse (U.S. Air Force Bellows), Maj. Chris Perrine (MCBH), Patricia Teran-Matthews and Jeffery Pantaleo (Hickam), May Akamine (Waimanalo Health Center), Fred Welch (Hope Chapel Waimanalo), Ofelia Carag and Marleen Keanu (Blanche Pope Elementary), Susan Hummel and Noel Richardson (Waimanalo Elementary), Joseph Aipa and Gordon Kaaihue (Oceanic Institute), Gwen Kailihiwa (Kokua Ohana), Julie Dugan (Job Corps), Kaui Burgess (Kamehameha Schools), Celeste Parker (Relay for Life) Fred Humphrey (WAA), Bob Farrell and Yvonne Cardenas (videographer); Beverly Addington, Clyde Aikau, Jaye Aquino, Colette Chow, James Hall, Amanda Hermanson, Pricilla Ho, John and Lorraine Hoopili, Natalie Iwasa, Sui Lan Kepa, Kaimana Lawson, Ken Lesperance, Ed Miyashita, Harriet Seabury, Kekai Seabury, Kalei Shannon, Richard and Bobbie Ubersax, John and Cynthia Wahinekapu, Tammy Wicker; Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office staff). Please note: There may have been more guests, but not everyone signed-in.
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)
(Ako arrived at 7:34 p.m.)
Honolulu Police Department – Lt. John Vines reported: 1) For the month of April in the Waimanalo area, there were 7 auto theft recoveries, 1 burglary, 1 DUI, 1 graffiti, 5 harassment, 11 hazardous drivers, 15 loud parties, 7 motor vehicle thefts, 29 noise complaints, 27 nuisance complaints, 10 property damage, 1 sex assault, 5 simple assaults, 16 thefts, 4 threatening, 11 traffic stops, 13 UEMV, 6 vehicles towed (abandoned), 3 warrant arrests, 2 weapons. 2) He introduced Sgt. Jonathan Grems and Officer Antonio Bustamante. (A round of applause was given at this time). Chair Ho said we like to recognize officers in our community.
Mayor’s Representative – Cyndy Aylett reported: 1)
Concerns and comments followed: 1) Chair Ho said there are lots of concerns from the community regarding the proposal to have only one garbage pickup per week and the other pickup for recycling. The community is asking to keep picking up garbage twice per week and paying extra for recycling. 2) Ellsworth suggested having copies of the Board’s minutes available at the public library to increase meeting attendance. 3) Aylett stated the Waimanalo gym will be opened as soon as the roof is repaired. Mabel Spencer had concerns that the project is taking more than two years to complete. 4) Jamila said he has sent a number of letters to Henry Eng, Director of
Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), asking to come before the Board and clarify uses and violations for various zoning types. He has yet to receive a response. 5) Mabel Spencer had concerns regarding the repair projects for
APPROVAL OF APRIL 9, 2007 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Jamila moved and Ellsworth seconded to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion carried unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Congratulations to Waimanalo students who won essay contest – Chair Ho read the names of three students from Waimanalo who won an essay contest. (A round of applause was given at this time). Clyde Aikau, representing the Aikau family, explained the contest was open to seventh, eighth and ninth graders. They were asked to write what does “Eddie would Go” mean to you. The Waimanalo students won in Hawaiian language category. (A round of applause was given at this time). Representative Waters and Council Chair Marshall prepared Certificates of Recognition for the students.
Neighborhood Board Elections: Chair Ho announced the following: 1) He congratulated all the successful candidates in the recent Neighborhood Board Elections. Those in attendance were recognized. (A round of applause was given at this time). 2) The Installation Ceremony, Sunshine class, and orientation will be held on June 2, 2007, Mission Memorial Auditorium. 3) The Board has a total of 13 seats, however there are two seats that have vacancies (subdistrict 4 and subdistrict 9). Those seats are currently filled by Akeo and Albinio, who did not submit an application. 4) He recognized those Board members who will not be returning (Kevin Andrews, Bobbie Kahalewai, Blanche McMillan, Mabel Spencer). Chair Ho and Representative Waters presented Certificates of Recognition to these members. (A round of applause was given at this time).
June Neighborhood Board Meeting – Chair Ho informed the Board that the next scheduled meeting falls on a holiday (Kamehameha Day). If the Board decides to meet on that day, it will be without the services of Neighborhood Assistant Steve J. Rodrigues. The Board could meet on either the first Monday (June 4) or the second Tuesday (June 12). By a consensus of the Board, it was decided to meet on Tuesday, June 12.
Successful Kamehameha pre-school open house – Kaui Burgess said the April 28 resource fair was a success. Approximately 332 community members attended the event. There were more than 100 volunteers. Kamehameha Schools was able to reach their goal to inform the community of their programs. She thanked the community for their support. (A round of applause was given at this time).
Environmental health filming – Kaimana Larson stated as part of a school project they will be making a documentary on environmental health issues (i.e. litter, etc.). The problem is not a lack of leadership, but ownership. They are proposing a sustainable solution. The goal is to establish a collaborative type of ownership. (A round of applause was given at this time).
RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:
Speed direction sign at
Waimanalo campgrounds bathrooms – Chair Ho announced the Waimanalo campgrounds will be shutdown nine days for repairs. The repairs will begin May 16. Each time repairs are made, the facilities get vandalized. Campers need to self-police the park facilities.
Resolution in support for bicycle safety – Natalie Iwasa, a resident of Hawai’i Kai and a bike rider for the past 15 years, had concerns for the safety of bicyclists. She asked the Board to pass a resolution supporting bicycle safety. Voters passed Charter Amendment 8 by approximately 77% in the General Election asking the City to make pedestrian and bicycle safety a priority. Buck moved and Ellsworth seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 support a resolution for bicycle safety. The motion carried unanimously.
There was lengthy discussion on this issue. Some of the concerns and comments included: 1) Kalei Shannon said at last month’s meeting a staff member (Colette Chow) voiced her concerns. A lot of Chow’s concerns were also her concerns. 2) Chow, who currently teaches fourth grade, said she has been assigned to teach fifth grade next school year. It would not enable her to teach Hawaiiana. She asked for the Board’s support. Chair Ho noted that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board is only advisory. He asked if she contacted any of the area elected officials. Chow indicated she spoke with Representative Waters. 3) Representative Waters explained he’s caught in a difficult position, he represents the State. He knows Chow, she is a good educator. It’s really an employment matter. He called HGEA and asked to see the contract. It’s difficult to get involved with and employment contract. He would like to leave it at that. 4) Chair Ho said the principal has the sole authority for the school (similar to a CEO of a bank). Their decisions are final. The Board empathizes with you, but neither the Board nor Representative Waters are able to be of assistance. If you want to pursue the matter, he suggested getting an attorney. 5) Susan Hummel, Principal of Waimanalo Elementary and
Community Projects – Resident Amanda Hermanson thanked all those who assisted her with her four projects for 2006. She thanked the Board, especially McMillan and Bettencourt; Cyndy Aylett (Mayor’s representative); Mayor’s Office; and Ikaika Anderson (Council Chair Marshall’s office). (A round of applause was given at this time). In addition, Kupuna Housing hired a new residential manager who is enforcing the rules. For 2007, she has two new projects: request from the State if the Department of Education (DOE) has a monitoring system for Kupuna program. Chair Ho asked Hermanson to write to DOE; regional planning for Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). Chair Ho said the Industrial Plans were presented at last month’s meeting.
American Cancer Society Relay for Life – Celeste Parker announced the Waimanalo Relay for Life will be held on Friday-Saturday, June 8-9, 2007,
Road Improvements – Jamila gave an update on road improvements for Waimanalo. The highest importance is where community member Seabury was killed. His concern is turning pockets, as constructed in Nanakuli and Waianae. Motorists use turning pockets as passing lanes making it very unsafe. He discussed it with Scott Ishikawa of the State Department of Transportation (DOT). Chair Ho said he spoke with DOT planners regarding this issue. The improvements will be done in five phases, with the first phase beginning in July.
COMMUNITY PUBLIC INPUT:
USAF Bellows – Capt. David Talafuse reported: 1) Airmen in
Concerns and comments followed: 1) Mabel Spencer reiterated her concerns (from last month) regarding two community members who were bullied by the military police while at Bellows. Capt. Talafuse said 99% of people in Waimanalo respect the rules. The aforementioned incident occurred when a foreign citizen got in the face of an MP. As long as the individual follows the rules, she is welcomed back. 2) Chair Ho thanked Capt. Talafuse for his services at Bellows and wished him luck at his next assignment. (A round of applause was given at this time).
Chair Ho thanked Dugan and the Job Corps for their service in the community.
Council Chair Barbara Marshall – J. Ikaika Anderson circulated Council Chair Marshall’s monthly report and was available for questions.
Governor’s Representative – Chair Ho circulated the “Governor’s Update”. Micah Kane sent his regrets.
Mabel Spencer expressed her appreciation to the Governor for going to
Senator Fred Hemmings – Heather Bankston circulated Senator Hemmings’ monthly report and was available for questions.
Representative Tommy Waters – Representative Waters circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) His wife gave birth to their second child on April 27. 2) He and Senator Hemmings were able to get a lot of money for Waimanalo. Some of the projects include: $8 million to repair the retaining wall at Makapu’u’ $300,000 for a homeless shelter in Waimanalo. He encouraged the Board to select a site; $39,000 to Hui Malama O Ke Kai. He encouraged the community to get involved; $125,000 to the Waimanalo Health Center for a dentist program; $125,000 to the Waimanalo Construction Coalition to build a community base yard; $6 million to fix the Waimanalo agricultural system; and $400,000 to extend the irrigation line. There is money for Waimanalo Elementary and
Chair Ho congratulated Representative Waters on his new baby. (A round of applause was given at this time).
Hope Chapel Waimanalo – Pastor Fred Welch had no report.
Kokua Ohana – Gwen Kailihiwa thanked all the families who sign-waved near Castle Junction to raise awareness for National Foster Care Month. It’s been a blessing to honor foster families. Kokua Ohana is willing to work with schools in the community to identify foster children. If anyone is interested in becoming foster parents, please call 595-6320. (A round of applause was given at this time).
(Kahalewai departed at 9:24 p.m.)
Bellows AFS Restoration – Patricia Teran-Matthews gave a brief update on the two projects at Bellows. In addition, they have a new architect on staff (replacing Valerie Curtis).
In response to Chair Ho, Teran-Matthews stated they are able to remove the landfill from Bellows.
5) Hawaiian Immersion will be offered for summer school for kindergarten through sixth grade. (A round of applause was given at this time).
Waimanalo Elementary and
Vice Principal Noel Richardson announced two summer school programs being offered this year: math for sixth, seventh, and eight graders; and performance arts for third, fourth, and fifth graders. Summer school program runs June 14-July 18. There is a $25 fee.
Friends of Waimanalo Roundtable – No report or representative was available.
Oceanic Institute – Joseph Aipa had no report.
Congresswoman Mazie Hirano – No report or representative was available.
Waimanalo Hawaiian Homes Association (WHHA) – No report or representative was available.
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 9:42 p.m.
Submitted by:
Steve J. Rodrigues,
Neighborhood Assistant