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WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2008

HAWAII NATIONAL GUARD TRAINING AUDITORIUM

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Ho called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with a quorum of ten (10) members present. Note this thirteen (13) member Board requires seven (7) votes to adopt a motion.

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: Peter Albinio, Matthew Chun.

GUESTS: Philip Breeze and Erin Smith (15th Airlift Wing), Bobbie Kahalewai, Mabel Spencer, Lucy Akau, May Akamine (Waimanalo Health Center), Lieutenant John Cheung (HPD), Richard Ubersax, Susan Hummel (Waimanalo Schools), Julie Dugan (Job Corps), Leimomi Dierks (HMK), Nikolai Sumibuay, Kim Kalama, Micah Kane (Governor’s Representative), Cyndy Aylett (Mayor’s Representative), Ikaika Anderson (Councilmember Barbara Marshall’s office), Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

WELCOME AND PULE: Chair Ho welcomed everyone to the meeting and noted that the Board meetings begin with an open prayer; if the prayer might offend anyone now would be the time to leave. Georgia Odin offered the pule.

FILLING OF VACANCY FOR SUB-DISTRICT 4 BOARD MEMBER: Chair Ho opened the floor to nominations to fill one vacant seat in sub-district four. Hearing no nominations the position was not filled.

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD): Acting Captain Lindsey reported the following;

• Statistics for the month of march include; 49 alarms, 1 structure fire, 2 brush fires, 6 rubbish fires, 6 search and rescues, and 6 miscellaneous calls.
• Fire Safety Tip: Smoke alarms are a proven life saver. Fire produces smoke and toxic gasses which can numb your senses and prevent you from reacting to the fire. This is especially true at night when you are sleeping. A working smoke alarm gives you early notice of a fire and time to escape.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lieutenant John Cheung reported the following;

• Statistics for the month of March 2008 include; 4 simple assaults, 4 burglaries, 4 driving under the influence (DUI), 2 graffiti, 2 motor vehicle thefts, 25 motor vehicle accidents, 8 unauthorized entrance to motor vehicles (UEMV), 8 property damages, 8 thefts, and 601 total calls.
• Should anyone be interested in a pedestrian safety workshop, please contact Sergeant Samson of the Kaneohe Police Station at 274-2166.

MAYOR/NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION: Cyndy Aylett, Mayor’s representative, reported the following,

• Regarding the need for “NO PARKING” signs at the Makapu’u restroom parking lot; signs were installed at the upper comfort station turn into the parking lot on April 1, 2008.
• Regarding the residents’ concerns that the campgrounds closure be enforced, the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will be working with HPD to enforce the weekly closure of the Waimanalo Beach Park campground and the removal of all personal property from the park.
• Regarding the request that monies from the Waimanalo Neighborhood fair be used to gate and lock the restrooms at the Waimanalo Beach Park pavilion, DPR has indicated gates have been installed on Waimanalo Beach Park pavilion comfort station and are being locked nightly at 9:30 p.m.
• Funding for playground equipment for the Waimanalo Beach Park is included in the D4 Park Improvement Bulk Account in Fiscal Year (FY) 2009; funds will be available on July 1, 2008.
• DPR has met with the Waimanalo resident interested in getting the community involved in the revitalization of Waimanalo Bay Beach Park. A group of volunteers are compiling a list of possible projects that can be done.
• Regarding the recreational vehicles (RV’s) that are permanently parking at Sandy Beach Park, the RV was previously parked at the Hawaii Kai Chevron overnight with the owner’s permission. Patrol officers will monitor the situation and take appropriate action when necessary.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• A request was made that the Kaiona Beach Park gate not be closed at 8:00 p.m. as several beach parks close at 10:00 p.m. possibly even on the weekends the park should not close until a later time.
• Concern was raised regarding the newly updated camp site locations and labeling, permits that are being issued do not incorporate the updated camp site locations.
• A request was made that the baseball field at Waimanalo Beach Park receive cinder for the fields.
• Concern was raised regarding residents arguing with Waimanalo Beach Park users during baseball practices. Aylett will follow up.

COUNCIL CHAIR BARBARA MARSHALL: Ikaika Anderson reported the following information;

• Construction will soon begin for the Hihimanu Street sidewalk.
• Council Chair Marshall is working with Mayor Hannemann in organizing and planning clean up efforts for Waimanalo Bay area. Community participation is needed and volunteers have already come forward.

APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 3, 2008: Buck moved and Addington seconded to approve the regular meeting minutes for March 3, 2008 with the following corrections;

• Entire Document: Replace “Lieutenant David Berg” with “Lieutenant David Eber.”
• Page 5: Waimanalo Wastewater Treatment Center: Replace comma after “project” with a period. Delete everything following “project.” Include “The upgrades of the facility owned by the State, under the Department of Land and Natural resources (DLNR) are on schedule. There is discussion with the City & County to transfer ownership pending one year of operation under the State as mandated.”

The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 10-0-0 (Aye: Ho, Humphrey, Buck, Ellsworth, Jamila, Spencer, Bettencourt, Addington, Akeo, Wahinekapu.)

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

96795- UPDATE ON CO-OP SUPPORT FROM NORTH WEST: Kehaulani Padilla reported the following;

• The Waimanalo Market, a community cooperative, will provide fresh produce to residents grown by local farmers in Waimanalo. Proceeds will aide children in youth programs. The Market is looking for letters of support by members of the community.
• The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has supported the Northwest Cooperative Community Center with a grant in aide. Padilla thanked Chair Ho for his letters of support. Northwest will find out in September of this year if their proposal goes through.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Several announcements were made at this time;

·         Jamila and Akeo thanked the men and women inmates of the Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) for their efforts and cleaning of Pope Elementary and Halekoa areas.

·         The Keola Mamo Mother’s Day Fair will be held at the Waimanalo Quarry on April 26, 2008.

·          A community candle light vigil will be held at the Waimanalo Health Center, on April 21, 2008 by Relay for Life, celebrating the life of four individuals that have passed away.

·         A planning meeting regarding the cleaning efforts of Waimanalo Bay will be held on April 17, 2008 at the Waimanalo Beach Park pavilion starting at 6:30 p.m.

·         Georgia Odin noted that the 2008 Kailua High School Project Graduation coordinators and students will be cleaning the Waimanalo canal, near Pope Elementary. As a service project, monies will go to the Project Graduation program to help alleviate costs to the students. Odin requested any adult volunteers that may operate machinery to aide in their efforts. Volunteers are asked to meet at Pope Elementary School parking lot on May 3, 2008 at 7:30 a.m.

RESIDENTS CONCERNS: Several Concerns were raised at this time;

• Lucy Akau provided a written report for Board members regarding a letter to the editor questioning the ownership of Hawaii’s ceded lands. A letter indicating the proper issuing and standard of environmental impact statements (EIS) was also made available.
• Dr. Clarke of the Waimanalo Village Garden expressed concern for the garden as people have begun to take fruits and vegetables without asking. Clarke has witnessed trespassers into non-public areas. Clarke noted that she welcomes everyone into the garden but asks that people respect the lands.

RFP FOR HEALTH PLANS FOR THE AGED, BLIND AND DISABLED: Elizabeth Fine of the Waimanalo Health Center, communicated that the State has submitted a Request for Proposal (RFP) for $1.5 million regarding medical faculties, making it impossible for local providers to bid on the proposal. WellCare Health Plans Incorporated and United Health Care, both mainland based organizations have been selected by the State. Fine voiced concerns noting the companies are currently under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the fact that the companies know nothing of the Hawaiian culture. Fine announced that a meeting will be held between the Health Centers on Oahu, as both companies pose a threat to their continued services. Fine suggested residents submit letters to the Governor and State lawmakers.

MILITARY REPORTS: U.S Air Force: Captain Tamara Duke Patrick reported the following;

• Several teenage students were apprehended and caught for graffiti on Air Force property.
• The landscaping that has been done on air force grounds are complete and looks great.
• Planning for a coffee shop has begun, it will be placed in an already existing structure.
• Regarding the cabins that will be built, the Air Force is working on an EIS, and continues in their planning stages, design of the buildings have not been decided. Patrick will travel to Japan for further planning of the design and structure of the cabins.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Jamila requested that Patrick make it clear to planning officials that the building be only one story tall, as to eliminate the “condo” look. Patrick will convey the message.
• A community member questioned a news article referencing 4,000 personnel moving to Oahu. Chair Ho replied this is a Marines Base question, and was referred to Major Chris Perine.

U.S. Marines Corps Base Hawaii: Major Chris Perine reported the following information;

• Regarding the news article, Perine replied there is a possibility of nearly 2,000-2,500 marines moving to Oahu from Okinawa. General Goodman has not made a decision at this time. Should soldiers be moved to Oahu, there is adequate housing on the military base for them to reside.
• The Marines have participated in several events including; Prince Kuhio Day Parade, the closing of Makahiki, and Castle High School Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) program.
• Possible closures of Bellows beach is in discussion due to vandalism and thefts that have occurred.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Jamila inquired if only the Marines and Air Force is using the training facilities. Perine noted that the facilities may be used by different branches of the military, but no foreign entities are using them.

EDUCATION: Waimanalo Elementary School: Principal Susan Hummel gave an update of current projects at the elementary which include; the Hawaii State Assessment (HSA) and receipt of the Mayor’s 2008 Good Neighbor Award. Hummel reminded the public of the bicycle helmet law, and reported a decrease in vandalism. The elementary school will undergo cesspool maintenance and cafeteria repairs.

Blanche Pope Elementary: Akeo reported Pope Elementary has completed their HSA testing. Pope Elementary will also celebrate its Ho’oike on May 9, 2008 and Career Day on May 16, 2008. Akeo again thanked women inmates of OCCC for their assistance in cleaning up the school grounds.

GOVERNOR’S REP-HAWAIIAN HOMES ASSOCIATION: Micah Kane, representing the Governor, apologized for missing the earlier presentation regarding the RFP, and noted he will follow up with the State Department of Human Services (DHS). Kane also noted he will converse with Georgia Odin regarding Project Graduation.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• A community member questioned if someone is issued property tax for a housing unit, does that person therefore own the unit or home. Chair Ho noted this is not an agenda item, there should be no discussion. Kane replied this issue is a personal one and can be addressed at the next Department of Hawaiian Home Land (DHHL) commission meeting on April 21, 2008 at Iolani Palace.
• Several community members endorsed the Waimanalo Health Center, regarding the State’s RFP.

SENATOR FRED HEMMINGS: Chair Ho recognized an office member of Senator Hemmings in the audience, noting that she is available for questioning. A written report was also available.

REPRESENTATIVE TOMMY WATERS: No report was available at this time.

HAWAII JOB CORPS: Julie Dugan reported that there is a need of substitute vocational teachers and to contact 259-6051 for more information. Students have aided the Hawaii Food Bank for the past five years and continue to do so for the National Use Service Day project where students raised nearly $1,800 and  500 pounds of food.

WAIMANALO HOMESTEAD: No report was available at this time.

WAIMANALO HEALTH CENTER: May Akamine reported the following information;

• Funds have not been released by Governor Lingle for the new dental clinic. Akamine thanked the Board and public for their continued support and letters to the Governor. A response from the Governor noted she is working on it.
• Waimanalo Smile will hold a gala at the Ko'lau Golf Course on September 28, 2008 starting at 6:00 p.m.
• Waimanalo Health Center is asking for letters of support towards Senate Bill (SB) 2542 relating to public Health, please submit these letters to both House and Senate lawmakers.
• Akamine thanked Mabel Spencer for his support and protests against the RFP.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): Diane Moses reported no water main breaks in the month of April, and provided a written report referencing Oahu’s water cycle and how residents affect our water.

BELLOWS AFB RESTORATION: Todd Lanning reported CH2M Hill Incorporated has been awarded the task to remove uranium from Bellows, and have begun to acquire the proper permits. Lanning announced the Bellows AFB Restoration Board will meet in mid May.

HUI MALAMA O KE KAI: Momi Kekina highlighted several accomplishments by Hui Malama O Ke Kai in the past month including weekly beach clean ups and water quality testing. Students were also involved in the Windward Community College talent search and participated in the Waimanalo Village gardening.

FRIENDS OF WAIMANALO: Kehaulani Padilla stood on her earlier report.

OCEAN INSTITUE (OI): Joseph Aipa reported the following;

• During March OI provided tours for prospective Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) students, as well as visitors from People’s Republic of China, the Department of Commerce and Nagasaki University.
• The HPU spring semester continues through May 11, 2008, there are three graduate classes being conducted at OI’s Learning Center, which are part of the Masters Degree in Marine Science.
• OI has received a grant from the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation to fund a five-year study to assess the effectiveness of regulations restricting lay-gillnets in Hawaii.
• Visit www.oceanicinstitute,org for more information regarding OI and the services they provide.

HOPE CHAPEL: No report was available at this time.

KOKUA OHANA: No report was available at this time.

WAIMANALO BEACH PARK RECREATION AND EDUCATION: No report was available at this time.

WAIMANALO WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT: Mabel Spencer requested this item be deferred until the May meeting, Chair Ho granted the request and deferred this item until May.

WAIMANALO AGRICULTURE ASSOCIATION: No report was available at this time.

NEW BUSINESS: There was no new business at this time.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m.

Submitted By:

Leland S.M. Ribac

Neighborhood Assistant