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WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2008

NATIOMAL GUARD TRAINING AUDITORIUM

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

MEMEBRS PRESENT: Wilson Kekoa Ho, Michael Buck, Philip Ellsworth, Andrew Jamila, David Bettencourt, Beverly Addington, Nani Akeo, Matthew Chun, Cynthia Wahinekapu.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Fed Humphrey, Solomon Spencer, Peter Albinio.

VACANCY(S): One vacant seat in sub-district 4.

GUESTS: Becky Paul, Margaret Pikelo, Grace Adviento, Loke Kahiapo, Anne Mokiao, Katherine Asinsin (Senior Beach Patrol), Merle Edwards, Sandy Sheather, Magnolia Vasconcellos, Julie Dugan (Job Corps), Ofelia Carag (Pope Elementary), Noel Richardson (Waimanalo Elementary & Intermediate), Egi Dodd (Job Corps), Diane Moses (BWS), Jaye Aquino, Lucy Akau, Leimomi Kekina Dierks (HMK), Constance Oki, Council Chair Barbara Marshall, Ikaika Anderson (Council Chair Marshall’s Office), Cliff Ziems, Gwen Kalihiwa (Kokua Ohana), Sui Lan Kepa, Elizabeth Fien, Deborah Smith (WHC), Micah Kane (DHHL), Todd Lanning (Bellows AFB),  Captain Ben Suiso (HFD), Lieutenant Dave Eber (HPD), Representative Tommy Waters, Major Chris Perine (MCBH), Marie Richardson and Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

PULE: Chair Ho noted that the Board meetings begin with an open prayer, and should prayer offend anyone now is the time to remove themselves from the meeting room. Kathryn Asinsin of the Senior Beach Patrollers offered the pule.

ACCEPT NOMINATIONS FOR DISTRICT 4 BOARD MEMBER: Chair Ho opened the floor to nominations to fill one vacant seat in sub-district 4, which encompasses the Banyan Tree area. Hearing no nominations the position was not filled.

Chair Ho noted that he was informed that the National Guard Auditorium will not be available for the next meeting, and suggests that the Board change its meeting date to the week before, March 3, 2008. Jamila moved with Akeo seconding that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board change meeting dates for the month of March from March 10, 2008 to March 3, 2008. Hearing no objections the motion carried unanimously 9-0-0.

AN APPOLOGY TO CITY COUNCIL CHAIR BARBARA MARSHALL: Chair Ho noted that he will defer this agenda item until Council Chair Barbara Marshall arrives.

911 SECURITY AWARD: Chair Ho noted that these awards were to be presented by Representative Tommy Waters, and deferred this agenda item until Representative Waters arrives.

PUBLIC INPUT (PART 1):

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD): Captain Ben Suiso, representing HFD, reported the following:

• Statistics for the month of January 2008 include; 4 rubbish fires, 32 medical, 1 search and rescue, and 7 miscellaneous emergencies.
• Fire Safety Tip for the month: Fire, building, and U.S. postal codes and City ordinances state that property owners shall place their house numbers so that it is visible from the street, which will assist first responders in locating houses quicker and more efficiently.

No questions, comments or concerns followed.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lieutenant Dave Eber, representing HPD, reported the following:

• Statistics for the month of January 2008 included; 1 aggravated assault, 1 simple assault, 5 burglaries, 1 narcotics, 2 motor vehicle thefts, 4 harassments, 7 property damages, 15 motor vehicle accidents, 18 parking violations, 16 thefts, 1 rape, 6 runaway cases, 6 runaway cancellations, 4 threatening, 19 unauthorized entry to a motor vehicle (UEMV), 10 warrant arrests, and 1 weapon violation.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Buck noted that he has written several license plate numbers for speeding cars on Kumuhau Street, and noted that his residency would be a great location for a speed trap. Lt. Eber noted that in order to cite vehicles for speeding, officers need to witness the crime.
• Chair Ho explained that Buck is following up on several residents’ concerns in regards to Kumuhau and Humuniki streets. Lt. Eber explained that if the speeding cars continue, he will send officers to speak with the registered owners of the vehicles, noting that residents have witnessed them speeding.

MAYOR/NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION: Chair Ho noted that Mayor’s representative Cyndy Aylett had previously contacted him, and noted that Aylett was unable to attend tonight’s meeting.

Noting the presence of Council Chair Barbara Marshall and Representative Tommy Waters, Chair Ho returned to agenda item 4 and 5.

AN APOLOGY TO COUNCIL CHAIR BARBARA MARSHALL: Chair Ho explained and apologized on behalf of the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board for any misconstrued or offensive language said by the Board during the January 2008 regular Neighborhood Board Meeting. Chair Ho noted in the future he will not allow such language toward any elected official or staff. Council Chair Marshall accepted the apology.

911 SECURITY AWARD: Representative Tommy Waters introduced the volunteers of the Waimanalo Senior Beach Patrol. Waters noted that these seniors have dedicated their time and service to protect the community and the beaches. The volunteers have indicated that they did not have the means to contact HPD when reporting a crime. Waters noted that with the help Hawaiian Telecom, his office was able to obtain 10 free of charge cell phones for all the senior patrollers. Margaret Pikelo accepted the awards and thanked the public, Board and Representative Waters.

The agenda resumed its regular order.

COUNCIL CHAIR BARABARA MARSHALL: Council Chair Barbara Marshall thanked the Board for the apology noting that it was not necessary, but is very appreciative for their consideration, and reported the following;

• Within the Council Chair’s written report, an explanation in regards to the budget process is explained; Marshall also noted that should the Board have any capital improvement projects (CIP) that should be included in the budget, to inform either herself of Ikaika Anderson of her staff.
• In regards to a question posed last month, questioning Marshall’s position on Bill 96 relating to local property tax, Marshall noted against the bill during its first reading. Marshall did note that the bill may have many stipulations with repercussions against the City & County of Honolulu.
• Council Chair invited everyone to attend her upcoming 3 Talk at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at the Kaneohe Community & Senior Center.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

• Jamila questioned the possibility of a resolution through Marshall’s office that would restrict any registration of recreation vehicle (RV’s). Currently there are no laws prohibiting the registration of these vehicles, and that their steady increase will cause problems within the community. Marshall noted she will work with Jamila and Anderson on this issue.
• Bettencourt questioned if there is still a possibility that the fixed guide way system will not be rail, to which Marshall noted it seems unlikely that it will not be rail, due to stipulations made through the City & County of Honolulu as well as the State Legislature.
• Ellsworth suggested that a topic in which could be discussed at the next 3 Talk events is the availability of police officers and their ability to observe houses of which the residents have left for extended times. Marshall thanked him for the suggestion.

APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 0F JANUARY 14, 2008: Buck moved with Jamila seconding that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board approve the regular meeting minutes of January 14, 2008 with the following amendments:

• Page 2: Council Chair Barbara Marshall: Questions: Bullet 3: Eliminate entire existing line and replace with, “Bettencourt questioned if one of the meetings which had been discussed by the Supreme Court had affected Waimanalo.”

The motion carried unanimously with a 9-0-0 vote. Chair Ho noted that the November 13, 2007 meeting minutes were not circulated and will therefore be referred for approval in March.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

FLOOD CONDITIONS AND SPEEDING ON KUMUHAU STREET: Representative Waters informed the Board that he has drafted a letter to Mr. Diego Vega Jr. whom brought the concerns. Waters also confirmed that the street belongs to the City, and has contacted the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Transportation Services (DTS) and the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM). Both DFM and DTS noted they would look into the street’s flooding problems.

STREET LIGHTS AT BELLOWS CURVE ADJACENT TO HALE AUPUNI: Representative Waters noted that his office has written a letter to Hawaiian Electric, but they have not responded. Council Chair Marshall reported that her office has put in a request for the lights as well as Kumuhau Street.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: No announcements were given at this time.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS: Lucy Akau distributed a written report and noted that during the January 2008 the Board voted against the development of Ka Iwi cabin plans. Akau also thanked several Board members, community leaders, and government officials.

RENTAL INCREASE DISPUTES AT THE KUPUNA CENTER: Mamo Burgins a resident at the Kupuna Center for the past five years explained that the Kupuna Center has increased rental fees. Many residents cannot afford the increase. Burgins has sought help through the residential manager as well as Representative Waters. Chair Ho noted that the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) is working towards a solution, and Chair Ho will keep the Board and public updated.

COMMUNITY PUBLIC INPUT: Chair ho noted in the past month many speakers inquired to be placed first on the agenda. Chair Ho explained that due to the larger amount of reports, he will rotate the reports monthly, as to allow every organization to present first.

MILITARY REPORT: Major Chris Perine, representing the Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), reported that the Marines supported the Pro Bowl with a number of volunteers. MCBH was also involved in the Castle High School Leadership Camp and is also applying to renew the U.S. Marines’ landfill permit.

Todd Lanning, reporting for Bellows Air Force Base on behalf of Captain Tamara Duke-Patrick, reported that the landfill contract to remove the lead is moving forward with contractor CH2M Hill.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Chair Ho explained that to have CH2M Hill as the contractor is a disappointment, as the Board has indicated a local company would be superior. Lanning noted the disapproval.
• Jamila requested that he be the “watch dog” of this project as he knows several Hawaii based companies that could possibly be sub contracted to this project. Lanning agreed that this was possible. Jamila also questioned if the Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) would have any say in this project, to which Lanning said no as this is not a restoration project.

HAWAII JOB CORPS: Julie Dugan, representing Hawaii Job Corps, announced that the Job Corps has employed two new members, Joanne Espanoza and Egi Dodd.

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE-HAWAIIAN HOMES ASSCOCIATION: Micah Kane, representing the Governor’s office, reported that he will be meeting with kupuna that reside in the Kupuna Housing. Should there be an increase in rental fees ranging from $30-$50, Kane explained the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) is looking to subsidize ten individuals and half of the families in the association are beneficiaries to DHHL. Kane also invited the Board to the ground breaking ceremonies on Kumuhau Streets.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Chair Ho questioned if the rental increase is based on income and or location of the rental unit. Kane explained that the Kupuna Housing is a pilot project that is being looked at, and with the help of Kaulana Park, occupancy of these homes have gone up in the past five years.
• Addington expressed her concerns for those that will not receiving a subsidy from DHHL, when long time residents such as her would receive nothing. Homelessness is an issue, but to subsidize homeless due to income, and allow them rental homes, when increasing prices on existing residents does not sound like the right thing to do.

SENATOR FRED HEMMINGS: A representative of Senator Hemming’s office distributed a written report and highlighted several bills. House Bill (HB) 1512, relating to sunshine law exemptions for Neighborhood Boards passed earlier today and was referred to the committee on Judiciary and Labor.

REPRESENTATIVE TOMMY WATERS: Representative Tommy Waters reported the following information:

• In regards to the projected plans on Kumuhau Street, the DHHL’s detailed plans can be viewed on their website at www.hawaii.gov/dhhl.
• As the regular session continues, this Wednesday, February 13, 2008 is First Lateral, which requires all multi-committee bills to be heard in its last committee. If anyone has particular interests in bills please pay close attention to bill referrals.
• In regards to the earlier mentioned traffic light and speeding issues, Department of Transportation Services and HPD have already been contacted through Representative Waters’ office and he will keep the Board posted.
• Waters noted that he had met with Chair Ho and Jamila in regards to the limited shelter locations in Waimanalo, and noted that he has requested funding in the State budget for construction of a possibly new shelter. 

EDUCATION: POPE SCHOOL, WAIMANALO ELEMENTARY & INTERMEDIATE KAILUA HIGH: Pope Elementary School Principal Ofelia Carag reported that students were awarded on several levels of achievement in the past week. Carag also noted several important dates to be known including Professional Development Day on February 22, 2008 and the ongoing Kindergarten registration.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Chair Ho questioned a concern that was raised during the January 2008 Board meeting regarding the use of school properties on a Sunday. Carag noted that though she has not received a direct complaint, she did figure out that the organization that wanted to use the school, opted to use the school playground, which at the time was unavailable.

WAIMANALO ELEMENTARY AND INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL: Principal Noel Richardson of Waimanalo Elementary & Intermediate School reported that last week students created Valentines Day greeting cards that were distributed amongst retired veterans and that spring break will be on March 17 and 18 with the Hawaii State Assessment in April.

WAIMANALO HOMESTEAD: No report given at this time.

WAIMANALO HEALTH CENTER: Deborah Smith and Elizabeth Fien, representing Waimanalo Health Center (WHC), reported that since the last meeting, WHC has been unsuccessful in obtaining the release of capital improvement project funds (CIP) as well as grant in aid funding (GIA) from Governor Lingle’s office. Smith and Fien requested that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board write a letter in support of WHC. Buck moved with Addington seconding that the Waimanalo Board add a letter of support for WHC onto tonight’s agenda. With no discussion, the motion passed unanimously 9-0-0.

Buck moved with Akeo seconding that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board write a letter in support of Waimanalo Health Center, urging Governor Linda Lingle to release CIP and GIA funds for Waimanalo Health Center.

Discussion followed: Chair Ho asked for clarification as to what these funds are subject to be used. Smith explained that the CIP funds would be used for improvement projects related to the already existing building, while the GIA request is projected for the future plans of a full scale dental clinic for all of Waimanalo.

The motion passed unanimously 9-0-0. Mable Spencer thanked WHC for their continued assistance in the community, as well as the Waimanalo Board Chair and members for supporting WHC.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): Diane Moses, representing the BWS, reported that there were no water main breaks in the month of January, and provided information noting why and what is being done to control main breaks in the district.

BELLOWS AFS RESTORATION: Todd Lanning stood on his report given earlier on the agenda.

FRIENDS OF WAIMANALO: No report given at this time.

OCEANIC INSTITUTE: Joseph Aipa previously circulated the written report.

HUI MALAMA O KE KAI: Momi Kekina Dierks, representing Hui Malama O Ke Kai, reported that in the past month Hui Malama O Ke Kai has visited the State Capitol, where children meet with Representative Waters and the Governor’s as well as the Lieutenant Governor’s offices. The program also volunteered for six beach clean-ups. Kekina noted that Hui Malama O Ke Kai has still not received the allotted money from Governor Lingle, and asked for a letter in support by the Board. Akeo moved with Jamila seconding that the Waimanalo neighborhood Board add a letter of support onto tonight’s agenda. With no discussion, the motion passed unanimously 9-0-0. Akeo then moved with Addington seconding that the Board support the release of capital improvement project (CIP) funds, by Governor Linda Lingle. The motion passed unanimously 9-0-0.

KOKUA OHANA: Gwen Kahilihiwa, representing Kokua Ohana, apologized or her absence in past meetings and thanked several community organizations including Waimanalo Homestead for their kindness and participation in the second annual Kokua Ohana Christmas Party for Hawaiian Keiki. The event was a success due to the many contributions form community members and organizations. Kahilihiwa also noted that Kokua Ohana will be participating in the Relay for Life event later this year.

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

WAIMANALO WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT: Mabel Spencer, representing the Waimanalo Wastewater Treatment Plant, reported that the Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade project is on schedule and is slated for completion in April of this year. Spencer has been in contact with Eric Harada and noted that the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is negotiating with the City & County of Honolulu to take over the site. Spencer will continue to update the Board next month.

WAIMANALO AGRICULTURE ASSOCIATIONS: No report was given at this time.

NEW BUSINESS: No new business was reported at this time.

ADJOURNMENT: Chair Ho called the meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m.

Submitted By:

Leland S.M. Ribac

Neighborhood Assistant