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WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2008
NATIONAL GUARD TRAINING AUDITORIUM
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Wilson Kekoa Ho called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. with a quorum present.
MEMBERS PRESENT (8): Wilson Kekoa Ho, Fred Humphrey, Phillip Ellsworth, Andrew Jamila Jr., Solomon Spencer, David Bettencourt, Beverly Addington, Peter Albinio.
MEMBERS ABSENT (4): Michael Buck, Nani Akeo, Matthew Chun, Cynthia Wahinekapu.
VACANCY: One Vacancy in Sub District 4 (Banyan Tree area).
GUESTS: Becky Paul, Kehaulani Padilla (Friends of Waimanalo), Lieutenant John Cheong (HPD), Mario Mortara (Tropical Clay Hawaii), Jaye Aquino, Lucy Akau, Keoki Fraser, Joe Aipa (Oceanic institute), Mabel Spencer, Leimomi Kekina Dierks (Hui Malama O Ke Kai), Malia Greeney (HMK), John Climaldi (HBL), Dawn Chang, Constance Oki, Captain Harris (HFD), Hauoli Wong, Wallace Nitta (Rocky Road Farms), Cyndy Aylett, Jason Skaggs, Celeste Parker, Renee Wallace Silberstein (DPR), Lester Chang (Department of Parks and Recreation), Lani Maa (Sandwich Isle Communications), Representative Tommy Waters, Major Chris Perine, Captain Tamara Duke Patrick, Ikaika Anderson (Councilmember Marshall’s office), May Akamine (Waimanalo Health Center), Ofelia Carag (Pope Elementary), Charles Tanoe, Susan Hummel (Waimanalo Elementary/Intermediate), Moani Wright (BWS), Mike and Brenda Hikalea (Hui Malama), Sui Lan Kepa, Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office).
PULE: Chair Ho noted that Board meetings begin with an open prayer, and should prayer offend anyone now is the time to remove themselves. Ellsworth offered the pule.
ACCEPT NOMINATIONS FOR DISTRICT 4 BOARD MEMBER: Chair Ho opened the floor for nominations to fill one vacant seat in sub district 4, which encompasses Banyan Tree area. Hearing no nominations the position was not filled.
HONOR WAIMANALO FOOTBALL ATHLETES: Chair Ho called upon several coaches of the Waimanalo Warriors Pop Warner Football team to honor the players for winning the Pee Wee State Championships. Chair Ho, Andrew Jamila, Peter Albinio, Representative Tommy Waters and a representative from Councilwoman Barbara Marshall’s office introduced and awarded each player with a certificate. Applause followed and family members were welcomed to the floor for a televised span of the football team.
PUBLIC INPUT: (PART 1)
- Fire statistics for the month of December 2007 include: 3 rubbish and 1 vehicle fire,
- Emergency statistics for the month of December 2007 include: 31 medical, 5 search and rescue, and 7 miscellaneous emergencies. There were no major incidents reported.
- Fire Safety Tip: Ensure smoke alarms are functioning properly by testing them regularly. Practice your escape plan together.
No questions, comments or concerns follow.
HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lt. John Cheong of HPD reported the following:
- Statistics for the month of December include: 6 burglary, 8 property damages, 12 thefts, and 11 UEMV (Unauthorized Entrance of a Motor Vehicle). In annual comparison, crime is down by three percent.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Jamila informed Lt. Cheong about a number of underage children who hang out at the old banyan tree. They have been seen breaking bottles, climbing the tree, and staying past curfew. Lt. Cheong questioned whose property the tree sat on, and was noted it is owned by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). Jamila noted that HPD has been called and with the presence of police vehicles, the children disperse. Lt. Cheong noted to continue calling and the presence will continue.
- Addington noted the presence of illegal fireworks on New Years Eve. Lt. Cheong noted that Waimanalo happened to be the worst location with illegal fireworks that he has seen, although other parts of the island also reported illegal aerials.
MAYOR/NEIGHBOHOOD COMMISSION: Mayor’s representative Cyndy Aylett first noted that a presentation was to be made. Jamila called upon Lester Chang, Director of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for the City and
- In regards to unauthorized camping at the canoe halau, DPR is aware of the unauthorized camping near the canoe halau and is working with HPD to address the concern. DPR and HPD are also working on the unauthorized camping at
- In regards to a concern about emergency vehicles being able to pass parked cars at Makapuu lighthouse, and request to post “No Parking” signs, the Departments of Transportation Services (DTS) records indicate that the road falls under the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard, and Kalanianaole Highway is under the State Department of Transportation (SDOT).
- A list of complaints lodged against
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
A constituent questioned the camp site map at the
COUNCIL CHAIR BARBARA MARSHALL: Ikaika Anderson representing Barbara Marshall’s office reported:
· On behalf of the Council Chair,
·
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Jamila enlightened the public of his recent observation in the increase of recreation vehicles (RV’s). He noted that there are no regulations to stop the increase of RV’s and that three have been sighted in Waimanalo. If the number increases, the quality of life in Waimanalo will decrease.
- Ellsworth questioned
- Bettencourt questioned if City Council’s meetings were always open to the public, which
- A community member brought up the concern about a possible bill that would penalize already existing bed and breakfast establishments but does nothing to address the issue of illegal bed and breakfast establishments.
APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 13, 2007: Chair Ho noted that approval of November 13, 2007 regular meeting minutes will be deferred until the February Board meeting. Seeing no objections, the approval was deferred.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION FOR PLANT RESEARCH- APPLICATION DENIED BY DPP: Chair Ho noted that the CUP that was discussed in November 2007 for plant research has been denied by the Department on Planning and Permitting (DPP). For details please contact DPP.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
CANCER RELAY FOR LIFE-RESULTS AND APPRECIATION: Celeste Parker, an event chair for the Relay for Life reported that the first meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2008 at the
2008 CENTURY BIKE RIDE: A representative from the Hawaii Cycling League gave a brief history of the league, and informed the board that separate educational meetings will be held for riders, to inform them of certain do’s and don’ts. Chair Ho with the support of the crowd reiterated the importance of education for out of state riders, to make the ride a better, safe experience.
HUI MALAMA O KE KAI (HMK): Malia Greeney introduced the new director Leimomi Kekina Dierks. Dierks gave a brief history of what HMK has done for the community, and added that they will be going to the State to renew several grants. Dierks noted that HMK may need the Board as well as the public’s support in the future.
HAWAIIAN HOMES: Lani Ma’a of Sandwich Isle Communications informed the public that Sandwich Isle has a contract with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) for the past six years and intends to connect all Hawaiian home lands throughout the state by fiber optic communications lines. Alternate means of construction are being looked at, and construction in Waimanalo is slated for February.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Bettencourt questioned if existing power lines can be used, Ma’a noted that all construction will be done underground as lines above ground have proven un-aesthetic to the surrounding areas.
- A constituent questioned if most technology will be compatible with outlets and chord from the upcoming construction. Ma’a noted that she will follow up.
96795 WAIMANALO-WIDE SUVEY RESULTS: Kehaulani Padilla provided statistic from a Waimanalo wide survey in regards to the Waimanalo Community Cooperative Market.
- Out of 900 households contacted, 128 responded. Out of the 128 households; 91% think the market is a good idea, 94% like the idea of having fresh fruits and vegetables, and 50% would like to volunteer.
- The program is still looking for supporters throughout the community and Padilla informed the public to look for the complete analysis of the survey soon.
RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS IN THE COMMUNITY:
- Charles Tanoe informed the public that in March the unemployment office in Kahuku will close. Please support the office in keeping their door open. It was reiterated that the public support keeping the office by either writing or calling the office.
- A constituent questioned the red dirt pile that was left on a parcel of land. State officials noted they will look into it.
- A constituent informed the public that street lights are out between Bellows AFB and Hale O Puni, Addington noted she has already called that in.
- Lucy Akau educated the public of what an environmental impact study (EIS) is and that any issues regarding the lands and ka iwi (bones of ancestors) should have an EIS done.
- A constituent informed the Board that he has come to the Board in the past, inquiring about why there is no sidewalk at Kumuhau and Humuniki streets. He argues that many changes in the past and near future will make Kumuhau and Humuniki streets major arteries in the district and yet it is unsafe for children and pedestrians. He suggested adding a four-way-stop to the intersection. Chair Ho noted that Michael Buck has been an advocate for Kumuhau and Humuniki streets and they will need to work with the State on this issue.
COMMUNITY PUBLIC INPUT (PART II):
MILITARY REPORT: Major Chris Perine of the Marines Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) reported a possible solution for vegetation management would be to let grazing
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- A constituent argued that to let cattle roam as a solution to a vegetation problem is ridiculous, and does not address the possibility of a fire hazard. Perine informed everyone that they will closely monitor the cattle and evaluate and analyze the productivity in vegetation management.
- Leimomi Dierks also noted that to her knowledge, cattle will destroy the natural sediment and land while they graze. Perine again noted that they will closely monitor the animals.
Captain Tamara duke-Patrick of Bellows USAF thanked the public for allowing Bellows to be a part of the Waimanalo parade. Airmen have returned before the holiday season, and several cabins are being added to Bellows. Chair Ho asked the Captain to please have an EIS completed as the Board has long been against the addition of cabins at Bellows. Captain Duke-Patrick noted she will do as much as possible.
GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE/HAWAIIAN HOMES ASSOCIATION: No report at that time.
SENATOR FRED HEMMINGS: No report at that time.
REPRESENTATIVE TOMMY WATERS: Representative Waters invited everyone to the opening day of the legislature on January 16, 2008. He thanked the public for their support and mentioned several life changing events that have occurred while he has been in office. Waters mentioned several projects he plans to work on this session, and urged the public’s support on several grant in aids (GIA) and capital improvement projects (CIP) that the Governor has not released funds for. Waters also suggested public labor be used to help clean up Bellows AFB.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
· Chair Ho questioned the status of flooding at
· Addington thanked Waters for his hard work and questioned the status of the S turn, to which Waters mentioned monies have been appropriated and construction has been slated for 2008.
· Bettencourt asked if possible to acquire plans for Waimanalo road improvements and
EDUCATION:
Question, comment, and concerns followed: Board member Bettencourt questioned if Pope Elementary has been turning organizations away from using the school facilities on Sundays. Carag replied that she knew no organizations that were being turned away, however the facilities are currently being used on Sundays and certain areas of the campus is unavailable due to construction.
WAIMANALO ELEMENTARY/INTERMEDIATE: Susan Hummel, Principal of Waimanalo Elementary/Intermediate, reported that landscaping has been done to the front of the school. The academic and financial plans have been set for the year, and the school has also been a target for graffiti and drinking.
WAIMANALO HOMESTEAD: No report at this time.
Question, comments and concerns followed: Addington questioned if the care options had a cost to which Akamine noted some may have different costs, but she does not know the exact amount.
BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY: Moani Wright, of the BWS, reported no water main breaks in the month of November and December. The 2008 Water Conservation calendar is out and available. Water saving tips includes operating automatic dishwashers and clothes washers when fully loaded and when washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with water, and quickly rinse your dishes.
BELLOWS AFS RESTORATION: Todd Lanning, of Bellows AFS Restoration, reported on two landfill sites; Landfill 23, which reportedly had lead in the land and Landfill 24 which has no chemicals but is located on the U.S. Marines’ land. Lanning reported that the lead will be removed from the site and Restoration to landfill 24 has been handed over to Bellows AFS, and money has been allocated.
HOPE CHAPEL: No report at this time.
FRIENDS OF WAIMANALO: Kehaulani Padilla stood on her report given earlier on the agenda.
OCEANIC INSTITUTE (OI): Joseph Apia, of OI, referenced his written report and highlighted:
- In November and December OI hosted tours to HMK and Hawaii Pacific University (HPU). In addition to the tours, OI hosted a meeting of the Hawaii Biofuels Stakeholders group. OI is interested in making animal feed from the co-products of biofuels production.
- The HPU spring semester begins January 22, 2008 with several different courses to be held at OI.
HUI MALAMA O KE KAI: Leimomi Dierks stood on Hui Malama O Ke Kai’s report given earlier on the agenda.
KOKUA OHANA: No report at this time.
WAIMANALO BEACH PARK RECREATION AND EDUCATION: Renee Wallace Silberstein reported that Waimanalo Park Spring Program will begin shortly. Classes range from a variety of different subjects. Enrollment dates include January 16, 2008 between 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., and January 18, 2008 between 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. should you miss these dates, you are always welcome to enroll at the park.
WAIMANALO WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT: Mabel Spencer asked to defer her report until the February meeting. Chair Ho agreed, and the report will be heard in February.
WAIMANALO AGRICULTURE ASSOCIATION: No report at that time.
NEW BUSINESS:
A constituent informed the Board that he apologizes for not being able to assist and follow through at the Waimanalo County Fair. He did however donate the use of a cart that was used to transport food. Members of the Board applauded his apology and noted no hard feelings.
ADJOURNMENT: Noting the end of the agenda Chair Ho called the meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Submitted by:
Leland S.M. Ribac
Neighborhood Assistant