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WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2008

NATIONAL GUARD AUDITORIUM, BELLOWS AFB

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

Members Present: Beverly Addington, Nani Akeo, Peter Albinio, David Bettencourt, Michael Buck, Matthew Chun, Phillip Ellsworth, Wilson Kekoa Ho, Fred Humphrey, Andrew Jamila, Solomon Spencer and Cynthia Wahinekapu.

Members Absent:  

Guests Present: Ahuena Lakola (Onipa’a Ala Kupuna O Waimanalo), Lorraine Higoi, Magnolia Vasconcellos, Meiril Edward, Joseph K. Aipa, Kim Kalama, John and Lorraine Hoapili, Pumehana Keliihoomalu (Ke Ala Laua’e); Jonnille Almeida, Tiana Freman, Kalu Keliihoomalu, Ariana Coleman, Vonnie Keliihoomalu, and Sherrie Naeole (Na Wahine Council); T.J. Joseph, Capt. Norbert K. Pokini (Honolulu Fire Department), Chris Lee, May Akamine (Waimanalo Health Center), Eve Anderson; Aurora Magpac, Marjorie Barona, Nick Aina, Ashley Holzer (UHSON); Keoni Wilhelm (Waimanalo Elementary & Intermediate School), Arwen Chisholm (MCBH), Constance Oki, Sui Lan Kepa, John Cheong (Honolulu Police Department), Cyndy Aylett (Mayor’s Representative), Dennis Callan (Stop Rail Now), Claudia De Leon (Hickam Environmental Restoration), Councilmember Barbara Marshall, Elwin Spray (Neighborhood Commission Office). 

VACANCY (S):  There was one vacancy in sub-district four (Banyan Tree area). 

WELCOME AND PULE – Chair Ho welcomed everyone to the meeting and apologized for the rescheduling of the Board meeting. As always, the Board meetings begin with an open prayer; if prayer might offend anyone, now is the time to excuse yourself before pule is offered by a community member.   

ACCEPT NOMINATIONS FOR DISTRICT 4 BOARD MEMBER: There was no interest to fill the vacancy in Sub District 4 (Banyan Tree area) at this time. 

PUBLIC INPUT (PART 1):

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Capt. Pokini reported:

• Statistics for the month of September 2008 include; 1 structure and 3 rubbish fires, 31 medical emergencies, 5 search/rescues, 2 miscellaneous calls for service; and 0 major incidents.
• Fire Safety Tip: 1) When selecting Halloween costumes, ensure they are flame-resistant, made of lightweight fabric, brightly colored, and clearly visible to motorists. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape. Keep the length of costumes short to prevent tripping. A natural mask of cosmetics is better than a mask that may restrict breathing or obscure vision. Children should carry flashlight to light their way. 2) Hurricane Ike’s fury with 11-mph winds that seized a Texas coastal community is a reminder that our islands are not immune to nature’s powerful storm conditions. a) The hurricane season extends through the month of December, and the Honolulu Fire Department encourages every family to take the necessary steps to ensure that your family is prepared in the event of a hurricane. Do you have a survival kit prepared? Do you know the location of your nearest hurricane shelter? Additional information and answers to these questions can be found on the Department of Emergency Management’s website at www.honolulu.gov/ocda/.

Capt. Pokini replied yes in response to Addington’s question regarding emergency kits.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. John Cheong reported:

• 4 burglaries, 13 thefts, 13 unauthorized entries to motor vehicles (UEMV), 7 warrant arrests and 499 calls for service for the month of September. The annual comparison shows the calls for service were down 26% as compared to 2007.
• Halloween Safety Tips were included: a) to ensure that older and younger children are accompanied by a trusted adult; b) accompany your child to every home where you are familiar with the people your child receive treats; c) teach your child never to enter a home without your prior permission; d) never approach a vehicle, occupied or not, unless they know the owner and are accompanied by a parent/guardian; e) wear reflective clothing and carry a glow stick at night; f) be sure that costumes and mask are easy to see, only breathable facial mask are used, and both costumes and masks are flame resistant; g) never approach a home that is not well lit; h) stay alert and report any suspicious incidents to the proper authority; i) if any grabs you, make a scene by yelling loudly and make every effort to get away; and finally, j) families may want to organize or attend parties at home, in schools, or in community centers as a good alternative to “Trick or Treating.”

Mayor/Neighborhood Commission – Cindy Aylett responded to previous issues:

• Pilings around the Canoe Halau – The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is working with HPD to enforce the new camping rules and regulations. The area is not a designated campsite therefore camping storing of personal belongings is not allowed. HPD on September 23, 2008, cited numerous owners and the items were removed.
• Update of the Nakini Street covered bus shelter – The shelter is coming from another location and is scheduled if not sooner, before the year end; Aylett will keep on it.

• Expansion of Bus Route 77 – Aylett had recently been in conversation with the new department director who was understanding and will be rescheduling the community meetings to look into the expansion of route 77. Aylett will have the schedule details at the next meeting.   

• Hihimanu Street sidewalk repair – Scheduled for completion December 12, 2008. Dugan (Job Corp) would like to be informed to participate in any dedication ceremonies; Aylett will inform Dugan. 

• Park Closure Notices – DPR will consider a recommendation from the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board to close Waimanalo Beach Park, Kaiona Beach Park, Kaupo Beach Park and Makapuu Beach Park at night; however, a decision has not been made. Waimanalo Bay Beach Park’s main gate is closed nightly, but is not a park closure. Campers by their permit are allowed in the park with a night-time closure.

• Playground equipment at Waimanalo Beach Park – An evaluation is in progress to try and get sturdier apparatus playground equipment.

Other highlights included: 1) Reminder of early voting starting October 21 to November 1, 2008 at five locations on the Oahu; Honolulu Hale, Kapolei Hale, Aiea Shopping Center, Windward Mall and University of Hawaii, Manoa Student Center. 2) Question about Campaign signs – if the signs are an eyesore and you did not give permission to have the signs there, call the campaign headquarters of which ever candidate it is and they should come and take it down. If you get no response, call the Outdoor Circle. 3) The Waimanalo community was thanked for the successful Country Fair. 

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Jamila asked what the permit requirement is to have a 40 foot motor home camping in the Waimanalo State Park; whether they have a permit and how did they get it? Aylett will follow-up.

2. Addington reported that the Waimanalo Beach Park bathrooms fixtures are broken, no toilet tissue, no soap receptacles, is very dark and door locks are broken.  

3.   Ho asked about the progress with locking up the beach parks; Aylett noted that the department is considering       closing Waimanalo Beach Park, Kaupo and Makapuu. Oki understands that the Kaiona Beach Park            bathroom is locked nightly, but questions the closing of the beach park areas where camping is permitted.   Aylett noted the consideration is the ball field bathroom; Ho added this is due to all the vandalism at that park.    Kepa asked about the closure time when there are ball games at night; Aylett will get back to the Board.   

Council Chair Barbara Marshall – Council Chair Marshall thanked those who voted for her for allowing her to continue serving this community. She proceeded to highlight: 1) regarding the playground equipment, which was earlier reported that the City is saying to wait; she will continue to push on all the Waimanalo projects. 2) The monthly newsletter was distributed a) touching on and encouraging everyone on why there should be a Constitutional Convention; and b) “Three Talks” is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, 7 p.m. at Waimanalo Library.  

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Na Wahine Council (NWC) – Ariana Coleman, 28 year old resident and student of Kailua High School Class of 1998, introduced the Na Wahine Council. This is a new group established by a group on women wishing to share and create a circle of support in the community. By reasons of self realization and personal life’s experiences growing up in Waimanalo, the Na Wahine Council is hoping to create a safe place for adolescent/teens and women to come and receive positive support with the purpose of empowerment, rather than looking for negative alternatives. The support group are adolescent and teens from ages 11 through 18 years (Grades 7 – 12); and 19 years and above is the adult women and mothers group. Currently, NWC is in partnership with Queen Liliuokalani Children’s Center and an off-shoot of Ke Ala Laua’e, another women’s support group. They are here tonight to share experiences and support and seeking support of the community and Board.  

      Sherese Naole – a 25 year old resident and KHS Class of 2002 shared NWC’s Mission Statement which basically          is to inspire   support and educate young female adolescents, to love, strengthen and persevere by providing        opportunities to meet new people and share life’s experiences; and through cultural activities, showing the girls    how that relates to everyday life.

      Tiana Freman – a 25 year old resident and graduate of KHS shared NWC’s philosophy of providing non-  judgmental and compassionate support to females in Waimanalo.

      Kalu Keliihoomalu – 24 year old resident and graduate of KHS did a community survey in Waimanalo with 31      participants and the overall results were that there is a need to create a social support for female adolescents and          young women living in Waimanalo.   

      Jonnille Alameida – 24 year old resident and graduate of KHS     

Neighborhood Copy Services – 96795 –

Waimanalo Country Fair – Andrew Jamila

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS IN THE COMMUNITY:

2008 Century Bike Ride – Fred Humphrey

Bellows Air Force Base Beach Access and Fencing – Kekoa Ho

COMMUNITY PUBLIC INPUT (PART 2):

Military Report – Capt. Duke, Maj. Crouch

Education – Blanche Pope(Carag) and Waimanalo Elementary(Richardson)

Governor’s Rep-Hawaiian Homes Association – Micah Kane

Senator Fred Hemmings – Jessica Grant

Representative Tommy Waters – Mandy Pearson

Hawaii Job Corps – Julie Dugan

Waimanalo Homestead – Paul Richards

Waimanalo Health Center – May Akamine –

Board of Water Supply – Diane Moses

Bellows AFS Restoration –Todd Lanning –

Hui Malama O Ke Kai –

Friends of Waimanalo – Kehaulani Padilla

Oceanic Institute – Joseph Aipa

Hope Chapel – Pastor Welch

Kokua Ohana – Gwen Kailihiwa

Waimanalo Beach Park Recreation and Education – Renee Silberstein

Waimanalo Wastewater Treatment Plant – Mabel Spencer

Waimanalo Kupuna Association – Ahuena Lokalo

NEW BUSINESS:

Go Rail – There was no representative present.

Stop Rail Now – Dennis Callan

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

Submitted by, 

Elwin Spray

Neighborhood Assistant

APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 – Ellsworth moved, Addington seconded to approve the Regular Meeting Minute of September 8, 2008 as amended:

• Page 2, third bullet under Question, comments and concerns of the Ohana Health Plan presentation, should read, “…this program is another program similar to a Kaiser program…”.

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