FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                       June 26, 2006

Release M-73-06

MAYOR HANNEMANN UNVEILS

LEEWARD COAST BENEFITS

            Mayor Mufi Hannemann today (Monday, June 26) unveiled a three-part program benefiting the Kapolei-to-Makaha area.  It consists of a $2 million community benefits package to offset the impact of the City’s Waimanalo Gulch landfill, the formation of two community-based advisory groups to provide oversight for the benefits and landfill operations, and a planned cleanup and facelift for beach parks in Maili, Nanakuli, and Keaau.

            The mayor said, “Residents from Kapolei to Makaha have had to bear the burden of having the island’s landfill located in their backyard for many years.  With no feasible alternative site available elsewhere on Oahu, I pledged to them that we would offer a benefits package to help offset the impact of the landfill on the community.  We’re making good on that pledge and are pleased that the City Council shared our goal by approving our proposal.”

            The benefits include: (a) $1 million to the Department of Parks and Recreation for parks improvements in Council District 1, the area most directly affected by the landfill; and (b) $1 million to the Department of Community Services to provide grants and underwrite services that will address problems or concerns identified by residents.

            “It’s important to point out that the benefits program will be community-driven.  This won’t be a matter of the City telling residents what they should be doing.  Rather, we fully expect residents to take an active leadership role in defining their goals and charting the course they want to take in achieving them, and those will be the responsibilities of two advisory groups we’re forming to provide direction and oversight,” said the mayor.

            The first group, the Community Benefits Advisory Committee, will field and evaluate requests for funding from nonprofit organizations serving the Kapolei-to-Makaha area, as well as provide input to the two administering agencies—the departments of Parks and Recreation and Community Services—on the needs of the area.

            Members and their neighborhoods include Kuulei Jolonino, Honokai Hale; Georgette Jordan, Waianae; John Kaopua, Nanakuli; Aimoku McClellan, Maili; Mark Suiso, Makaha; Patty Teruya, Nanakuli; Nettie Waiamau Nunuha, Nanakuli; and Roy Wickramaratna, Makakilo.  Carolyn Golojuch of Makakilo is an alternate.  Former Councilman John DeSoto, a Makaha resident, is an ex-officio member.

            The second group, the Oversight Advisory Committee, will provide oversight for the Waimanalo landfill by working with the contractor, Waste Management, Inc., and the City to address complaints or concerns regarding operations at the site.

            Members and their neighborhoods are David Akina, Nanakuli; Polly Grace, Waianae; Pearl Lewis, Nanakuli; Lorraine Martinez, Honokai Hale; T. George Paris, Nanakuli; Allen Parker, Ko Olina; Alex Santiago, Makaha; and Albert Silva, Makaha.  Jackie Spencer of Waianae and Kerin Paris of Nanakuli will serve as alternates.  John DeSoto will be an ex-officio member of this group as well.

            The members were selected with recommendations from Neighborhood Boards, community associations, the two area Councilmen, and individuals and groups that were invited to offer nominations.

            “These are all active residents of the area,” said the mayor, “who know the challenges facing the community and have their neighbors’ futures and best interests at heart.  That’s why I’m confident they’ll be providing the leadership and creativity we must have to ensure the success of this process.”

            Both advisory groups are expected to hold their first meetings in July.

            Mayor Hannemann also announced that Waianae District Park will receive a “long-awaited, badly needed facelift.”

            Work on the park, which is planned to start in August, will involve repairs to the heavily used multipurpose building.   A sum of $350,000 in current fiscal year money has been designated for this job.  The parks staff will complete in-house maintenance, including painting and minor construction repairs to the gymnasium and outdoor courts.

The mayor said that other City beach parks in Maili, Nanakuli, and Keaau could be in store for major facelifts, beginning sometime in September.  The work would encompass painting and repair the comfort stations, picnic tables, and buildings; repairing and restriping of parking lots and beach roads and curbs; landscaping; painting and repairing of lifeguard towers; and repairing sprinklers.

            The mayor said, “We all want our City beaches to be accessible, clean, and well-kept, to reflect the beauty of our island and our responsibility as stewards of these public facilities.  This is another step in our efforts to focus on basic public services, like parks upkeep.  We’ll be asking for the public’s input, as well as their support and patience, as we prepare for this major endeavor.  It’ll take a truly collaborative effort for us to succeed.”

-30-

Contact:

Mark Matsunaga, 527-5767

Gregg Hirata, 523-4051