Waimanalo Neighborhood Board

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

MEMBERS PRESENT: Wilson Kekoa Ho, Michael Buck, Phillip Ellsworth, Andrew Jamila Jr., Mabel Ann Spencer, Kawika Eckart, Nani Akeo, Kuulani Reynolds, Lawrence Nagasawa and Priscilla Ho.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Joseph Aragon and Scotty Reis-Moniz.

GUESTS: Lt. Andrew Speese & Sgt. Mike Miranda (HPD), Ron Boyer (Councilmember John Henry Felix's Office staff), Senator Fred Hemmings, Bobby Carter (Senator Fred Hemmings' Office staff), Representative Joe Gomes, Shannon Wood (Ko'olau News), Captain Jim Skellington (HFD); Willie Smith, Audra Chang & Darlene Heim (Kailua High School), Richard Burns (Waimanalo Public Library), Captain Justin Hall (Bellows Air Force Station), Gregory Pang, John Kekawa, Kenneth & Arlene Abraham, Jose & Marilyn Abejon, Lucy Akau, Joseph Hanawahine, Eunice McElroy, Linda Lee, Andrew & Kapella Aragon, Doreen Kaulula, Tammy Weiker, Abigail & Kila Weiler-Mahoe, Eleanor Thomas, Sophie & Chastity Kauhi, Brenda Hikalea, Grace Kaleikilo, Pumehana & Chendal Keliihoomali, Myrna Naeole, Robert Andrews, Joseph Kahalewai, Clement Kauhi, Peter Moses, Bumpy Kanahele, May Young, Michael Hikalea, Serrie Kamakea, Josie Wong, Jobleen Aina, Kim Tasaka, Moana DeMello, Ben Kama (Mayor's Representative), Abby Wade (Communications Pacific), Jim Andrews (Environwatch), Lucy Asagra, Robert Kent, Pat Lee (Pat Lee & Associates), Sheila Wensel (DPR), Annette Kaohilauhi, Joe Kaakua (BWS), Solomon Spencer, Arthur Lum, Ray Lum, Peter Kama, Kawahine Kamakea-Ohelo (Waimanalo Health Center), Nazarene Anderson (Waimanalo Canoe Club), Glenn Martinez (President, Hawaii Equestrian Trails Association), Piilani Culhane (Manager, Chevron Hawaii), Magdalene Kamakea, Lauren Kealoha and Jamal Siddiqui (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

PULE: Ellsworth offered the pule.

EMERGENCY PUBLIC INPUT (PART 1)

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD): Captain Jim Skellington reported the following: (1) Statistics for September: Twenty-seven alarms including twenty-two emergency calls. (2) Safety Tip of the Month: ”If you live in an apartment building, when there is a fire you should use the stairs to leave the building. Elevators can trap you inside if the electrical power goes out. Or the elevator door might open up on a floor which might be on fire.” (3) A camping permit is required before having a bonfire at any beach park including Waimanalo Beach Park.

Akeo arrived at 7:35 p.m. There were ten members present.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lt. Andrew Speese introduced Sgt. Mike Miranda and reported the following statistics for September: five residential burglaries, one business burglary, one shoplifting, four thefts from automobiles, one auto accessory, zero bicycle thefts, thirteen other thefts, zero robberies and one auto theft.

Discussion followed: (1) Chair W. Ho stated that he witnessed partying on the grass at Waimanalo Beach Park and asked if it is illegal. Lt. Speese replied that it depends on the attitude of both the party goers and the affected resident(s) where if there are no complaints there should be no problems. However if the partying goes out of control, then dial 911 for police. (2) Ellsworth asked if anyone with a security system mistakenly dials 911 for police, would that create problems for the police. Lt. Speese replied that most of the security alarms are used by businesses, not residents. (3) Jamila informed Lt. Speese that there was a truck parked on the grass at Kaiona Beach Park and stated that HPD must be consistent in either enforcing the no parking rule or allow parking at the grass at Kaiona Beach Park. Lt. Speese replied that if there are any problems, HPD should be present to help diffuse any potential conflict. (4) Nagasawa asked if there are any changes to the 911 system by having a new three-digit emergency response system. Lt. Speese could not give a definitive answer.

FILLING OF A SINGLE VACANCY IN SUBDISTRICT 4: There were no interested candidates present.

APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 10, 2001: The following corrections were made:

. Page 4, paragraph 9, under Mayor's Representative _ Discussion followed, delete “(2) Eckart noted that the road being built at Makapu'u Beach is restricted to emergency vehicles.”
. Page 4, paragraph 11, under Councilmember John Henry Felix _ Discussion followed, line 1, delete “Waimanalo District Park” and insert “Waimanalo Canoe Halau”
. Page 4, paragraph 11, under Councilmember John Henry Felix _ Discussion followed, line 2, delete “Waimanalo District Park Master Plan” and insert “Waimanalo District Park Environmental Assessment”
. Page 5, paragraph 1, under Councilmember John Henry Felix _ Discussion followed, line 5, delete “Waimanalo Beach Park” and insert “Waimanalo District Park”

Spencer moved and Ellsworth seconded for approval of the regular meeting minutes of August 13, 2001 as amended. The motion carried unanimously, 10-0-0.

Chair W. Ho announced that the next Waimanalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 Regular Meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, November 5, 2001 instead of Monday, November 12, 2001 _ Veterans' Day Holiday. Chair W. Ho added that the Board would recess in December.

PUBLIC INPUT (PART 2)

RESIDENTS' CONCERNS

Enforce Parking at Kaiona Beach Park: A resident stated that the Honolulu Police Department must increase their presence to enforce the parking restrictions at Kaiona Beach Park.

Abandoned vehicles at Mekia Street: Marilyn Abejon expressed concern regarding vehicles being abandoned at Mekia Street. Senator Fred Hemmings stated that there would be a community meeting on Tuesday, October 9, 2001, regarding abandoned vehicles. Senator Hemmings stated that he would be introducing a bill regarding vehicle registration change where the last registered owner of the vehicle would be found liable.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Waimanalo Christmas Parade: Jamila announced that the permit for the Waimanalo Christmas Parade scheduled for Saturday, December 15, 2001 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. has been approved. Anyone interested in participating in the event should contact Jamila at 259-7342.

Waimanalo Vision Team Meeting: Reynolds announced that the next Waimanalo Vision Team Meeting would be held on Wednesday, October 17, 2001 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Waimanalo Public Library. Reynolds encouraged the Waimanalo community to attend the meeting to give input for area Capital Improvement Projects.

Waimanalo Canoe Halau Hearing: Spencer announced that the Honolulu City Council's Zoning Committee will be holding a public hearing regarding the Special Management Area Use Permit for construction of a canoe halau at Kaiona Beach Park on Wednesday, October 10, 2001 at 9:30 a.m. in the City Council Committee Room, Second Floor, Honolulu Hale.

Stop the Cover Up Demonstration at Bellows Landfill: Jim Andrews representing Environwatch, announced that there would be a rally on October 20 and 21, 2001 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the front gate of Bellows Field where the Waimanalo community is asking the U.S. Air Force and Marines to remove the landfill at the Bellows Training Station. Andrews acknowledged that a number of Board members were present at the last demonstration held September 23 and 24, 2001.

Chevron Hawaii's Liquor License Application: Piilani Culhane, manager of Chevron Hawaii, announced that on Saturday, October 13, 2001, Chevron Station in Waimanalo plans to give away free keiki identification cards. Culhane also announced that the Waimanalo Chevron Station plans to apply for a beer/wine liquor license. Chair W. Ho along with others expressed concern with the liquor license application by noting the recent liquor license fight with Sea Life Park's wedding chapel, thus Board support for the liquor license is not likely. Culhane pointed out that liquor sales amount to 8% of Chevron's total revenues and added that the license is for a beer/wine pick up.

Meeting addressing Abandoned Vehicles in Waimanalo: Glenn Martinez, President of the Hawaii Equestrian Trails Association, announced that Representative Joe Gomes would be holding a community meeting regarding abandoned vehicles in Waimanalo on Tuesday, October 9, 2001 at Waimanalo Public School Library from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Martinez pointed out that a vehicle is left abandoned in Waimanalo every 3 to 4 days.

MILITARY REPORT

KANEOHE MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII (MCBH): No representatives from MCBH were present.

BELLOWS AIR FORCE STATION: Captain Justin Hall reported the following: (1) The Annual Thunderbirds Air Show at Hickam Air Force Base has been cancelled due the September 11, 2001 tragedy. (2) Bellows Air Force Station personnel recently participated in the Kalanianaole Highway clean up.

Discussion followed: (1) Concern was raised regarding the green wastewater at Waimanalo Stream. Chair W. Ho stated that the green algae coming down from Waimanalo Stream is due to high nitrogen levels in the water. (2) It was asked if the U.S. Marines would conduct amphibious exercises at Bellows Beach in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Captain Hall could not give a definitive answer.

EDUCATION

KAILUA HIGH SCHOOL: Willie Smith introduced Darlene Heim and Audra Chang and reported the following: As requested by Board member Spencer at last month's meeting, Smith distributed a statistical breakdown of Waimanalo students participating in Kailua High School's athletic programs. The report shows that Waimanalo students comprise 41% of the student athlete population at Kailua High School in the 2000-2001 school year. The statistics reveal equal participation in football, girls volleyball, baseball, basketball, paddling and softball while there is under representation in tennis, bowling, cross country, cheerleading, judo and swimming.

Discussion followed: (1) Spencer asked if Kailua High has a surfing team. Audra Chang replied no. Bumpy Kanahele pointed out that Kailua High School had a surfing team. It was eventually scrapped due to the amount of practice time that conflicted with studies. (2) Spencer emphasized the importance for Waimanalo students having a direct access road to Kailua High School. Chair W. Ho replied that progress is being made with regard to the direct access road from Waimanalo to Kailua High School.

WAIMANALO PUBLIC LIBRARY: Richard Burns reported the following: (1) The Annual Friends of Waimanalo Library Book Sale takes place Saturday, October 20, 2001 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Monday, October 22, 2001 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at the Waimanalo Public & School Library Meeting Room. (2) Your Children and the Internet class for parents will be held Wednesday, October 24, 2001 at 6:30 p.m. in the Waimanalo Public & School Library. (3) Tuesday, October 30, 2001 _ Tales to Chill and Blood will be read to students after school at 2:30 p.m. at the Waimanalo Public & School Library Meeting Room. (4) Tuesday, October 30, 2001 _ The Halloween Costume Contest and Treat Street will be held at the Waimanalo District Park Gym from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. (5) Friday, October 12, 2001 will be the unveiling of the National Geographic pictures featuring Waimanalo, held at 6:00 p.m., Waimanalo Public & School Library.

WAIMANALO HEALTH CENTER (WHC): Kawahine Kamakea-Ohelo reported the following: (1) Construction of the nutrition building should be completed by the end of the month. (2) Acknowledged the Kaiser Permanente Koolau Clinic in Kaneohe for donating two trailers to the Waimanalo Health Center.

MAYOR'S REPRESENTATIVE: Ben Kama reported the following: (1) The City and the State will be doing islandwide canvassing on Saturday, October 13, 2001 to distribute information on dengue fever and how to combat it. In addition, trucks from the Department of Environmental Services will be picking up bulky items including ones that can hold water. Volunteers will meet at Waimanalo District Park. (2) Repaving the small parking lot at Waimanalo Beach Park begins Saturday, October 13, 2001 and should be completed by Thursday, October 18, 2001, while repaving the big parking lot should begin in January 2002. (3) Received a list from the Sheila Wensel and Eric Bunyan from the Department of Recreation for needed capital improvement projects for possible Board prioritization for fiscal year 2003. Other possible projects include building barriers to keep vehicles off Waimanalo Beach Park.

Discussion followed: (1) Work on the Waimanalo District Park Gym should begin October 10, 2001. Spencer stated that the gym's roof is in need of full repair. (2) Spencer asked what the Waimanalo Task Force has done regarding improvements in Waimanalo. Kama replied that the City established the Waimanalo Task Force _ the only community task force on Oahu _ whose primary goal is to make sure that funds for area projects move forward in an expeditious manner. Kama noted that the Waimanalo Task Force is comprised of the Directors and Deputy Directors of the Departments of Parks & Recreation, Facility Maintenance and Design & Construction and Kama himself. (3) Bumpy Kanahele suggested that Board members should survey the Waimanalo community to find out what the problems are and have it addressed. Spencer stated that the problems with city-related projects are the consultants themselves. Kama pointed out that in the Board's June 2001 meeting, the Board voted unanimously in favor of the Waimanalo District Park Master Plan as presented by Kimura International. Kim Tasaka spoke to commend Mayor Harris, Ben Kama and the Waimanalo Task Force for making a positive difference for Waimanalo.

COUNCILMEMBER JOHN HENRY FELIX: Ron Boyer reported the following: (1) A bill to register all home alarms as requested by the Honolulu Police Department to help reduce the number of false alarms passed at a City Council Planning & Public Safety Committee meeting on October 7, 2001. (2) The City Council approved the Special Management Area Use Permit for the Ka Iwi Shoreline based on input were recommended by the Waimanalo and Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Boards. (3) A public hearing on Bill 78 _ banning smoking at all restaurants (bars and nightclubs are exempt) will be held on October 17, 2001. (4) Long time aide Robert McEldowney left to join the private sector. Councilmember Felix's office is looking for individuals with good writing skills to fill the position. For any concerns, contact Boyer at 527-5570.

Discussion followed: (1) Jamila asked if the Waimanalo community would be informed regarding the Ka Iwi Shoreline Improvement Project. Boyer replied that he would send the document to anyone interested. (2) P. Ho asked what changes are being considered for Makapu'u Point. Boyer could not give a definitive answer. (3) Marilyn Abejon asked about need for traffic calming on Mekia Street. Chair W. Ho suggested that Abejon contact Cheryl Soon, Director of the Department of Transportation Services (DTS). Jamila responded by stating that he found a road in the Enchanted Lakes subdivision in Kailua similar to that of Mekia Street that has traffic humps which is what is needed at Mekia Street where many children live. (4) Glenn Martinez stated that drainage ditch on Hihimanu Street and Waikupanaha Street is full of water which must be fixed immediately. (5) Jose Abejon suggested that Councilmember Felix appear in person at future Board meetings.

REPRESENTATIVE JOE GOMES: Representative Gomes reported the following: (1) Sponsor a community meeting regarding abandoned cars in Waimanalo to be held Tuesday, October 9, 2001 at the Waimanalo Public & School Library from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Representatives from the Honolulu Police Department and Honolulu City Prosecutor's Office are expected to attend the meeting. (2) Saturday, October 13, 2001 will mark the first of four Waimanalo Watershed Summits where speakers from all over the state will share their experiences on plans to improve the quality of the watersheds. The meetings will be held at Waimanalo Elementary & Intermediate School Cafeteria from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and is open to everyone. (3) Co-sponsor a Waimanalo Town Meeting with Senator Fred Hemmings at the Blanche Pope Elementary School on Tuesday, October 16, 2001 to discuss the upcoming special session to address the state's economic downturn in wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. (5) Acknowledged Piilani Kaahue of Chevron Hawaii for removing the orange fence back of the Chevron Waimanalo Station to give pedestrians more walking room.

SENATOR FRED HEMMINGS: Senator Hemmings reported the following: (1) The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks devastated Hawaii's economy that is primarily dependent on tourism. To address the economic downturn, Governor Cayetano has submitted three proposals for the legislature to consider for the upcoming special session:

first, employment protection & economic stimulus package; second, marketing Hawaii as a safe destination and third, $1 billion capital improvement projects. (2) In the special session, the Republicans are proposing a bill where funds would allocated to public school principals to facilitate school repair and maintenance projects be done by bypassing the Department of Accounting & General Services (DAGS). (3) The State Reapportionment Commission is leaning to remove proposed canoe districts. (4) With the wake of the September 11, 2001 tragedy, the primary concern remains the fear of the unknown.

Discussion followed: (1) Bumpy Kanahele asked Senator Hemmings why he voted against the Social Responsibility Resolution. Senator Hemmings could not give a definitive answer but would follow up. (2) Kawahine Kamakea-Ohelo asked what alternatives are there for Hawaii to be economically viable. Senator Hemmings replied that Hawaii should be energy reliant with the key question being should be done by the government or by individuals. (3) Ellsworth commented that if the U.S. Army and environmentalists can reach an agreement on the use of Makua Valley, then the same should be done regarding Bellows Beach. (4) Spencer commented that the primary problem with City and State contracts that they are huge contracts. Senator Hemmings replied by stating that most of the donors to political campaigns are contractors. Spencer suggested that the procurements be broken up which would create smaller government contracts. (5) Jamila stated that the Waimanalo Construction Coalition was proposing to build a canoe halau at $80,000 and until the project was awarded to a contractor. Senator Hemmings note that the 25,000 square foot Kailua Beach Park Canoe Halau cost taxpayers $400,000. He further stated that had the same project been retrofitted, the cost would have been 50% less at $200,000. At this time, Ben Kama and Senator Hemmings had an exchange of words regarding the cost of the canoe halau and the process for the funding.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): Joe Kaakua reported the following: (1) There were two water main breaks in September 2001 _ one in Waikupanaha Street and one in Kakaina Street. (2) In the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, BWS facilities are equipped with intrusion alarms. In addition, HPD has increased their presence by patrolling all BWS facilities. Kaakua noted that most of Oahu's water sources are underground, thus less likely for contaminants penetrating into the potable water system.

Discussion followed: Jamila pointed out that water facilities are potential targets for terrorists by citing his Army experience in Czechoslovakia where terrorists target water facilities there.

DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION (DPR): Sheila Wensel announced that the annual Halloween Costume Contest will be held at the Waimanalo District Park Gym on Tuesday, October 30, 2001 5:30 to 8:15 p.m.

Discussion followed: Volleyball is one of a number of athletic programs being offered in the Fall Program at Waimanalo District Park Gym. In addition, flag football is being played at Blanche Pope Elementary School.

Chair W. Ho mentioned that Honolulu Star-Bulletin writer Suzanne Crowell is writing an article on efforts to remove rock falls at Makapu'u Point.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

ABANDONED CARS ON HIHIMANU AND WAIKUPANAHA STREETS: It was mentioned earlier that there would be a community meeting sponsored by Representative Joe Gomes taking place Tuesday, October 9, 2001 at the Waimanalo Public Library from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

WAIMANALO CANOE HALAU APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & PERMITTING: Chair W. Ho announced that the Department of Planning & Permitting has approved an application for granting a Special Management Area Use Permit regarding the construction of a canoe halau at Kaiona Beach Park. As stated earlier, the Honolulu City Council's Zoning Committee would be holding a public hearing on the Special Management Area Use Permit Wednesday, October 10, 2001. Chair W. Ho acknowledged the presence of many in the community who have expressed interest in the Waimanalo Canoe Halau. He noted that after four years of discussion and debate on the issue, a conclusion was reached to placing the canoe halau at Kaiona Beach Park, the place where the Waimanalo Canoe Club trains. He also noted that beach goers at Kaiona Beach Park would volunteer their time and

effort to guard the canoe halau. He added that Kaiona Beach Park is closed off to campers who stay at Kaiona Beach Park during long weekends.

Discussion followed: (1) Concern was expressed that Kaiona Beach Park is the wrong location for a canoe halau that is too small and that the egress is 30 feet wide and is not in the mauka-makai direction. (2) Nazarene Anderson, representing the Waimanalo Canoe Club, stated her support for having the canoe halau at Kaiona Beach Park with the primary reason being that of safety _ the waters at Kaiona Beach Park are calmer that Waimanalo Beach Park thus less chances for canoes to being turned over while in training. Other reasons for support include: a training facility that is also utilized to educate children on Hawaiian Studies, building canoes out of koa wood carvings and that the facility is less vulnerable in terms of liability as compared to the Waimanalo Beach Park facility where there have been numerous incidents involving vandalism. In addition, there are nearby residents who would volunteer their time to guard the facility. Jamila added that the proposal to placing the canoe halau at Kaiona Beach Park came from the Waimanalo Vision Team. (3) Bumpy Kanahele stated that the Board must reevaluate its position in support if granting the permit that is against the wishes of the Waimanalo community to relocate the halau to Waimanalo Beach Park. Chair W. Ho responded by stating that in the March 1999 meeting, the Board unanimously voted to support the concept of a canoe halau in Waimanalo and asked that the community, regardless of any viewpoint, should testify before the City Council on Wednesday, October 10, 2001. (4) Kim Tasaka stated that the Board did its job in terms of taking a position in supporting the concept of a canoe halau in Waimanalo and is now going through the proper channels in terms of making it a reality. (5) Kawahine Kamakea-Ohelo noted that there are a number of Board members who are affiliated with the Waimanalo Canoe Club, thus they should abstain from voting. Chair W. Ho responded by stating that Board members abstaining would not be the appropriate solution. Ben Kama cited the Neighborhood Plan stating that Board members who have a conflict of interest are required to disclose their conflict at the Board meeting. After declaring their conflict they can vote on the matter. He added that in the March 1999 meeting, the Board voted for the concept of the canoe halau, thus if the Board wants to vote on it, they could take a position noting that the canoe halau item is on the agenda.

Spencer moved and P. Ho seconded that the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 support the Special Management Area Use Permit (SMA) for the canoe halau with the condition that the location be changed from Kaiona Beach Park to Waimanalo Beach Park while Kaiona Beach Park will continue to be used for canoe training.

Discussion followed: (1) Akeo stressed the importance of having a canoe halau in Waimanalo would benefit young people by promoting a positive activity in the community as a way to discourage young people from joining gangs. (2) Ben Kama pointed out that the money allotted for the canoe halau would lapse in December 2002 therefore the Waimanalo community must work together to make sure that the funds are there for the canoe halau. (3) Chair W. Ho stated that he would write a letter on behalf of the Board regarding the Special Management Use Permit for the Waimanalo Canoe Halau.

The motion carried unanimously, 10-0-0.

WAIMANALO WATERSHED SUMMITS: It was mentioned earlier that there would be a series of community meetings held for the next three to four Saturdays starting Saturday, October 13, 2001 held at the Waimanalo Elementary & Intermediate School Cafeteria from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. discussing ways in finding a comprehensive strategy to improving the Waimanalo Watershed.

NEW BUSINESS

WAIMANALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 32 WEBSITE: Ben Kama mentioned that the Board already has a website, but needs a web master to monitor chat room comments and questions.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further Board business, the meeting adjourned at 10:14 p.m.

Submitted by Jamal Siddiqui, Neighborhood Assistant

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