Na Pua No`eau - A Program for Gifted and Talented Native Hawaiian Children

Funded by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Na Pua No`eau is a program for gifted and talented Native Hawaiian children. Students in grades K through 12 participate in special enrichment activities on the university campus. Through these activities, students enhance talent, boost self-esteem, and embrace Hawaiian culture and its values.

Last last year, Maile mentored Wai`anae High School student Dayzina Lawson through the Na Pua No`eau program. Maile was very impressed by Dayzina, who was interested in politics and law, and plans to attend UH-Hilo upon her graduation. Dayzina accompanied Maile to a Neighborhood Board Meeting, Veteran's Day Ceremony, Women of Wai`anae Keiki Tea, and thrift store to benefit the homeless. Dayzina also volunteered several hours at the legal aid office where Maile works. The mentorship ended with a dinner and presentations by Dayzina and other Na Pua No`eau students at UH-Hilo. Dayzina is the grandaughter of Elroy and Emily Choy Foo. Wai`anae's harbormaster, William Aila, Jr., also served as a mentor to two students.

For more information on the Na Pua No'eau program contact:
Coordinator: Kinohi Gomes
Queen Lili`uokalani Center for Student Services 214G
Phone: (808) 956-9410
Home page: http://www2.hawaii.edu/~npn/npnhome.htm

Legislature Donates Easter Baskets to IHS

The Institute for Human Services (IHS) is a non-profit organization that helps provide transition housing and support services for homeless families and their dependents. In March many Legislatures includung Representative Maile Shimabukuro's office donated Easter baskets full of toiletries and other supplies to the IHS Womens center. For more information on services or volunteering contact IHS at:

Address:
IHS
Attn: Business Office
546 Ka'aahi Street
Honolulu, HI 96817

Business Phone Number:
(808) 845-7150

Fax:
(808) 845-7190

Email:
info@IHS-hawaii.org

Legal Aid Society of HI Represents Seniors Suing HUD

Represented by Legal Aid Society of Hawaii , Seniors Sue U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to Keep Housing Complex Subsidized
Eloise Aguiar, Honolulu Advertiser, March 27, 2008

The Honolulu Advertiser states: "A second lawsuit has been filed to ensure the preservation of a senior low-rent housing project in Kahuku, but this time the defendant is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The [LSC-funded] Legal Aid Society of Hawaii and the nonprofit Housing Preservation Project are challenging HUD's action to allow Kahuku Elderly Housing operators, the Kahuku Housing Foundation Inc., to pre-pay its mortgages, thereby releasing the program from HUD restrictions . . . . The lawsuit claims that leaving the program violates a federal law requiring the foundation to stay with HUD for an additional five years for obtaining a rent increase. It got that increase last year, the suit says. Earlier this month, Legal Aid filed a similar action in state Circuit Court against Kahuku Housing Foundation Inc. for opting out of the HUD rent subsidy program known a Project Base Section 8." See also Legal Services E-lert of March 7, 2008.

Legal Aid Society of HI's Wai`anae Office is located at the Satellite City Hall. To apply for their services, call 536-4302 ext. 3.

2008 Betty Crocker Landscape Awards

Nominations are being accepted for the sixth annual Betty Crocker Landscape Awards. This program annually honors the best of Hawaii’s garden and landscape projects and the individuals who make them happen. Deadline for nominations is May 15.

Nominations are being sought in four categories

• Private individuals. These are local homeowners and others who help create a better Hawaii and spread their gardening aloha by simply beautifying their front and back yards for all to see.
  
  
• Professional projects. This category covers professional landscape architects, government planners, gardeners and caretakers whose projects show a high degree of excellence and enhance the scenic beauty of the state.
  
  
• Volunteers, public spaces and non-profit groups. Winners include those who take care of public and private spaces, including schools, parks, and public right-of-ways, thereby maintaining and adding to the natural greening of Hawaii.

• Xeriscaping. This categories includes projects whose landscaping and gardening efforts are consistent with best natural practices, especially those that include Native Hawaiian and other “less thirsty” plants which conserve water.

Nominations should include the name, address and phone number of the landscaping project, the person principally responsible for the work, and the nominator. They should also include detailed written descriptions and photographs of the project.

Nominations can be sent to:

Scenic Hawaii, P.O. Box 10501, Honolulu, HI 96816

Or by email: Bettycrockerawards@gmail.com

Career, College & Job Fair 2008

Leeward Community College is hosting a Career, College, and Job Fair on Thursday, April 10, 2008 from 9:00AM to 1:00PM. There is plenty of free parking and this event is open to the public. A full listing of employers and colleges can be viewed at: www.lcc.hawaii.edu/jobs/events

"FUN" Raiser for Wai`anae's Own Miss Hawaii Teen America, 2008

Le'a Kunipo of Wai`anae, Miss Hawaii Teen America, 2008 needs your support! On April 19th, from noon to three o' clock there will be a fundraiser at Hawaiian Brian's on Kapiolani Boulevard to help defray the costs of pageant expenses. On July 5, 2008 Le'a Kunipo will be representing the state of Hawaii in the National Pageant in Nashville Tennessee. The money from the fundraiser will go toward her traveling costs for this event. A ticket is $25.00 for adults and $15.oo for children (age 4-12). There will be pool, ping-pong, darts, arcade games, food, prizes, lots of entertainment and much more.

Checks can be made out to Edward Kunipo (Le'a's father) and delivered in person at the fundraiser or sent to:
87-155 Wai'olu Street
Waianae, Hawaii 96792
For more information contact Aunty Pamela at (808) 351-7281 or email Kunipo@yahoo.com.

Town Meeting & Dinner To Stomp Out Underage Drinking on 4/4

Representative Karen Awana is sponsoring a neighborhood meeting to discuss underage drinking. Come and join in the discussion. "Konishiki" Salevaa Atisanoe, Former Sumo Wrestler; Egan Inoue, SuperBrawl Champion; Falaniko Vitale, SuperBrawl World Middle Weight Champion; Kala Hose, Icon Sports World Middleweight Champion; and Rep. Karen Awana D-44^th will all be there.
The meeting will take place at Waianae High School Cafeteria and on Friday, April 4, 2008 at 5:45 - 8:00. A free spaghetti dinner will be served. For more information call 586-84 65.

Hazardous Waste Sites - EPA Technical Help

Fw: Technical Assistance Services for Communities
From: Hawaii EJ Initiative [EJHawaii@hawaii.rr.com]
Sent: Sun 3/30/2008 10:09 PM
Attachments: TASC Brochure-Dec 27 07.pdf
[Click on the image to view the full brochure.]

Forwarding from EPA
Mahalo!
Leslie Kahihikolo

[Forwarded message:]
I wanted to let you know about Technical Assistance Services for Communities (TASC), which is a new program to provide unbiased educational and technical assistance to communities affected by hazardous waste sites. This program, developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), can help your community by providing experts to explain hazardous waste problems and EPA’s plans to clean up the waste. EPA offers this assistance to help your community understand hazardous waste issues better, so your community can participate in the decision-making process more effectively.

Some of the ways in which TASC might be able to help your community:
-Answer questions about exposure to hazardous waste and the potential health effects.
-Educate your community on the scientific, engineering, health, or economic concepts related to the cleanup of hazardous waste.
-Help your community to better understand cleanup technologies and their effectiveness.
-Explain the cleanup process and how to become involved in the process.
-Assist your community in identifying possible land reuse or redevelopment options.

The attached flyer provides more details.

If you think the community in Koloa might benefit from technical assistance from TASC, please contact Luis Garcia-Bakarich who is based in our San Francisco office to make a specific request for assistance. He can be reached at Garcia-Bakarich.Luis@epa.gov or at 415- 972-3237.

Please let me know what you think or if you have any questions.

Debbie

Hearing April 2: Emergency Access Route

Subject: City Council to Hear Resolution 08-77 to Condemn Lands for the Waianae Coast Emergency Access Route
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:42:11 -0400
From: rezentesc@aol.com

On Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. the City Council Executive Committee will hear Resolution 08-77. This resolution provides for the acquisition of easements for public use to wit: Waianae Coast Emergency Access Road.

Any testimony provided in support of this resolution will assist in moving towards realizing an emergency access route throughout most of the Wai`anae Coast. Testimony may be faxed to 768-3827 or emailed to http://www.honolulu.gov/council/emailem.htm.

If you wish to speak at the committee hearing you will be limited to a one-minute presentation.

Attached is the link to the hearing notice.
http://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-74033/Agenda.EM.htm

Mahalo,
Cynthia

UPDATE 31 March 2008:

Click on the scanned document on the left to view the maps of the proposed Wai`anae Coast Emergency Access Road (WCEAR), and the entire draft of the resolution.

Michelle Lee's - Free Coupons

New Business Hours

Monday thru Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Now offering delivery service to businesses on the
Waianae Coast!
85-794 Farrington Hwy #A1
Waianae, HI 96792
With minumum purchase of $50
(under $50 will incur $5 surcharge)

Click on the coupons for printable versions.

Maile's Comment: "Michelle Lee Johnson is my classmate from Waianae Elementary School and I'm so proud to see her succeeding as an entrepeneur."

Teacher Training Program in Wai`anae

Wai`anae students interested in teaching visited Maile at the Capitol. Pictured are: Front Row (L-R) - Hannah McComie, Alena Greenidee, and Jewel Greenidee. Back Row (L-R) - Josh Morimoto, Maile, and Sandie Morimoto.

Ka Lama Education Academy mentors Wai`anae students, such as Hannah, who are interested in becoming teachers. This program aims to address Wai`anae's chronic teacher shortage by fostering more "home grown" teachers.

Other students who were exploring becoming teachers were part of the Teacher Cadet Program (TCP), which is in part sponsored by HAFT (Hawaii Alliance for Future Teachers) and DOE. The TCP is a one credit elective class that is available at various high schools. Farrington, Waipahu, and Wai`anae High students were in attendance at the Capitol.

For more information, please contact:

Sandie Morimoto
Lead Coordinator/Community Counselor
INPEACE - Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture Ka Lama Education Academy
86-088 Farrington Hwy, Ste 201
Wai`anae, HI 96792
Phone 808 696-8312 Fax 808 696-4024

NHIS Spring Garage Sale Extraordinaire

Nanakuli High School is holding a huge garage sale in the cafeteria on Saturday, April 5 between 8:00AM and 2:00PM.

300 "just like new" prom dresses will be on sale starting at just $40! If you know anyone who would like to go to the prom but can't afford a dress... please pass on the information.

Along with prom dresses there will be many other items like furniture, jewelry, toys, book, cds and much more. (Cash only) Stew bowls and drinks will also be available. Proceeds are to benefit the Nanakuli Alumni Association -- "Strengthening NHIS and the community by promoting social responsibility through education."

For more information or donations please contact: nanakulialumni@yahoo.com or

Bili at 682-5288.

OHA Settlement Agreement Update

The Senate did not pass HB 266 regarding the OHA settlement. Here is a report from OHA regarding the settlement. Click on the image to see a PDF version of this report.

New schedule for TheBoat

Based on current riders and potential riders comments TheBoat officials decided to tweak schedule times to better serve the community.
TheBoat will continue to have 3 morning trips from Kalaeloa to Aloha Tower and three afternoon return trips. The new times for them are as follows:
Mornings, Kalaeloa to Aloha Tower:
5:30AM
6:30AM
7:30AM
Afternoons, Aloha tower to Kalaeloa:
3:55PM
5:00PM
6:15PM
The entire trip takes about 1 hour and a one way adult pass costs only $2.
TheBoat provides free Wi-Fi access, some electrical outlets, a limited food and beverage menu and best of all great sightseeing during whale season!
TheBoat boarding docks are at the Kalaeloa pier at Barbers point and at the Aloha Tower Pier.
There is limited parking at the Kalaeloa peir. Additional parking is at the Kapolei Home Depot and conveniently located on the Kapolei Parkway is the F-13 shuttle bus.
For more details check out http://trytheboat.com/ or call (808) 848-5555

Hawaiian Community Assets

Hawaiian Community Assets is a non-profit organization that uses homeownership as a tool to build, strengthen and sustain families and communities (particularly Native Hawaiian) for future generations. They wish to build low and moderate-income communities so people can achieve and sustain economic self-sufficiency. The HCA organization provides FREE homebuyer education and one-on-one counseling to assist families on their journey to home ownership.
Contact info:
Address:
Honolulu Office: Hawaii Community Lending
900 Fort St. Mall, Suite 930
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone:
Toll free: 1-866-400-1116
Website:
http://www.hawaiiancommunity.net/

Update on Transit

The City Council has decided to reconsider the proposed $3.7 billion steel wheels on steel rails train system. Concerns about the noise level are a big issue for communities. The City Council wants to reconsider the much quieter magnetic levitation train system. The next vote on which train system to move forward with will most likely happen in early April. However, no date has been set yet. Mayor Hannemann still hopes to break ground for the project in 2009 and have the first segment between East Kapolei and Waipahu running by 2012.
More information:
Project Hotline - (808) 566-2299
http://www.honolulutransit.org

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Update

Message from Rodlyn Brown,
President of AARP Wai`anae Chapter

Email: rodlynb@juno.com

Attachments:
1. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and the Grandparents Don't Have Legal Status
2. STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1190-08
3. Child Protection Act, SB No. 2730 SD2 HD1
4. SB2830 SD2 HD1

Where should we be standing on this. We all know that we have a huge problem out here on the Waianae coast...The Grandparents that are raising their grandchildren need all the help we can give them. Please let me know how I can help and where to go. You all have the force to keep this bill alive and get the intent to the bill on the side of the grandparents. These Keiki are our responsibility NOW.
Mahalo for ALL the help you can give., Rodlyn

Please note: forwarded message attached
Aloha, Rodlyn

[Forwarded Message from Patricia Urieff]
It was a wonderful experience for me to see you again on March 14th. I thought you were at North America busy with your adult children and grandchildren.

1. SB 2730 is at the point where in a confirmed CPS Case, DHS must find the child’s grandparents and relatives ASAP, do the comprehensive assessment, and if they have the capacity to keep the child safe and nurtured, then DHS must give preference to the grandparents and relatives to become the Licensed Foster Parent and later (if the parents show no capacity to keep the children safe/nurtured) the Adoptive Parent. This bill is heading for the Judiciary Committee.

2. HB 2198, Task Force to Discuss Issues of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. The bill focused at supporting “Family Caregivers who give 24/7 care to children they must raise” was deferred (from action) on 03/38/08 because mention of the Task Force for GRG is in the Omnibus Bill SB 2830.

3. SB 2830 includes the Task Force for GRG.
• This omnibus bill looks heavy and asks for funding for supporting “Family Caregivers of Elderly/aged/disabled” at a time when legislators say money is tight and they don’t want to spend.
• It includes “Family Caregivers, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren”.

Having a Task Force to discuss GRG issues won’t cost money. It will be about making the DOE (paid salary people) more aware of kids in GRG homes, and DOE doing better to give those families resource info.

The Task Force needs to ask Dept. of Health to stop denying a grandparent (without legal status) from getting mental health services for the grandchild in the grandparent’s 24/7 care and the child has disturbing behaviors, needs help.

The Task Force needs to follow-up with DHS report (August 2007 to the Joint Legislative Committee on Family Caregivers) that DHS was going to consider making a special category of Financial Assistance for (finically) Needy Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (versus now lumping this group of GRG into the “Non-needy Caretakers Financial Assistance of about $400.00 to take care of each child. With the cost of food, gasoline, rent, shoes/clothes for a kid, $400.00 is not enough.

Grandparents raising three grandsons told me they can’t get new glasses nor go to the dentist because it’s more important to buy sports equipment to keep those three boys busy and interested in sports. I gave them the atta-boy for knowing the way to prevent problems. But I know they are sacrificing what they shared and more (like prescription meds, vitamins, and everything they enjoy in life). Don’t you think the Task Force can discuss if the organized sports organizations need to be aware of kids growing up with grandparents and the Rotary Club etc. to help these families?

Rodlyn, please send support for hearings re SB 2730 Child Welfare; and for SB 2830, Omnibus Bill for Family Caregivers.

Please pass on to AARP folks that GRG need their supports.

Mahalo and Aloha.

Patricia Urieff, LSW
Queen Lili`uokalani Children's Center, Systems Facilitator
Honolulu, Hawaii

Large Clothing Needed for Disabled Girl

Please donate clothing (gently used or new) to a disabled, low-income 21-year-old Wai`anae girl.

She is size 8x, about 500 lbs., and in need of clothing. She needs any kind of clothing, eg, shorts, t-shirts, pants, shirts, pareo, etc.

She and her grandfather are unable to drive, and need the clothing to be dropped off if possible.

Donations can also be dropped off at Rep. Shimabukuro's office in Room 406 at the State Capitol. [Note: After hours, donations can be left outside Rep. Shimabukuro's office door]. In addition, Rep. Shimabukuro's staff can assist with pick up and delivery of donations.

For more information, call Rep. Shimabukuro at 586-8460.

Please Support Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce's Fundraiser - The 'O'o Awards

Aloha,

Please find attached information for the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce's (NHCC) annual 'O'o Awards. It is an honor and a pleasure to invite you all. This year we honor Peter Apo [former State Representative for the Wai`anae Coast] and Nake'u Awai. This event is the premier networking celebration for kanaka maoli and for those who practice and love Hawaiian culture. Last year we had over 600 attendees and we expect even more this year. See you all there. [Note from Maile: NHCC has been a strong supporter of MA`O Farms and many other non profits on the Wai`anae Coast].

Me ka ha'aha'a,
Daniel Anthony [iiawah@hotmail.com]
Fri 3/21/2008 11:51 AM


The Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce
proudly presents
The 32nd Annual ‘O‘o Awards Banquet
Ku I Ke Ao (Ku of the Light)

Honoring: Peter Apo and Nake‘u Awai

Friday, April 25, 2008 at 5:30 p.m.
Hilton Hawaiian Village, Coral III–V Ballroom

5:30 p.m. no host cocktails & silent auction
7:00 p.m. Dinner
8:00 p.m. Awards

Platinum donor tables (of 10) $3,000
Corporate donor tables (of 10) $1,500
Supporter tables (of 10) $850
Individual tickets $85

For more information or ticket information
contact Stephen Kaaa at 738-4711 or skaaa@fhb.com or
Kaleo Paik at 342-9236, or visit our web site at
http://www.nativehawaiian.cc



















Click to view the full-size announcement and registration form.

Nani O Wai`anae "Great HI Clean-Up" Needs Volunteers

Nani O Waianae is gearing up for the Great Hawaii Clean-up March thru May, with Keep Hawaii Beautiful Day on April 26th. We are actively seeking volunteers to pickup, paint and we need site coordinators/all around the island of Oahu!

For more info, please contact:

Katy Kok

Nani O Waianae

naniowai@lava.net

WOMEN IN NEED (Wai`anae Branch) - Advocates for parents with CPS issues and much more

Woman in Need is a nonprofit organization that provides stabilizing courses in parenting, domestic violence/anger management, self-esteem, computer skills, job readiness, and basic life skills to women, men and children in transition or at risk. WIN's services help empower at risk families by helping them become independent and productive members of their community - living in safe and stable environments, and in healthy relationships. WIN also is an advocate for parents with Child Protective Service issues. WIN is the project sponsor of the Family Resource Center located in Wai'anae (kitty corner from Wai`anae Post Office).

Contact Information:
PO box #414
Waimanalo, HI 96795
Phone: 808-259-9049
Email: WINHI@HawaiianTel.net
Website: http://www.win-hawaii.org

Laywers for Equal Justice Helps Veterans and Others

Lawyers for Equal Justice is a nonprofit legal aid organization that focuses on class actions, lobbying, outreach, and other legal matters on behalf of low income individuals and families in Hawai’i. LEJ’s mission is based on the core values held by most people in Hawai'i, such as fairness, community, responsibility and aloha while ensuring equal justice for all low income residents in Hawai'i. LEJ staff members are strong advocates for veterans trying to access a variety of Veterans Administration benefits available to support their housing, training, health and income needs as they struggle to regain control of their lives during times of crisis. LEJ is currently involved in class actions for homeless children being denied access to education, seniors trying to maintain their housing, and many other cases.
Contact information:
PO Box 37952
Honolulu, HI 96837
808-587-7605

Habitat for Humanity Accepting Applications for Maili Homes; DEADLINE IS MARCH 24 TO APPLY

NOTE: IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR THE MAILI HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PROJECT, THE LAST DAY TO APPLY IS MARCH 24 AT THE WORKSHOP LISTED BELOW!

Aloha Maile,

We want to let you know Habitat for Humanity Leeward O’ahu is beginning the family selection process for their 31-home subdivision due to begin September 2008. Leeward Habitat partners with low-income families who are ready for the responsibility and challenges of homeownership, but would not qualify for a traditional mortgage. If you know of any families who reside in the Leeward Coast and are interested in applying for a Habitat home, please have them attend the next Information Session:

March 24, 2008 at 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Kamehameha Schools Community Learning Center at Nanakuli, 89-101 Farrington Hwy , Wai’anae, HI 96792

They can visit http://www.leewardhabitat.org/Applyforhome.htm page for qualification information. For additional questions please call the Leeward Habitat office at 808-696-7882 or email abby.gouveia@gmail.com.

In addition, please be sure to check our website frequently for the latest resource info, support group and training opportunities for foster parents and children. Thank you for all you do to help make the world a better place for children!

Judith Wilhoite
Executive Director - Hawaii Foster Parent Association - Phone: 808-522-1016 - http://www.hawaiifosterparent.org/

Mobi PCS offers wireless service discounts through Federal Lifeline and Link Up Programs

Lifeline and Link Up programs are designed to provide federal assistance to qualifying households/individuals. Mobi PCS is a Hawaii wireless service provider that is able to allow customers who qualify to participate in these discount programs.
The recurring Lifeline discount for Mobi PCS service is $8.25 per month. The one-time Link Up discount amount for service activation with Mobi PCS is $15.00.
You are eligible for these discounts if you participate in at least one of the following programs:
*Medicaid
*Food Stamps
*Supplemental Security Income
*Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
*Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
*National School Lunch - Free Lunch Program
*Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
You may also qualify for these programs on the basis of your household income.
For an application and more information check out the brochure at:
http://maile45.blogspot.com/2008/02/mobi-lifelinelinkup-brochure.html

Taro Security and Purity Research Program - Senate Conccurrent Resolution 206 report is in!

During the 2007 legislative session, taro farmers and Native Hawaiians expressed growing concern over increasing threats to the taro. Much of the dialogue was overshadowed by the issue of genetically engineered taro. Senate Concurrent Resolution 206 (Appendix A), passed into law in June 2007, requesting the Department to develop a taro security and purity research program to address growing concerns.

SCR206 specifically mandates that the Department of Agriculture “develop a taro security and purity research program that is designed to ensure that taro can be saved and protected from natural attack” through means other than genetic engineering.

The full report can be viewed electronically by selecting Legislative Reports at http://www.hawaii.gov/hdoa/meetings_reports

New Comments Posted Re: Wai`anae Drug Treatment Program Community Mtg. 3/19, 6-9pm, Waianae District Park

[Note: 3 Comments have recently been posted regarding this issue. Please click on "Comments" below to view.]

Hina Mauka would like to invite you to attend this important opportunity to learn about our Therapeutic Living Program that is not a Clean and Sober house or a Drug Treatment Program. Hina Mauka will also present a holistic approach to job training and the importance of helping each other in community and caring for the environment.

DATE: March 19, 2008
TIME: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
LOCATION: Wai`anae District Multi-Purpose Room
(light refreshments will be served)

PLEASE COME. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!

If you have any questions, please call Bill Mousser at 230-5243 or email at bmousser@hinamauka.org.

What is the OHA Settlement All About? (Your Comments Sought)

Update to March 7 announcement: Read Dr. Jonathan Likeke Scheuer's response (toward the end of this announcement) to the comment made by Anonymous. Dr. Scheuer is Director, Land Management Hale, Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA).

Statement by Representative Maile Shimabukuro
Re HB 266 HD1
Relating to Hawaiian Affairs
March 4, 2008

HB 266 has received a lot of publicity and generated considerable controversy throughout Hawaii. It is commonly categorized as a "ceded lands settlement" bill. This is not an accurate description. It is not a settlement and it involves only part of all ceded lands, ie, the "public trust lands," since a ceded lands inventory has yet to be completed. Therefore, it is worth taking a moment to outline exactly what the bill in fact does. It is simply a bill—a bill which is a policy statement that proposes to resolve thirty years of uncertainty on how the State should meet its constitutional obligation to transmit revenue to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA).

The bill re-examines the amount of revenues paid to OHA from the public trust lands for the period November 1978-July 2008. Specifically, it conveys land in Kakaako, Kalaeloa, and Hilo and transfers $13 million in cash to OHA. It also sets OHA's share of revenues from these lands at $15.1 million for FY 2008-'09—with this same annual amount established as the floor baseline for future determinations by the Legislature. [Note: the $15.1m/year would REPLACE the existing 20% share of what is commonly called "ceded lands revenue" that OHA is currently entitled to.]

The "public land trust" was created from the 1.4 million acres of ceded lands that were returned by the federal government in 1959 when Hawaii became a state under the Admissions Act. Under terms of this act, lands were to be held in trust for five purposes—one of which is for the "betterment of the conditions of native Hawaiians."

Until 1978 all proceeds from the trust were used only for public education, there being no mechanism in place to direct a portion of the revenues to Hawaiians only. With the creation of OHA by constitutional amendment in 1978, a mechanism now existed, but with no specific figure or formula indicated. This task was left to the Legislature to determine, which it did with a 1980 law designating that 20% of public land trust revenue be turned over to OHA. Rather than solving long-standing uncertainty, the law resulted in further obstacles, including lawsuits and Hawaii Supreme Court decisions. A recent agreement between the Governor and OHA (January 17, 2008)—and now the crossover of House Bill 266 to the Senate—are hopeful developments in a situation that has too long cried out for a solution.

Although it appears that the Legislative and Executive branches of our state government are now on the same page in a work still in progress, there is still some way to go before a true settlement is finalized. Not least among the tasks is to bring more stakeholders in the Hawaiian community—especially OHA critics and opponents—into the dialogue.

One important note is that both the House and Senate have drafted bills that do NOT mirror the "global settlement" of this issue reached in Court between OHA and the State. In particular, the House version does not lock annual payments in at $15m/year, and is not intended to be a "global settlement." Periodic reports of public trust lands revenues will be used to review whether the $15m should be increased. Further, as with all bills, the public and lawmakers may voice their concerns each year to change, replace, or even repeal the bill. Finally, this bill does not preclude sovereignty advocates from lobbying the federal government regarding self-governance, independence, etc. This bill is focused only on fulfilling the state's constitutional mandate to pay OHA public trust lands revenue.

[Note: Maile is very interested in hearing your thoughts on this subject. Please share them with her via the comments section, email, etc. She's looking forward to hearing from you and hopes that a dialogue will help everyone better understand the issues.]

[Posted March 9, 2008 10:18 PM]
See the post by Anonymous in the comment section below.


[Posted March 14, 2008, 5:50 PM]
By Jonathan Scheuer

Aloha Representative,

Your request for an OHA response to the comments on your blog was passed on to me. They appear below my signature block. I hope this helps – mahalo!

Jonathan

Jonathan Likeke Scheuer, Ph.D.
Director
Land Management Hale
Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA)
711 Kapi'olani Blvd. Suite 500
Honolulu, Hawai'i 96813
Office: (808) 594-1946
Fax: (808) 594-1865
Email: jonathans@oha.org
Main number (808) 594-1835

Aloha Maile,

Mahalo for passing on the anonymous comment from your blog. Here’s our attempt to answer the questions – and if we misunderstood the questions asked, we hope they will post again and seek clarification. Quotes from their post are in black and our answers below to the questions are in blue.

[Anonymous] …As to the 20% issue, I ask 20% of what. we are overdue an inventory of lands that generates revenue which we are entitled too. The baseline for payment is reasonable; however, as the supreme court indicated, there is no real measure in place to assure what the bases are. lets try to work on this…

[Scheuer] This is the exact issue we are trying to address. OHA is by law entitled to 20% of funds from the lands of the Public Land Trust, but the Legislature has not successfully defined what “funds” means. The proposed legislation would remove the 20% of funds provision and instead put in a base amount of $15.1 Million / year.

As to an inventory -- the best recent attempt to account for revenue from ceded lands was passed by the Legislature as Act 178 in 2006. The data is good, but not perfect as it includes some revenue associated with ceded lands that is not truly revenue – such as when a boater renting a harbor slip pays for their electricity costs, which the state then pays to the utility. It also includes revenue that the courts have said can not be paid to OHA, such as the airports.

The data from those reports is publicly available at http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/reports/reports%202008. Look under the heading “Administrative Services Office.”

The House Bill would strengthen the reporting requirements of Act 178, which is a good thing.

[Anonymous] more importantly by the admission of Clyde, the negotiations started 4 years ago, why was the community not included and notified at that time? many questions now are lurking in the air and it all boils down to trust and the rights to represent the hawaiian community.

[Scheuer] This is perhaps the most common comment / question we have received at our 50+ meetings. We know that because of this, the trust of some people in OHA has been damaged. While we continue to believe the negotiations themselves needed to be confidential, OHA could have done more beforehand in holding briefings. Because of the comments we have received, OHA is committed to expanding its outreach going forward.

[Anonymous] also in considering how OHA is providing grants, why is it assumed that OHA is giving a gift? the fact is OHA is obligated to provide support to the beneficiaries. this isn't a gift it should be kuleana.

[Scheuer] You are correct -- OHA does not consider its grants to be gifts; it is a means of fulfilling our kuleana.

Tutu & Me Traveling Preschools - Tue & Thu at Wai`anae District Park

Waianae Tutu & Me Traveling Preschools

Meets at Waianae District Park
every TUE and THU
from 845am to 1045am
for more info, call 524-7633
http://tutuandme.org/

Please Support NHS In Robotics Competition March 28 & 29

Nanakuli High School robotics team will be competing in a competition!
When: March 28 & 29
Time: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Where: Stan Sheriff Center at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Why: It's FREE and open to the public. The team has been working hard, and it is time for them to show what they can do.
For more information contact the electronics and CISCO certification teacher Richard Enright by email or phone.
Email: richard_enright@notes.k12.hi.us
Phone: 352-6382

3rd Semi-annual Hawaiian Monk Seal Count!

Saturday - April 19, 2008

10:00AM-1:00PM

Contact: David Schofield

Email: david.schofield@noaa.gov

FYI: Kaena Point is one of the few monk seal "hot spots" on O`ahu!


Hawaiian Monk Seals are only found in the Hawaiian Islands, and are a very important piece of Hawaii's natural and culture history. They are the most endangered seal in the USA and one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world. Since 1998 the total number of Hawaiian monk seals declined at an average rate of 3.9%. At this current rate of decline, the population size will slip below 1,000 animals in the next few years. With public support and effective state and federal management we will be able to turn this situation around.
*HB2626 relates to the designation of the Hawaiian Monk Seal to become the state mammal of Hawai'i. The bill has passed put of the House and has been referred to the Senate EDT (Economic Development and Taxation) committee. Be sure to show your support for this measure!

*NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is looking for interested groups or individuals to participate in a Hawaiian monk seal count.

*The goal is to have volunteer & community members counting monk seals on the same date and time on each of the main Hawaiian Islands.

*Volunteers will be assigned to a beach location and asked to fill out a sightings form. Digital images of seals will also be very important to send to NOAA.

*Join us and support Hawaiian monk seal conservation.

March 17 - HECO Meeting re Undergrounding Utilities

HECO will be holding a community meeting to discuss undergrounding utilities along the Waianae Coast. The meeting will be held:

Monday, March 17
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Waianae District Park - Multi-purpose Room

Robbie Alm will facilitate the meetings.

The Agenda is as follows:
-Welcome and Introduction
-Brief Update on HECO Work on Poles Along Farrington Hwy
-Facts About Undergrounding Utilities
-Funding
-Public Comments/Questions

For more information, contact: garen.deweese@heco.com

Waianae Intermediate School Community Council (SCC) Monthly Meeting

The Wai`anae Intermediate School Community Council meeting is held every second Tuesday of the month, with the next one on April 8 at 3:30PM in the school's library. Meetings are open to the public; minutes and agendas are posted in the school office and on the school website: http://waianaeint.k12.hi.us/. Should you have any questions, please feel free to call Ms. Shaver-Simons at 697-7121.

Maluhia Lutheran Church Yard and Craft Sale March 15

Please come to Maluhia Lutheran Church's Yard and Craft Sale this Saturday, March 15, 8am-2pm.

Independent craft and rummage vendors are welcome to participate. Those selling rummage may purchase a table for $10.

Food and drinks will also be on sale.

Maluhia Lutheran Church is located across from Wai`anae High School on Farrington Hwy. They will be holding Yard and Craft Sales every other month from Fall through Spring.

For more information, call Andrea at 695-5542.

$3 Million for Wai`anae Shelter & Low-Cost Rentals by HI Christian Coalition of Churches (HCCC)

Date: 3/6/08
Subject: A Big Mahalo !

Aloha Maile,

I wanted to personally thank you for taking the time to come to the presentation of the Weinberg "Big" Check luncheon. I know how busy you are with the State Legislative Session. Your continued support for our project is invaluable to us . Attached are several pictures of the luncheon and a group shot of our Weinberg Tour we did today.

God bless you and your family,

Pastor "Boo" Soares
Executive Director/CEO/Founder
Kahikolu Ohana Hale O Waianae


[Note: The check is from the Weinberg Foundation and will go to the HCCC transitional shelter and low cost rental project located in Uluwehi that is scheduled to open in June 2008. For more information, email: hccc.admin@gmail.com]

Kamaile Elementary Incident

Aloha Rep. Shimabukuro,

On behalf of Kamaile School, we want to inform you about the newspaper story regarding Kamaile School in the Star Bulletin today and ally concerns and perceptions that the article created.

Yesterday, February 28, 2008 a student slipped on a muddy area on the Kamaile School campus. An injury in the knee area required an ambulance to be called. A group of students gathered to see the accident. The students were asked to disperse by teachers. A special education student refused to disperse and in the process there was some physical contact between the student with the teacher which is considered a form of assault to the teacher. The teacher was not injured. Glen Kila was attending a principal’s training off campus and was contacted by his staff by phone. Based on Chapter 19 procedures and following DOE procedures because the student is SPED, Glen suspended the student.

The police were contacted by the school and the student was arrested. Apparently the media picked up the Kamaile incident and the report was greatly exaggerated (probably because of timing with what happened at Waianae High yesterday) and inaccurate. The police officer (Michelle Yu) was interviewed by the Star Bulletin reporter . The police officer is furious at the Star Bulletin report and is calling the Star Bulletin and asking for an apology by the Star Bulletin for the inaccurate reporting and exaggeration about Kamaile.

Because the student is a special education student, Glen Kila is in the process of following up and working with the DOE Complex area Superintendent, police and student’s family and the school faculty and students.

Thank you.
Lynn Fallin
Ho’okako’o Corporation

lfalling@hookakoo.org

[Note: Pictured is Kamaile Elementary principal Glen Kila delivering the keynote address at a recent Weinberg Foundation check presentation to Kahikolu Ohana Hale O Wai`anae, a transitional shelter scheduled to open this June.]

Community Meetings & Events

1) Waianae Neighborhood Board Sub-Committee Mtgs:

-- Transportation: 3/10, 7-9pm, Satellite City Hall

-- Parks and Recreation: 3/13, 7pm, Satellite City Hall

-- Health and Human Services: 3/11, 6:30pm, Wai`anae High School portable

2) PVT Landfill Meeting. 3/6, 6:30pm, First Baptist Church in Nanakuli

3) Nanakuli High School arts performances (call NHIS for more info):

-- Song Fest: 3/6, 7-9pm, NHIS, free

--"Tribute," featuring singing by students, March 7, 8, 9, various times, at Pearl City High School cultural center, $5

4) Makaha Hawaiian Civic Club/Makaha Ahupua`a Mtg. 3/12, 6:30pm, Makaha Marketplace

5) Keiki Spring Fest. 4/11, 9am-2pm, Kamehameha Schools Community Learning Center (old Nanaikapono School).

MA'O Farms Now Accepting Student Interns

MA`O Farms in Waianae is recruiting for our College Internship Program - it's a 2-year commitment for youth from the Leeward Coast ages 17-24. We send them to Leeward Community College (all tuition expenses paid) to earn their AA degree, provide them with tutoring and mentoring, and provide them with employment - they work at our organic farm 17 hours/week and get paid $500/month. It's a great place to reconnect with their culture, the 'aina and their understanding of kuleana to taking care of their community. We're looking for good kids with lots of heart and potential to succeed in higher education (they don't have to be A students).

Applications to the internship are downloadable off our website: http://www.maoorganicfarms.org/ . The website is being built as we speak. If you keep checking up on it, more and more content should appear.

Makaha Ahupua`a Community Association Update

Makaha Ahupuaa Community Association Meeting Minutes

February 14, 2008
Makaha Marketplace
6:30 p.m.

Present: Mark Suiso, J. Ottinger, David Duke, Lanny Busher, Gerry Ottinger, Pat Patterson, Dana Newman (rep. for Maile Shimabukuro) Bill Hambaro

Recap of Adopt a Highway Cleanup. The next cleanup will be in conjunction with a statewide cleanup program on Saturday April 26, 2008. We will stage in the parking lot at Makaha Marketplace. Lanny will get us a sign. Bill H. will pick up supplies. Mark can get us a table and maybe some shade.

A representative of the newly formed Makaha Hawaiian Civic Club came to talk about problems and plans for Lahilahi Beach Park . The bathroom has been a scene of many undesirable activities and since the general public seldom uses it, the consensus is that it should be removed and the nearby tree trimmed. This is a highly visible area and as the entrance to Makaha, it should be a showcase area, not an eyesore. Plans for a sign saying “now entering Makaha Valley ” were also discussed.

Open discussion on ongoing issues with traffic, parks/homeless situation, crime and other community concerns. April 11th Keiki Springfest in Nanakuli was mentioned as a good place for local groups to network. Makua Valley access and ongoing discussions with the Army were discussed. Ongoing efforts to cleanup junked cars, substandard areas of the neighborhood on Orange St. and Hanalei were mentioned. A concern over littered state park areas in Makua and the lack of trash cans was made to Dana Newman who said he would followup with inquiries.

A letter urging establishment of a Makaha Boy & Girl’s Club was submitted for review and will be sent to our state representatives.

For more information, contact: makahaahupuaa@yahoo.com

Active Living Community Workshops March 15 & 17 on Wai`anae Coast

The State of Hawaii Department of Health, Healthy Hawaii Initiative is excited to be hosting (4) Active Living Community Workshops. Active Living Communities are designed to provide opportunities for people to engage in routine daily physical activity and healthy eating. Active Living is promoted by having bicycle and pedestrian friendly designs, mixed-use developments, recreational facilities and schools located in walkable and bikeable neighborhoods. The workshops will be held:

March 15, 2008 9-11am Makaha Elementary School
March 17, 2008 7-9 pm Nanaikapono Elementary School
March 18, 2008 7-9 pm Keone’ula Elementary School
March 19, 2008 7-9 pm Kapolei High School-Lounge

If you are interested in participating in these workshops, please contact me by Friday, March 7th, 2008.

Train the Trainer Workshops
In addition, we will be providing the opportunity for a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, developers, planners, department of health professionals, advocates and concerned community members to develop the skills necessary to deliver Active Living Community workshops. As part of this free training, participants will be required to deliver two additional training sessions in partnership with the Department of Health over the course of the 12 month period following attendance at the workshop. It is an exciting opportunity for all of us who are interested in these issues to learn together, plan together and design a healthier Hawaii . Please should you wish to participate, please contact me by Friday, March 7th, 2008.

Refreshments will be provided at all sessions so please RSVP to me http://us.f540.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=nalani.aki@doh.hawaii.gov by Friday, March 7th, 2008. Also, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or email me.

Mahalo,

Nalani Aki, MPA
Community Programs Coordinator
Department of Health
Healthy Hawaii Initiative
1250 Punchbowl Street, Rm. 422
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Phone: (808) 586-4526
Fax: (808) 586-4491
Website: http://www.healthyhawaii.com/

Please Support Nanakuli High Yearbook by Purchasing an Ad by April 1st

Dear Nanakuli High School Supporter,


For more than 35 years Nanakuli High & Intermediate School has produced a student yearbook. For many Nanakuli High and Intermediate School students and graduates, the school yearbook is a “time capsule” that documents student life during their time at school. As you may know, the cost of a yearbook can be challenging for many of the students who attend Nanakuli High and Intermediate School. One of the mechanisms to decrease the cost of the yearbook is the sale of advertisements in the yearbook.

Nanakuli High & Intermediate School is happy to announce that assistance we received from the Kamehameha Schools and ALU LIKE this year has enabled us to offer a yearbook for this school year. To ensure the production of next year’s book, we need to sell 15 pages of commercial advertisements in this year’s book. As such, we are writing to ask for your support by purchasing an advertisement in this year’s yearbook. The cost of the advertisement is as follows:

*$800.00 Full page (8” x 11.5”) *$400.00 Half page (4” x 5.75”)
*$200.00 Quarter page (2” x 2.88”) *$100.00 Eighth page (1’ x 1.44”)

*All ads must be black and white with a 1/8" bleed. If a border will be used, indent image are by 0.5”. To insure production quality, the resolution minimum for the ad is 300 dpi.

If you would like to support Nanakuli High & Intermediate School through the purchase of an advertisement, please contact Chad Jicha at 668-5823 ext. 241 as soon as possible. The deadline for the receipt of your camera-ready ad is April 1st, 2008. Payments for the ads should be made out to Nanakuli High and Intermediate Schools and mailed to: 89 - 980 Nanakuli Avenue, Wai`anae, Hawaii 96792.

Mahalo nui for your support,

Levi Chang
Principal

P.S. For graduates of Nanakuli High and Intermediate School, we ask that you consider identifying yourself as a graduate of our school somewhere in your advertisement to show our students that our graduates are successful!




[Note: Pictured are, Jeff Bermoy, kneeling, and from left, Dav Mahiai, Lani Mahiai, Tala Holi,Angie Farias, Danalyn Bent, Hakala Farias, Christina Taflinger, Lourdes Manuel and Sean Williams, who performed in "Summer Splash" at Nanakuli High and Intermediate School.]

Wai`anae Environmental Study Mtg 3/5, 7pm, Wai`anae District Park

Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board

Parks and Recreation Committee
Special Meeting Agenda
Baseline Environmental Study for the
Waianae Coast Ocean Area
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Waianae District Park
Multi Purpose Room
85 601 Farrington Hwy
7:00 P.M. – 8:30 P.M.

I. Pule

II. Call to Order/Meeting guidelines/Introductions

III. Meeting Objectives – William Aila, DLNR

· Provide update on status of study preparation
· Review information and maps prepared from input received during the last meeting and other data sources
· Provide comments on ocean use issues and management options

IV. Presentation– Kitty Courtney, Tetra Tech

· Ocean use maps
· Ocean use issues
· Potential management options

V. Map and Poster Viewing

· View maps showing information gathered during previous meeting and other data sources
· Provide corrections and additions on comment worksheet

VI. Open Discussion


VII. Complete and turn in comment worksheet


VIII. Adjournment


THE WAIANAE COAST NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD #24 IS A DRUG/ALCOHOL FREE COMMUNITY MEETING.

THE WAIANAE COAST NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD #24 MEETING IS BROADCAST MONTHLY ON OLELO.

If you would like to receive this Board’s agenda and minutes, please contact the Neighborhood Commission Office , Honolulu Hale, Room 406, Honolulu , HI 96813 ; call at 768-3710 or fax 768-3711 to be added to the mailing list or visit www.honolulu.gov/nco/index1.htm.

Any individual wishing to attend a Neighborhood Board meeting who has questions about accommodations for a physical disability or a special physical need should call the Neighborhood Commission Office at 768-3710 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., at least 24-hours before the scheduled meeting.

For further info re the meeting, click here. Or call 441-6612.

[Note: Pictured is Kamaile Elementary teacher Paul Kepka surfing his favorite Westside spot.]