Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Volunteer Mold Specialist & Red Cross Disaster Contact Person

Flood Victim Resources: Volunteer Mold Specialist & Red Cross Disaster Contact Person
From: Ping Collis picolli@LASHAW.ORG; Legal Aid Society of HI

Hi Maile,

1. Ellen Watson is a nationally certified, locally licensed mold specialist. She/her company will do a free and detailed inspection, they will provide both reconstruction and litigation, pro bono, depending on specifics of each case.

Office phone: 734-6442
Cell Phone: 778-0309
Email: pehi@hawaii.rr.com

2. Maria Lutz is the American Red Cross person covering disasters for now. Red Cross is doing home inspections and providing rental assistance vouchers to flood victims. [Tony Kato, who was at the Kualoa disaster assistance relief center, will be in charge by early Jan. ‘09]

Office Phone: 739-8114
Email: lutzm@hawaiiredcross.org

Aloha!

Storm Drains at Upena and Moua Streets in Makaha

On Wed, 12/31/08, Brennon.Morioka@hawaii.gov wrote:

Aloha Maile

Our maintenance engineers as well as our hydraulic engineers will be doing some site inspections along the Farringon corridor during the first two weeks of January since we have received numerous calls about similar problems along the entire stretch. They will be looking at intermediate steps we can take to address ponding and such. However, there is not much that could have been done for an event of such magnitude and intensity as the recent rain event a couple of weeks ago. That storm far exceeded any of our design standards. I will keep you informed about what we find.

Aloha
Brennon

KHNL8 - West Oahu Residents Still Fear Flooding

Click the image for the full story and video.
West Oahu residents still fear flooding, asking for debris cleanup
Posted: Dec 29, 2008 09:54 PM
Updated: Dec 29, 2008 09:55 PM
By Paul Drewes

MAKAHA (KHNL) - The waters have receded, but fears of more flooding are still high for residents in West Oahu. They were swamped with stormwater after streams and rivers backedup and overflowed their banks. . . . State representative Maile Shimabukuro (D-Waianae, Makaha) asserted, "This jam has been here ever since December 11's heavy rains, that caused this massive flooding." Representative Shimabukuro is not only among the residents calling for the city or state to clean the drains of trash and debris, she is also considering legislation next year to prohibit some industrial activities on agricultural land, and stiffer penalties for those who dump rubbish and materials in island streams.

Flood victims still needing assistance should call the city's assistance hotline at (808) 723-8944 or 723-8957.

[Click here for the full story and video.]

[WebCite source]

KITV4 - Jurisdiction Over Stream Delays Fix

Makaha Residents Concerned About Clogged Stream
Lawmaker Says Jurisdiction Over Stream Delays Fix
KITV-TV
updated 5:15 p.m. HT, Mon., Dec. 29, 2008

MAKAHA, Hawaii - Residents in Makaha are still waiting for debris to be cleared from severe flooding two weeks ago.

Several residents along Makaha Valley Road complained that debris from Dec. 11's floods blocked streams and drainage ditches in the valley and worsened the effects of heavy rains that fell two days later.

Rep. Maile Shimabukuro said that jurisdiction over who owns and should clean the drainage ditches and streams seems to be the largest problem.

"If nothing else at least the government should enforce the rules to make sure that all the owners from upstream down clear the portions that they're responsible for near the streams," she said.

Damage from the floods resulted in over $2.7 million in damage islandwide with hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage from Makaha alone.

Shimabukuro fears that if nothing is done to clear the proper drainage systems that similar damage could occur with more heavy rains.
[WebCite source]

KHON2 News - Flooding in Makaha

Click the image for the full story and video.
A Ticking Time Bomb in Makaha Valley
By Ron Mizutani
Story Updated: Dec 30, 2008 at 8:59 AM HST

Leeward Oahu residents are calling it a time bomb that is ticking . . . and their biggest fear -- is this bomb will explode during the next big storm.

It's often said -- out of sight out of mind.

Well take a good look because this is on the minds of hundreds of leeward Oahu residents.

"There's a big log jam in this stream bed and so what the neighbors are really afraid of once it rains again a repeat of December 11 is going to happen," said State Representative Maile Shimabukuro who represents Waianae, Makaha and Makua.

Shimabukuro is referring to the night heavy rains combined with un-managed streams caused massive flooding across Oahu including Waianae and Makaha.

"People on both sides of this stream lost everything, all their belongings everything in their house damaged," said Shimabukuro. She says residents are frustrated these log-jams still sit -- nearly three weeks later. "They're very frustrated and feel this issue with the flooding is just ignored."

[Click here for the full story and the video.]

Monday, December 29, 2008

KGMB9 News - Waianae Needs City/State Help

Click the image to see the video.
"Waianae Residents Still Recovering from Storm"
Written by KGMB9 News - news@kgmb9.com
December 28, 2008 03:58 PM
http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/12746/40/

Two weeks ago, severe weather slammed the Waianae coast causing roads and homes to be flooded and debris clogging nearby drains and streams.

Fast forward to today and Waianae residents are picking up the pieces, still recovering from the storm.

They along with Representative Maile Shimabukuro are calling on city and state to act quickly to unclog debris-ridden drains and streams.

One Makaha resident says several agencies have come by to access damage but she has yet to see anyone fix the problem.

"Everybody says they are tabulating information, and somebody will get back to them. We still have the mattresses and stuff in our yards. No one has been by to pick that up even though we've been told twice that they will be by," Chris Meyer said.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Rep. Shimabukuro Calls on City & State to Quickly Unclog Wai`anae Coast Streams

For the complete press release, click the image above or click here.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Reading Aloud Program Needs Volunteers

Happy Holidays!

We're getting close to RAP Spring 2009, and we still have several volunteer spots open. We are in great need of volunteers for our two Waianae schools - Kamaile Academy and Makaha Elementary. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering for these schools, please contact us.

RAP is a great opportunity to serve Hawaii's community, and to experience the joy and pleasure of reading. If you haven't already signed up, please consider volunteering! To view a schedule, go to http://www.readaloudamerica.org/Spring2009Schedule.htm

Thank you for your continued support of RAP and its mission!

Happy holidays!

Natalie R. Hayek
Program Director
Read Aloud America
1314 S. King St. #G4
Honolulu, HI 96814
(w) 808-531-1985
(c) 808-753-1539

Source:
From: "Maralyn"
Date: Tuesday, December 23, 2008, 10:08 AM

Aloha and Happy Holidays. This is a message from RAP. I have volunteered at Wai`anae Elem and Nanaikapono for both 6th and kindergarteners! It is a lot of fun and I highly recommend it. Wishing you and your families a wonderful, joyful and loving Holiday Season. Be Happy and Well. Maralyn

Wai`anae's Naturalee Needs Your Kokua

From: Naturalee Puou
Date: Monday, December 22, 2008, 8:44 PM
Subject: Your kokua would be GREATLY appreciated!

Aloha Kakou!

My name is Naturalee Puou, I am a college intern for the Waianae Olelo Enrichment Program, am currently attending Leeward Community College in pursuit of a teaching degree, and dance for Halau Na Mamo O Ka'ala. I am hoping to represent my community along with my Halau in the 2009 Merrie Monarch Competition.

The 2007-2008 year was my first year dancing hula in an actual Halau, and I was fortunate enough to make the dancer's line to represent Waianae with my Halau in the 2008 Merrie Monarch competition. Mahalo nui to all of you who helped to put me on that stage; I am the first dancer to ever represent the Puou-Helepololei ohana on that stage. My grandfather was overwhelmed with pride.

2009 is approaching quickly, and I am asking for your kokua to once again represent my community, Halau, and ohana in the '09 Merrie Monarch competition. Attached is a letter from my Kumu Hula, Noelani Chang; it gives a brief background on our Halau, and the difference your donation will make- NO MATTER THE AMOUNT. Mahalo nui to all of you who have already contributed to my Halau endeavors by purchasing calendars or Krispy Kreme doughnuts during our sales, and also to those of you who brought your vehicles to one of our car washes. Most of our fund raisers are completed, but many of us, including myself, still have a long way to go in raising the remainder of the trip's cost.

I understand that times are difficult for many of us, but whatever contribution that you are able to make will be greatly appreciated, even if its simply wishes for good luck! Mahalo nui loa to all of you for your support. Mele Kalikimaka
me Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!

Naturalee I. Puou
Olapa, Halau Na Mamo O Ka'ala

http://www.noelani-chang.com/branches.htm

Thursday, December 18, 2008

QExA Open Enrollment

Aloha,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your help and support through the QExA enrollment process. As of today, QExA is still in OPEN ENROLLMENT until further notice. If you still have clients that need to sign up please have them call the helpline at 1-866-928-1959.

If you or your staff have any question please call Roxanne Waite at 808-489-1725 or email her at roxanne.waite@acs-inc.com

I would also like to extend a warm Mele Kalikimaka ame Hauoli Makahiki Hou to you and your family.

Best wishes.
Mary "Lahapa" Borabora
Community Enrollment Counselors
QExA Hawai'i
QUEST Expanded Access for Healthy Long-Term Living
1 (808) 489-1357
mary.borabora@acs-inc.com

Helping Hands HI Outreach to Flood Victims

Scott Morishige of Helping Hands Hawaii has informed us that flood victims in need of clothes and household items should call: 440-3857.

They have streamlined their application process, so that those in need can directly access aid.

Please pass this number along to those in need of basic items.

Debris and Dead Animals at Makaha Beach Park

From: Cummings, John III M [mailto:JCummings@honolulu.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2008 10:18 AM
To: Rep. Maile Shimabukuro
Subject: Makaha Beach

Aloha Representative Shimabukuro-

Thank you for your call yesterday regarding your concerns about the debris and dead animals at Makaha Beach Park.

Currently our City Department of Parks and recreation is aware of the situation and is assigning clean-up crews to remove the debris. This should happen soon.

Regarding the dead animals, this issue is still being worked on as dead animal removal from the beach is something that is not normally done by our parks department. We hope to have this resolved quickly.

State Civil Defense has been made aware of the situation as some of the animal remains are in the ocean and removal of those would fall to DLNR and possibly the US Coast Guard. As you are probably well aware, the animal remains in the ocean are attracting the sharks.

Our City Life Guards will keep the shark warning signs posted until the end of the day.

Please feel free to contact our office should you or your staff have any further questions.

Aloha,
John M. Cummings III
Public Information Officer
Department of Emergency Management
City and County of Honolulu
650 South King Street
Honolulu, HI. 96813
808-723-8960 Office
808-524-3439 Fax

"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock." ~ Will Rogers

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

FLOOD AID

Flood victims may seek assistance from:

Disaster Assistance and Recovery Center
Waianae – Makaha Resort and Golf Club
84-626 Makaha Valley Road
1 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.


Or, call the Hot Line, at 768-4385 during hours of 7:45 am – 4:30 pm.

Click here to link to emergency storm aid from the City and County.

Click here for an article from the Star-Bulletin re: tax relief for flood victims

SBA Disaster Assistance for Wai`anae

Representative Shimabukuro:

Thank you for your inquiry to the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center forwarded by the SBA Answer Desk .

We received your e-mail request for information regarding the availability of SBA Disaster Assistance for residents of Waianae, Hawaii, as a result of the recent storms. We forwarded your e-mail to our Public Information Office to the attention of our Communications Supervisor, Richard Jenkins. Mr. Jenkins or a member of his staff will provide you with information regarding your inquiry.

For your reference, our Public Information Office which serves the State of Hawaii. can be contacted at the following:

U.S. Small Business Administration
Office of Disaster Assistance
Field Operations Center - West
P.O. Box 419004
Sacramento, CA 95841-9004
Telephone Number: (800) 488-5323

If you require other disaster related assistance, you may contact our Disaster Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or, for the hearing-impaired at 1-800-877-8339 (Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm EST), or via e-mail at: disastercustomerservicecenter@sba.gov.

Sincerely,
John Tauriello
Customer Service Representative

Monday, December 15, 2008

Santa at Wai`anae Farmers' Market - Dec 20, 8am-12pm

Click the photo for a larger view.
FREE RAFFLE & PHOTOS WITH SANTA AT THE FARMERS' MARKET!!!

Aloha,
We are promoting the Waianae Farmers' Market this month by encouraging residents to come out to the Market where they can enter to win a Nintendo Wii, iPod, XBOX, gift certificates, and gift bags worth up to $100! Please distribute this ad to all your friends and family and encourage them to enter at the Waianae Farmers' Market on November 1, November 15, and December 6th. One entry per person, per farmers' market. Come every farmers' market to enter and increase your odds of winning! Prizes to be announced on December 20th at 10 a.m. - we'll also have a Hawaiian Santa for photo taking - first 20 customers receive a free 4x6 photo!

Mahalo,
Desiree Hikuroa, MA COM
Program Manager / Marketing Specialist

Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center
Preventive Health Department
86-260 Farrington Highway
Waianae, HI 96792
Ph: (808) 696-1599 Fax: (808) 696-1533
dhikuroa@wcchc.com
www.wcchc.com

Salvation Army Pokai Bay Luncheon & Christmas Party - Dec 21, 10:30am

From: Ping Collis picolli@LASHAW.ORG

Greetings,

Pastor Fred Mateo of Wai`anae’s Salvation Army invites families with children to enjoy a luncheon Christmas party at Pokai Bay on December 21, at 10:30 am. [It’s a Sunday.]

Families can call the pastor and RSVP: 664-6104. There will be gifts for the children.

This is for families in the shelters, or others facing tough times in the holiday season.

Aloha!
Ping

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Makaha Ahupuaa Community Association Meeting - Dec 11, 6:30pm

From: Makaha Ahupuaa Community Assn. [mailto:makahaahupuaa@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 09, 2008 9:13 AM

To: makahaahupuaa@yahoo.com
Subject: General Meeting & Highway Cleanup

Aloha,

There will be a general meeting to go over the by laws as well as nominations for the election of the Board on Thursday December 11th at Makaha Marketplace 6:30 pm.

Also, our 2008 final highway cleanup will occur this Sunday December 14th beginning at 8:00 am. Meet at the corner of Farrington Highway and Makaha Valley Road for supplies and supplies. Please kokua our final effort for 2008.

Mahalo!

Hoa'Aina O Makaha Newsletter - Christmas 2008

From: Luigi Cocquio
Subject: Hoa'Aina O Makaha Newsletter
To: "gigi"
Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2008, 9:44 PM

Dear Friends,
we are sending you our Annual Newsletter by e-mail to save some paper. We hope that you can open the attachment. If not let us know, we will mail it to you Thank you for allowing us to share with you our life at "The Farm". and for your friendship and support.

Aloha
gigi

Summary of a Proposed T-Mobile Wireless Telecom Project

From: Hawaii Environmental Consultants HEC, LLC
Subject: Proposed T-Mobile (#HI02017) Waianae Valley - Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) Cell Site
To: maileshimabukuro@yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2008, 12:23 PM

Dear Ms. Shimabukuro

As requested by the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD), please find attached for your review and comments a summary document of a proposed T-Mobile wireless telecom project, a hard copy of which can also be sent by US postal mail if you like.

Hawaii Environmental Consultants, LLC (HEC) has been retained by T-Mobile for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), to conduct an FCC National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 106 Historic Sites Impact Review for the above-referenced wireless cellular communications facility - the Proposed T-Mobile (#HI02017) Waianae Valley - Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) Cell Site - located on Paheehee Ridge, above the north end of Puhawai Road at its intersection with Paheehee Road (Portion of TMK [1] 8-6-003: Parcel 075), Lualualei Ahupua'a, Waianae District, Oahu Island, Hawaii 96792.

As part of a standard historic impact review, we consult with SHPD for comment. In a response letter dated October 17, 2008, (Log #2008.4129/Doc.#0810WT20) SHPD stated:

"We believe that Paheehee Ridge may have aspects of Traditional Cultural Landscape, especially in the view planes, mauka to makai, as part of the mythology and pre-contact history of the area. This area also has some economic use by DHHL beneficiaries. Therefore, in order to reach a finding of "no historic sites affected" we are requiring [the applicant] to continue consultation as defined in 36 CFR 800.2 (4)(A)(ii) by gathering information about the area from local informants, Native Hawaiians, community leaders and residents."

SHPD went on to specify that we contact you to solicit comments and insights that you might have regarding the proposed telecom project.

Specifically, we are requesting information on any Native Hawaiian cultural, religious, and/or burial sites; historic places, artifacts, and/or other related concerns at the proposed project site; and whether or not any of these issues will be impacted by the proposed wireless telecom project.

Per FCC NEPA 106 review process guidelines, please provide written documentation of your findings within 30 days, either to the address shown below, via fax at 866.520.0603, or by email to hec.llc@gmail.com.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 808.988.5849.

I greatly appreciate your time and assistance in this matter. Mahalo nui loa!

Sincerely,
Douglas Oringer

Douglas Oringer, Project Manager
Hawaii Environmental Consultants, LLC
2051 Young St., Ste #126, Honolulu, HI 96826
T: 808-988-5849; F: 866-520-0603; hec.llc@gmail.com

[Note from Maile: The public is welcome to comment on this project as well.]

Monday, December 8, 2008

2009 Neighborhood Board Candidate Application Forms Now Available

From: City and County Neighborhood Commission Office
Sent: Mon, 8 Dec 2008 1:05 pm
Subject: 2009 Neighborhood Board Candidate Application forms are now available online!

Aloha!

Just wanted to let you know the 2009 Candidate Application forms are available to download and print at http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/

The forms must be postmarked by February 20, 2009.

The NB voter registration forms are also posted online. If you voted in the last State election in Nov. 2008 your preregistered for the Neighborhood Board election. If you have moved since then, did not vote (including non-citizen residents), or are in the military and registered in another State, you must submit the NB voter form to us in order to vote in the 2009 NB election. These must also be postmarked by February 20, 2009.

Please email or call me if you have any questions or concerns!

Mahalo!
Bryan Mick

Hale Wai Vista Groundbreaking Dec 12, 2:30pm

HALE WAI VISTA GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY
Friday, December 12, 2008 at 2:30pm
Reverend Kamanu will be performing the blessing; light refreshments served
Note: Hale Wai Vista is an affordable housing project
located behind City Mill at Wai`anae Mall.
Program: Page 1 and Page 2

DLNR Updates: Kaena Point State Park

Photo by P.K. Frary
Aloha Senators and Representatives,

I wanted to provide you with this update on Kaena Point, since you've received a few emails on the topic after our community meeting a couple weeks ago.

1. Fishing
Fishing all day and all night has been and remains open to anyone at Kaena Point State Park.

2. Camping
Camping is not currently permitted at Kaena Point State Park - in fact camping has been prohibited in that area since 2002.

We are working to open the area for wilderness camping provided we can reach agreement with the community on limitations that will ensure the area does not become overwhelmed with homeless, we can protect the safety of families camping overnight, protect the iwi, cultural sites, native plants, endangered monk seals and birds living in the dune system. We also need to develop rustic restroom facilities.

We have successfully worked out a pilot project for wilderness camping on the Waianae side of the coast with the help of the Waianae Neighborhood Board. We're optimistic we can do the same on the Mokuleia side.

3. Vehicular Access
Historically there's been a lot of off-road activity at Kaena Point. Part of the reason the tip of the point was declared a Natural Area Reserve (NARS) many years ago was to reduce the off-road activity that was destroying the native plants, seabird and monk seal habitat.

We invite you to come out to the Point and witness the success of the NARS. Thanks to limiting vehicular access at the point, the area has become a major seabird nesting site, we've successfully restored native vegetation, and on virtually a daily basis you can witness some of the few remaining monk seals basking in the sun in one of our rare protected sites on Oahu. The NARS is open 24/7 to foot traffic and is routinely visited by hikers, runners, fishers and many school groups who use the area for their environmental education and public service programs.

Unfortunately, vehicles still go off-road with abandon in the State Park area - which is risking uncovering numerous iwi kupuna buried in the dune system; creates tremendous erosion that impacts the reefs and fishery in the area; is a danger to nesting birds, native plants, hikers, and in some cases the ATV-ers themselves who get injured and need assistance evacuating the area.

We hope to work with the community to create safe vehicular access at Kaena Point for fishing and beach areas while protecting the iwi, dune system and native species. We are also working with a nonprofit organization to create an ATV park at Sand Island to provide an authorized area to redirect that activity away from this more sensitive site.

4. Next Steps
DLNR is working with local partners including Camp Erdman, the newly-formed Friends of Kaena Point, the North Shore Neighborhood Board and others to form a working group that will map out the acceptable management solutions to allow wilderness camping and to implement the next steps to make this a reality. As you can predict, solutions will require resourcefulness and compromise on all sides. But we believe that the department can, with partners like Camp Erdman and Friends of Kaena Point, provide enhanced and safe recreational opportunities for residents in this beautiful area.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Laura H. Thielen
Chairperson
Department of Land and Natural Resources
(808) 587-0401
laura.thielen@hawaii.gov

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Toys for Tots Wai`anae CC - Dec 6, 4-6pm

From: Thelma Dreyer
Subject: Final Press Release - Toys for Tots Waianae Civic Center
To: "'maileshimabukuro@yahoo.com'"
Cc: "Georgette Deemer"
Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2008, 1:19 PM

Please see attached.

Donations and Volunteers needed for Toys for Tots Christmas Party at the Wai`anae Civic Center Emergency Shelter

Thanks.

Wai`anae SCP Meeting Notes - Dec 5


From: Harmonee Williams
Subject: Wai`anae SCP Meeting Notes
Date: Monday, December 1, 2008, 3:27 PM

Aloha All,

The notes from our last Public Info Meeting are attached. Please review and send any changes or additions to me by this Friday, December 5th.

We will still be accepting comments on the Public Review Draft until December 15th. From there we will be working with DPP to finalize the Waianae Sustainable Communities Plan (Revised 2009). We will continue to email you with updates as the process moves forward.

Thank you to all of you for your continued efforts and participation. Happy Holidays! Harmonee

Harmonee Williams
Townscape, Inc.
808-772-0316

Monday, December 1, 2008

December Tupperware Specials!

From: Michelle Lee Johnson
Subject: December Tupperware Specials!
Date: Sunday, November 30, 2008, 5:25 PM

Amazing Holiday Savings for Tupperware Friends and Family
Save 40% on Tupperware Favorites!
November 26–December 5, 2008 Only!
Orders must be submitted by your Consultant by December 5, 2008.

Last-Chance Holiday Gift Relief! Up to 65% off!
November 29 – December 12, 2008 only

Check out these awesome specials! Please forward to your family & friends!
Michelle Lee's
696-8809

To view entire catalog go to:
www.mytupperware.com/michellelees