Questions and Answers from the Dept. of Transportation

1) Can the DOT order BWS and HECO to do their Waianae Coast roadwork at night to stop the traffic jams they are causing during rush hour? Also, can DOT do an unannounced visit to see the roadwork and resulting traffic jams?
Our inspectors are investigating what has changed with some of the work to worsen the situation. Both BWS and HECO have been out there for sometime now together and we have not received complaints until only recently. I will let you know when I get a report back. There is likely a very small chance to receive a noise variance to do work at night due to the close proximity of residential homes.

2) Can DOT pick up the trash being left by the homeless living between Kaukama Rd. and Hakimo Rd. along the highway? Apparently the City said it is not within their jurisdiction to do this.
We have issued a PO for contractors to go and clean the area as our in-house crews are still dealing with damage repairs and clean-ups at other areas around the island after the storms that have higher risk to health and safety. What I have told Rep. Karen Awana is that this is an enforcement issue as these people are breaking the law by littering the highway but there is nothing we can do because they come from locations outside our right of way. This is also a community issue as the community must speak out against these individuals that are doing this to their community. They need to call the police when they see these people breaking the law. Otherwise, we will be simply reacting to the problem and not solving it.

Photo from Kaukama Road Pathway clean up on Jan. 24, 2009

L-R: Mike and Laurie Lawrence, Carol Bonham, Karen Young (holding grandson Keani), and Roy Rezentes. Photo by: Maile Shimabukuro

Mahalo for all your hard work!

Hawai‘i Legacy Land Conservation Program

Click the photo for the full-size PDF flyer.

Private lands possessing unique and rare public resource values are increasingly lost to mounting pressure to develop and destroy resources in favor of private benefit. The Legacy Land Conservation Program (LLCP) provides grants to local organizations and agencie

Wai‘anae's MA‘O Organic Farms received an LLCP grant in 2008:
Wai‘anae Community Re-development Corporation
MA‘O Organic Farms: grant of $737,300 for the acquisition of 11 acres, in Lualualei Valley, O‘ahu
Partners: private foundation donors and the Trust for Public Lands
Legacy Protected: 11 acres of productive agricultural lands for a community-based organic farming

For More Information:
http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/llcp
call:808.586.0921 email: molly.e.schmidt@hawaii.gov

Rell Sunn January Newsletter 09'

Rell Sunn 33rd Annual Menehune Contest

The Rell Sunn Educational Fund ended 2008 with a HUGE heartfelt surf meet on the west side of Oahu.

Thanksgiving weekend, surf stoked Menehune's and their ohana migrated to the Westside of Oahu for the 33rd Annual Rell Sunn Menehune Surfing Championships. This year drew an exceptionally large group of Menehune's with 250 talented boys & girls ranging in age from 4-12 competing in Bodyboarding, Shortboarding and Longboarding.

Mahalo to Pipe Master Jamie O'Brien, Kai Barger, Hurley team manager Kahea Hart, Makaha waterman Duane Desoto and #10 on the Womens's WCT, Makaha's Own Melanie Bartels. Mahalo to Kalani Robb and Bethany Hamilton (both graduates of this event) for each donating 2 surfboards to be given to deserving kids. Bethany rushed to get on a plane from Kauai to hand deliver her surfboards to Kahanu Delovio and Makana Demate. Kalani's boards went to Alika Manners and Kaniela Stewart. A big Mahalo goes out to Quiksilver, Glen & Meredith Moncata, judges & officials, Les & the gang at WARC and the many many sponsors in the surf industry that donated prizes to make this event possible.


The Rell Sunn Story
"Heart of the Sea"


Special Screening!!!

Oceanside 2/21/09

Special Screening of the multi award winning documentary film on the life of Rell Kapolioka'ehukai Sunn the Queen of Makaha. You'll laugh, cry and be inspired by her amazing journey. Join us for some GREAT raffles, auctions, food, Hula show and lots of fun!!!


Major Collector Item - "Eddie Aikau Trophy" Entertainment by Heali'i's Polynesian Revue


Grace Theatre
Saturday, February 21st
102 N. Freeman St. Oceanside, CA

$10 * Door Open 7 pm
Show Starts 7:30 pm

Regency Rancho Niguel
Sunday, March 22, 5pm
25471 Rancho Niguel Rd. Laguna Niguel, CA

$10 * Doors Open 4:30pm
Show Starts 5:00 pm



"Friends of Hawaii" funds the Rell Sunn Environmental Excursion Program

RSEF teaches children issues surrounding waste and recycle management. While having the privilege of enjoying the ocean they have the responsibility of protecting it.

Motivation and involvement is the goal to keep the environment in the forefront and give the children the self confidence that they can make a difference.


http://www.rellsunn.com/rell_sunn/index.htm

Maile's 2009 Bills to Date & Stream Clean Up Day

Please “save the date” for the weekend of February 6 & 7 for tentative “Laulima” stream clean-up efforts in Waianae and the North Shore. The Laulima clean-up’s are being spear-headed by State Civil Defense, and will involve volunteer, government, and private sector efforts to clear our streams to prevent flooding. The whole community needs to come together to kokua to make our streams clean and safe. Please stay tuned for further details.

With the Legislature officially open for business as of January 21, I want to give my Wai’anae Coast constituents some idea of what to expect from this new legislative session. During this session, I will serve as Vice-Chair of the Hawaiian Affairs Committee. To deal with our district's diverse concerns, I will have input as a member of four other committees: Health, Human Services, Education, and Higher Education. Along with a bill to establish an annual Barack Obama Holiday, I have also introduced the following measures:

Housing
. make public housing affordable in perpetuity
. provide funds to repair and renovate public housing
. expedite the process for approving affordable housing projects

Health
. legislation to help Wai’anae Comprehensive Community Health Center’s efforts
to continue serving our community with improved services and facilities
. ban smoking on public beaches and recreational areas during community events
. disallow Medicaid coverage for non-therapeutic infant circumcision

Education
. my Capital Improvements Bill (CIP) requests funds for all 6 of our schools to
provide air conditioning, expand existing buildings, and begin new construction
. CIP funds to acquire land and a building for Leeward Community College-Wai’anae

Environment
. ban use of styrofoam containers by food vendors
. require retailers to use environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic bags
. allow clotheslines in public housing and in private single-family homes
. authorize government agencies to enter streams and waterways on private
property during times of emergency

Hawaiian
. moratorium on the sale of ceded lands
. funds for navigation programs at Waianae Coast high schools using E Ala canoe

Transportation
. Included in my CIP bill is $7 million for construction of turn lanes at the
intersections of Nanakuli and Haleakala Avenues on Farrington Highway
. bill to exempt veterans from paying the vehicle weight tax


Happy Valentine’s Day! Call 586-8460 if you have any concerns.

Support Nanakuli High & Intermediate School

Only with your support, Nanakuli High & Intermediate School is able to make yearbooks affordable for all students.
Purchasing advertisement space in the yearbook is one way to help decrease the cost of the yearbook. This year NHIS has put together an option of "Olympic" packages to choose from.

Gold: $1,000 - $2,000
Full size ad (8.5" x 11")
*Sponsorship Banner posted during all major school events
*Exclusive advertisement during NHIS Morning Bulletin
*Audio and visual advertisements during athletic events and homecoming activities
*Gold Level Sponsor posted on School Website

Silver: $500 - $999.99
Half (8.5" x 5.5")
*Sponsorship Banner posted during all major school events
*Exclusive advertisement during NHIS Morning Bulletin
*Silver Level Sponsor posted on School Website

Bronze: $250 - $499.99
Quarter (4.25" x 5.5")
*Sponsorship Banner posted during all major school events
*Bronze Level Sponsor posted on School Website

If you would like support Nanakuli High & Intermediate School through the purchase of an advertisement or have questions, please contact Kainoa Hopfe at 306-5020 as soon as possible.
The deadline is April 1, 2009.

FEMA & SBA Disaster Recovery Center

Should anyone receive calls or visits from residents or businesses in the community regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Recovery Center please inform them that FEMA & SBA will be set up in the Dining Pavilion starting on Saturday, January 17th through February 6th. Their hours of operation will be Monday through Fridays 12:00pm to 8:00pm and Saturdays from 9:00am to 5:00pm. The recovery center provides a one-stop location where people can talk face-to-face with state and federal disaster recovery specialists.
Visitors to recovery centers can:

o Receive information about different types of state and federal disaster assistance.
o Get help completing applications for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations.
o Inquire about the status of applications for federal assistance.
o Receive referrals to voluntary organizations for help with immediate unmet needs.
o Learn cost-effective measures to reduce the impact of future disaster losses

If you have any questions please feel free to call (808) 697-3458.

Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center
86-260 Farrington Highway
Waianae, Hawaii 96792

Catholic Charities Grant Meeting for Homeless Kids

Friday, January 23, from 9am to noon, Sacred Hearts Church in Waianae will have a meeting concerning the needs of homeless children. David Blanchard, a therapist, is holding this meeting.
He hopes to learn what the needs of the homeless children are so that the funding can be properly utilized.
This is a public event and input from the community will be appreciated.

Childcare options for LCCW Students

Leeward Community College Waianae held a Childcare Network Meeting on Tuesday Jan. 13th. The purpose of the meeting was to explain the guidelines for children of students at LCCW and to connect parents with childcare resources. Three LCCW students and ten local childcare providers were in attendance. If you or someone you know needs part-time or emergency childcare while taking classes, you can contact one or more of the providers who came to the meeting for more information.

If you are looking for help to pay for childcare, see Walterbea or Danielle at the front desk for information on financial assistance that may be available.

Aloha,
Leeward Community College at Wai`anae
86-088 Farrington Hwy. #201
Wai`anae, HI 96792
Phone: (808) 696-6378
Fax: (808) 696-4024

Board of Water Supply’s Farrington Highway Projects

Phase 1 project – to install a 24-inch water line between Aliinui Drive and the Old Farrington Highway Intersection

The contractor is currently working on Farrington Highway, east of Laaloa street and will need to cross over Farrington Highway from the makai to the mauka side of the road. Because of this cross over, lane closures will change daily. A contraflow will be in effect as much as possible during the project’s working hours (8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); the traffic conditions will determine which direction will get the two open lanes of traffic. There will be two special duty offices on hand to help direct traffic and to assist in making immediate lane closure changes.

Part 1, Phase A project – to install a 12- and 24-inch water main between Haleakala Ave and Black Rock

The contractor has completed installing the new 12-inch water line and has begun to preparations for the installation of the new 24-inch water line, which will be installed in the farthest makai, town-bound lane. The contractor is beginning work at Halekala Avenue and plans to work out towards Black Rock. For this week, the farthest makai, town bound lane near Halekala Avenue will be closed. There will be a contraflow in place. Between the project start time at 8 a.m. and about mid-day, two town bound and one west bound lane will be open; then the contraflow will be reversed until the end of the work day at 2:30 p.m. to allow one open town bound and two open west bound lanes. While only one lane will be closed this week, there will, however, be times when we will need to close both town-bound lanes.

Please continue to check www.boardofwatersupply.com or call 748-5310 for weekly detailed lane closure and project information. Please kokua and help to share this information with your friends, family and fellow community members so everyone can plan their travel times accordingly.

Nana'ikeola Senior Apartments Opening!

We are happy to announce that the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg

Nana'ikeola Senior Apartments, located in Nanakuli, at 87-122
Nana'ikeola Street across from the Kaiser Permanente clinic, will be

opening soon. The Certificate of Occupancy (COO) from the City and County was received on January 21st and they are now waiting on Permission to Occupy (PTO) the building from HUD. EAH Housing will be

managing this property for the owners Nanakuli Senior Apartments, Inc.

This is a HUD subsidized Section 202 property consisting of 40 one

bedroom units serving seniors age 62 and older. Information on applications can be obtained by calling EAH Housing at 523-8826. An office at the site will be opened once the PTO is obtained.

Learn To Sail

The Waianae Youth Sailing program will begin its' spring classes starting on Feb 21.
The class will consist of 10 sessions and run from 2pm to 6pm every Saturday at Pokai Bay.
The class is open to youth age 14-19. The cost is $30
($10 for registration and $20 suggested donation for materials and uniforms)
For more information call Jeff at 428-1384 or Ann at 282-8782 or
email thomasm026@hawaii.rr.com or ann@favoredtacksailing.com

Kaukama Rd Pathway Beautification & Clean Up - Sat, Jan 24, 7-10am

Join me, Women of Wai`anae, AlohaCare, and Nani O Wai`anae at the Kaukama Road Pathway Beautification & Clean Up on Saturday, January 24, 7-10am. Meet at Nani Kai beach at Kaukama Road (one street east of Maili 76 gas station). We will provide trash bags, gloves, yard tools, plantings, and refreshments. Please bring sun protection, protective footwear, and water for the plants if possible.
Mahalo nui loa to the following people who have volunteered to water & maintain the plants following our “National Day of Action” work day in September: Yvonne Angut & Ohana, Kida, Roy Rezentes, George Hohwart, Georgia Campbell, Josephine Salas, Young/Dodge/Shimabukuro Ohana, Pam Arbitrario, Ms. Soo, and Laurie & Mike Lawrence.

For more information about the pathway clean-up, email maileshimabukuro@yahoo.com or call 696-4677.

Waianae Coast Debris Removal Operations - PowerPoint

(Click the image to view the PowerPoint presentation.)

COMMUNITY DEBRIS REMOVAL OPERATIONS (Presentation by Civil Defense on 1/12/09)
From: Edward Teixeira
Subject: PowerPoint Brief for Rep. Shimabukuro
Date: Monday, January 12, 2009, 5:06 PM

Dear Rep Shimabukuro:

The attached Powerpoint presentation is forwarded for your use.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Respectfully,
Ed Teixeira, Vice Director of State Civil Defense

[Note from Maile: This powerpoint presentation outlines the Civil Defense's plans to clear debris following the 12/11/08 floods.]

Disaster Assistance - Must Call within 60 Days

(Click the image to zoom in.)

From: Thomas Zizzi
Subject: FEMA
To: maileshimabukuro@yahoo.com
Date: Monday, January 12, 2009, 7:38 AM

Maile,

…attached is a flyer for anyone who wants to apply for assistance; they need to call the 800 (800-621-3362) number and register in the next 60 days (from 1/5/2009); once they get a registration number, someone will come out and inspect; the type of assistance will depend upon a number of factors (private insurance, income, etc), but individuals need to register!

I know you have been getting a number of calls, so here’s the flyer he gave me…it only pertains to damage resulting from the flooding between 12/10-12/16…power outage doesn’t count!!!

Thomas C. Zizzi, L.L.L.C.
P.O. Box 4220
Waianae, Hawaii 96792
Phone: (808) 696-2200
Fax (808) 696-2203
Email: tzizzi@leewardlegal.com

[Note from Maile: Thomas Zizzi is an attorney living and working on the Waianae Coast. His specialties include personal injury, auto accidents, construction accidents, wrongful death, business/corporations, real property, wills/trusts/estate planning, and probate.]

Family Literacy Day

Waianae Public Library will be hosting a Family Literacy Day event sponsored by HECO on Saturday, January 31, 2009.
There will be many activities including storytelling for the keiki from members of the community including Rep. Shimabukuro, a child activity corner filled with games and prizes, and an information booth by HECO with a prize wheel.
HECO will also be hosting a book drive, so please bring new or gently used books to donate to the library if possible.
All ages are welcome!

Saturday, January 31, 2009
9AM - 2PM
Waiane Public Library
543-7511 - for more information

Invitation to Opening Day - Jan. 21

Aloha!

You are invited to join me on Opening Day at the State Capitol on Wednesday, January 21. My office and others will offer refreshments around mid-day. I am proud to announce that I will be serving as Vice-Chair of the Hawaiian Affairs Committee. I am also a member of the Education, Higher Education, Human Services, and Health Committees. My staff members are: Colleen Teramae (office manager), Wally Inglis (advisor/researcher), Kristin Kline (committee clerk), Anne Otteman (legislative aide), and Dana Newman (community liaison).

Mahalo nui loa for the privilege of serving you. Call me if you have any questions or concerns, at 586-8460.

HAUOLI MAKAHIKI HOU!

High Wind Watch - Oahu, Kauai - Jan 14-15

High Wind Watch

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HONOLULU HI
707 AM HST THU JAN 15 2009

...DAMAGING SOUTHWESTERLY WIND GUSTS POSSIBLE TONIGHT AND FRIDAY ON KAUAI AND OAHU...

...STRONG WESTERLY WINDS ACROSS MAUI AND BIG ISLAND SUMMITS...

.GUSTY SOUTHWEST WINDS WILL INCREASE TONIGHT ON KAUAI AND OAHU AS A STRONG COLD FRONT APPROACHES FROM THE NORTHWEST. THE WINDS WILL BE STRONGEST AHEAD OF AND ALONG THE FRONT WHICH WILL SWEEP ACROSS KAUAI FRIDAY MORNING AND OAHU MID DAY FRIDAY. THE MAIN AREAS OF CONCERN WILL BE OVER THE HIGH TERRAIN AND COMMUNITIES TO THE NORTH AND EAST OF THE HIGH TERRAIN WHICH ARE PRONE TO GUSTY DOWNSLOPE WINDS. IN ADDITION...STRONG WINDS WILL PERSIST ACROSS THE SUMMITS OF MAUNA KEA AND MAUNA LOA ON THE BIG ISLAND AND ACROSS HALEAKALA ON MAUI.

HIZ001>011-160215- /O.CON.PHFO.HW.A.0001.090116T0400Z-090117T0200Z/ NIIHAU-KAUAI WINDWARD-KAUAI LEEWARD-KAUAI MOUNTAINS- OAHU SOUTH SHORE-WAIANAE COAST-OAHU NORTH SHORE-OAHU KOOLAU- OLOMANA-CENTRAL OAHU-WAIANAE MOUNTAINS- 707 AM HST THU JAN 15 2009

...HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM HST THIS EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON...

A HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM HST THIS EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON.

WINDS ON KAUAI AND OAHU WILL GRADUALLY INCREASE TODAY...WITH WIND GUSTS OF 50 TO 60 MPH POSSIBLE TONIGHT AND FRIDAY. THE STRONGEST WIND GUSTS ARE EXPECTED OVER THE HIGH TERRAIN AND ACROSS COMMUNITIES NORTH AND EAST OF HIGH TERRAIN.

A HIGH WIND WATCH MEANS THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A HAZARDOUS HIGH WIND EVENT. SUSTAINED WINDS OF AT LEAST 40 MPH...OR GUSTS OF 58 MPH ARE POSSIBLE...BUT NOT YET CERTAIN. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

WROE

All Beaches on Wai`anae Coast Closed from 9AM on Jan. 15

Aloha-

I was informed by Jo Jordan, president of the Waianae Neighborhood Board, that all beaches on the Wai`anae Coast will be closed starting at 9am tomorrow morning (Thu, Jan. 15) due to the expected storm. Further, the City will provide bus service to the homeless from the beaches to the storm shelter at Wai`anae District Park starting at noon tomorrow. The homeless will not be forced off the beaches. I have also included a weather warning from Rep. Karen Awana below.

Rep. Maile Shimabukuro

**********
From: Rep. Karen Awana
Subject: Hazardous Weather Conditions for Thursday and Friday
To:
Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2009, 9:36 PM

Aloha,

Hazardous weather conditions are scheduled for this Thursday and Friday [Jan. 15-16] along the Waianae Coast.

Don’t forget to secure items that may be susceptible to high winds and remove or cover items you want protected from the rain.

Please pass this information to others who may affected – see below for detailed information.

Mahalo,
Representative Karen Awana

Wai`anae Farmers' Market This Saturday - Jan. 17!

From: Desiree Hikuroa
Subject: Farmers' Market This Saturday!
Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2009, 2:57 PM

(Click the image to zoom in.)

Mahalo,
Desiree Hikuroa
Marketing Specialist & Program Manager
Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center
86-260 Farrington Highway
Waianae, HI 96792
Office: (808) 697-3599
Fax: (808) 696-1533
Website: www.wcchc.com

KHNL8: Civil Defense Launches Stream Clean-up

Flood victims get federal aid as Civil Defense launches clean-up at streams
By Mari-Ela David
Posted: Jan 12, 2009 06:31 PM
Updated: Jan 13, 2009 10:20 AM

WAIANAE (KHNL) - Federal help is on the way for victims of last December's flooding.

Civil Defense has identified four streams that need immediate clean up. Based on threats to health, safety, and public or private property, Eku Stream comes in at the top of the Civil Defense's priority list.

But the clean-up has red tape attached.

"So many of these streams are privately owned. It makes it very difficult for the Civil Defense and the State to come in there and clear them because they need to get written consent," said Rep. Maile Shimabukuro, who represents Waianae.

Shimabukuro plans to introduce a bill to make these waterways public, all in hopes of protecting flood victims from any more losses.

On Tuesday, the National Guard will clear debris, starting at Eku Stream.

The National Guard does not have heavy equipment, so Civil Defense urges anyone who has any, to lend a hand and help clear out large debris such as logs.

As for federal assistance, storm victims must register with FEMA first to apply. For details, click on the link "FEMA Aid for Flood Victims."

[For the complete story and video, click here.]

WIS - Recycling Drive - Jan 17, 9AM-1PM

[Click the image to enlarge.]

KHON2: State to Attack West Oahu Streams

By Ron Mizutani
Story Updated: Jan 12, 2009 at 5:47 PM HST

State civil defense leaders release a priority list of west Oahu streams that must be cleaned. For nearly a month residents in Makaha and Waianae have pleaded with city and state officials to attack the source of much of their woes -- clogged streams.

On December 11th 2008, the Waianae coast experienced rain many residents haven't seen in decades.

"It registered about 12 inches of rain in a six hour period. Our natural streams don't have that capacity," said of State Civil Defense Vice Director Ed Teixeira.

The type of volume, Makaha watersheds are not built to handle -- especially when release points are clogged. But state officials are convinced -- these floods were inevitable.
"The state needs permission of all the landowners to clear these stream beds," said State Representative Maile Shimabukuro who represents the Waianae-Makaha area. "If you are a private landowner, and you have time you have the muscle you have the heavy equipment they need all your help."

Landowners are urged to call state civil defense at 733-4300 if they live near a problem area.

[For the full story and video, click here.]

KITV4: State & City to Clear Waianae Streams

POSTED at KITV4: 4:37 pm HST January 12, 2009

HONOLULU -- State and county emergency authorities Monday announced plans to make the Waianae Coast safer from flooding.

They said they have two big challenges: getting money and getting permission.

Government authorities said they cannot go in and clean debris out of Leeward Oahu Coast streams until they get permission.

State and city Civil Defense experts surveyed choked streambeds last week to identify four priority stream systems needing immediately clean up. Eku Stream near Lahilahi Park threatens the most homes.
"So we need all the help we can get," Rep. Maile Shimabukuro said.

Shimabukuro said she will introduce a bill to either make the streams public, or provide automatic access for stream inspection and cleanup to prevent the streams from becoming dumping grounds again.

[For the full story, click here.]

Illegal Dumping Poses Flood Hazard

News Release - Hawaii House of Representatives
Date - January 10, 2009

Illegal dumping and trash dams continue to pose flood and environmental hazard in Wai'anae; Civil Defense and FEMA to Announce Plans for Coast

Wai`anae, Oahu. For years, illegal dumping has plagued the streams of the Wai`anae Coast. Many residents were worried that this dumping near their homes would create a flood hazard.

“Unfortunately, the worst case scenario happened,” said Rep. Maile Shimabukuro (D-45th). “The December 11 storm caused catastrophic flooding, the Mailiilii-Puuhulu Stream overflowed, and residents of Lualualei Valley were devastated.”

A month later, with the forecast for storms over the weekend, residents fear a repeat. “The river was so high, and the road was a river,” recalled Monique DeCampo of Lualualei Valley. “This would not have happened if [the illegal dumping] had not been done,” she continued, her voice cracking as she held back tears.

The flood hazard created by illegal dumping in Mailiilii-Puuhulu Stream was highlighted in news stories about the lawsuit that has been brought against DeCampo’s neighbor, David Souza.

In August 2008, both the Honolulu Advertiser and KITV covered the lawsuit brought by homeowners Winston Naone and John Smith. Naone and Smith allege that Souza sold them their homes without disclosing that it contained an illegal dumpsite containing hazardous materials, including asphalt, which is made from petroleum. The EPA is investigating this alleged illegal dumping in Mailiilii-Puuhulu Stream.

Souza’s attorney, William McCorriston, stated that Souza is being wrongly accused. "We suffered flood damage, but our portion of the streambed was pristine and did not have any obstructions to the water flow. The National Guard used our lot as a staging area after the flood, and we are willing to allow them to use it again," McCorriston said.

Long before the floods and the lawsuit, DeCampo took pictures of an illegal dam, backfilling with rebar, concrete, and an asphalt road across Mailiilii-Puuhulu Stream. She reported this to the City and State, but nothing was done. She heard that the inspectors were “threatened.” As of today, DeCampo reported that the EPA and Civil Defense have surveyed the stream.

“One of the major challenges is that most of the streams along the Wai`anae Coast are privately owned, making it difficult for the city and state to monitor and clear the streams,” Shimabukuro continued.

Shimabukuro is considering legislation this session toward making streams and waterways part of the public trust. “This would probably require a study to evaluate the pros and cons, feasibility, costs, and other factors. But we must do something to help government keep these streams clear to prevent future floods,” Shimabukuro urged.

Civil Defense, FEMA, area legislators and others will meet on Monday to discuss plans to clear debris from the Wai`anae Coast streams and provide aid to flood victims. They will meet with members of the press as follows:

• What: Civil Defense, FEMA, Legislators Discuss Wai`anae Coast Flood Relief Plans
• When: Monday, January 12, 2009; 12:45pm
• Where: Makaha Marketplace, 84-1170 Farrington Hwy. (corner of Farrington Hwy. and Makaha Valley Road, old “Cornet Building”)

Residents hope action will be taken soon. “The rocks at the bottom of the Puuhulu Bridge must be cleared immediately,” DeCampo urged.

“All the streambeds along the Wai`anae Coast must be cleared; it’s rainy season, and we can’t take another flood, in this or any other community,” Shimabukuro said.
-end-

Contacts
Rep. Maile Shimabukuro
Office: 586-8460
Cell: 349-3075

Edward Teixeira, Vice Director of Civil Defense
733-4300

Thelma Dreyer, Assistant Communications Director
Office: 587-7242
Cell: 589-7129
Email: dreyer@capitol.hawaii.gov

Lualualei Valley Flood Victims' Contact Information:
William McCorriston, attorney for David Souza, 529-7401, mccorriston@m4law.com
(Note: Illegal dumping in Mailiilii-Puuhulu Stream can be seen from David Souza's property)
Monique DeCampo intuition@inix.com
Vince Dodge aipohaku@hotmail.com
Poka Laenui plaenui@pixi.com
Puanani Burgess puananiburgess@aol.com
William Aila, Jr. ailaw001@hawaii.rr.com

Bike & Ped Friendly Pau Hana - Jan. 12, 5-7pm

(Click the image for a larger view.)

Aloha Maile,

. . .I've been working for the last year with a coalition to develop some policy and public education on active transportation. We are having a week of meetings next week and are kicking it off with this Pau Hana event at Brew Moon. Please feel free to pass it along to anyone else.

Hope to see you there.
Justin Fanslau
justin@collectiveinfluence.com
1177 Queen Street Suite 1006
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 348-7653 Hawai`i Office

Hwy Shoulders - Ala Hema St., & Lahilahi St.

Title: Transportation Update: Q&A With DOT
Subject: Hwy. Shoulders, Ala Hema St., Lahilahi St.
Date: Thursday, January 8, 2009, 6:59 PM

DOT Responses to 3 questions from Rep. Shimabukuro:

Question: A constituent called about the need to clear glass, rubbish, and debris from the shoulders of Farrington Highway. He bikes along the Waianae Coast between Kaukama Road (Sea Country) and Lahilahi Street in Makaha. He said that he is constantly getting flats in his tires due to the debris on the shoulders.

Answer: Farrington Hwy is being covered by our street sweeping contract every 15 weeks. The next sweeping cycle will be next week. Because of numerous complaints from this area, we are looking at chainging the next contract to have the area swept every 5 weeks. The current contract expires on April 17, 2009.

Question: Several constituents have requested a stop light at Ala Hema St. and Farrington Highway. They have complained about the danger of making left turns, crossing the street, etc. in the area. Also, the Ala Hema Street sign and the accompanying arrow sign are worn/bent and in need of replacement. [Alvin/Bryan]

Answer: We will conduct a warrant study for the signal. Regarding the worn signs, we will ask our district office to replace existing signs. Question: A constituent complained about drainage near her home, which is just before Lahilahi Street in the direction of Nanakuli. According to her, there is a ditch along Farrington Hwy. in the area, which the City or State filled with dirt, and this caused her house to flood on Dec. 11. Since the flood, workers have come to try to remove the dirt, but discovered a pipe that they said is not supposed to be there, which has halted their work. She also said that there is a drainage pipe on Lahilahi Street which is poorly designed. She said that the pipe ends at the ocean, rather than before the ocean, so it gets clogged with debris. She said government officials also told her that the pipe was supposed to be widened, from 24" to 48", but that it never was. Answer: We have schedule a field investigation with HWY-DH for 1/16/09 in the Makaha area.

From: Brennon.Morioka@hawaii.gov Director, Dept. of Transportation

Federal Flood Aid for Oahu and Kauai

President Bush recently declared Oahu and Kauai natural disaster sites following the Dec. 11, 2008 floods. Here are sources of information on how to get federal help:

From: Russ Awakuni (Legal Aid Society of HI)
Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2009 1:00 PM
Subject: FEMA disaster relief for Hawaii

FEMA: Disaster Assistance Available from FEMA
FEMA: Federal Aid Programs for Hawaii Disaster Recovery

Now that the President has declared Hawaii a disaster area from the December floods, federal funds are now available for those affected. http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=47227

Federal funds can be used to pay for rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable or for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance. See here for more information: http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=10969

We should inform clients (or those who just call us for help), that they can either apply for help online (http://www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm) or over the phone (1-800-621-FEMA (3362)).

Ka`ala Farm Service Day - Saturday, January 17

From: Ka`ala Farm [mailto:kaalafarm@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, January 05, 2009 9:49 AM
To: kaalafarm@gmail.com
Cc: Bruce P Koebele
Subject: Work'n'Learn with Ka`ala Farm on Saturday, January 17

Dear Friends of Ka`ala Farm,

You are invited to participate in our first open community service-day of 2009. We will be working at the Ka`ala Kipuka directly makai of our Cultural Learning Center (click here for directions). Below is a description of the day. Please dress appropriately since you will be working (e.g., hauling branches, handweeding, planting).

I hope to see you on the 17th!

aloha,
Bruce
******************

Help Recreate a Native Dry Forest with Ka`ala Farm

The Ka`ala Kipuka is Ka`ala Farm's attempt to recreate a native dry forest easily accessible to people on O`ahu. Help remove alien plants and plant native trees with us. After the work, there will be a mini-tour of our Cultural Learning Center at Ka`ala during which you'll learn about the Center and Ka`ala Farm's other projects and programs. Please meet us at 8:30 AM in the Center's parking area. Call 696-4954 or email kaalafarm@gmail.com for directions.

Transportation Survey & CIP 2009

Subject: Transportation Update from Johnnie-Mae Perry, chair of Wai`anae Neighborhood Board Transportation Committee

1) Human Service Transportation Coordination Project

This project seeks to improve transportation for the low-income and people with disabilities. For more information, visit: http://www.honolulurides.com and click on "Transportation Needs Survey" which is very short and easy to complete. Contact person: Meagan Eliot, FLT Consulting,Inc. Email: meagane@fltconsulting.com

2) Waianae Coast CIP projects for FY 2009
Visit http://www.toddapo.org and click on the "District Activity" tag
Source: Councilman Todd K. Apo (Dec. 2008 Report)

For more information, email Johnnie-Mae Perry at writeher52@hotmail.com

BOW Farrington Highway Projects Update

From: Moani Wright-Van Alst [mailto:mwright-vanalst@hbws.org]
Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2008 4:31 PM
To: Moani Wright-Van Alst
Subject: BWS Farrington Highway Projects to begin 1/5/09

Aloha,

I wanted to remind you that both Board of Water Supply (BWS) construction projects on Farrington Highway will be starting again next week Monday, January 5, 2009. We are in the process of changing our signboard messages to reflect this information to help inform motorists.

. . .On Friday (Jan. 9, 2009), the contractor will close the farthest mauka Waianae bound lane of Farrington Highway between the Boys and Girls Club and Nanakuli Avenue and will work between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Also, on Friday, traffic will not be allowed to turn left or right into Nanakuli Avenue from Farrington Highway. Appropriate signs will be placed to help warn motorists. Special duty police officers will be on hand to help with traffic flow.

Please kokua and help to share this information with your friends, family and fellow community members so everyone can plan their travel times accordingly. For weekly updated construction and lane closure information, please visit:

Farrington Highway Projects
website
or
call 748-5310

We want to thank the community for your continued support and patience and we work on these vital water system improvement projects.

Hau’oli Makahiki Hou!

Moani Wright-Van Alst
Honolulu Board of Water Supply
Communications Office
Ph: 748-5319
Fax: 550-5087
mwright-vanalst@hbws.org

Women of Wai`anae “High Tea” Fundraiser - Feb 1, 2-4pm

Women of Wai`anae is hosting a “High Tea” to raise funds for their scholarship program, which benefits non-traditional students from the Wai` anae Coast who are pursuing their higher education goals.

The “High Tea” is on February 1, 2009 , from 2-4pm , at the home of Mary Ellen Apostol, and includes refreshments, festive activities, and of course, fine tea. Adult women are invited to participate. Cost is $20 per person. For more information, email maliakai@hawaii.rr.com or call 696-4677.

Christmas Tree-cycling: Waianae Coast Comprehensive, Jan 10, 10AM-4PM

The Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center will be offering free Christmas tree-cycling on January 10th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on their lower campus parking lot, near the Adult Day Care Center.

A+ Tree Service, along with Health Center staff and MAO Organic Farm, will rally together in an effort to encourage the community to tree-cycle their Christmas tree this year. A+ Tree Service owner, Sandy Johnson of Nanakuli, will graciously donate his time and chipping machine to support the Health Center’s dedication to environmental sustainability.

The community is encouraged to “chip in” and tree-cycle their trees instead of dumping them at a landfill. Not only is this service convenient, but it also provides an opportunity for residents to jump on the bandwagon and commit to the environmental premise: “reduce, reuse, recycle.” Turning Christmas trees into mulch helps save landfill space and conserves water by retaining moisture near plants when spread as a cover. Christmas tree mulch also emits an odor that wards off certain insects and keeps pesky cats from excreting nearby. Mulch can also be a great way to blanket weeds and prevent them from growing back, reducing the need for chemical sprays, such as weed killer.

Christmas Tree-Cycling
Waianae Coast Comprehensive
Saturday, January 10th, 2009 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

"Mulch is a very good way to recycle any type of organic matter, including shrubs, tree debris, and large branches,” said Daniel Rudoy, of MAO Organic Farms. “Mulch can also be used for decoration and conservation,” he added.

When mulch becomes compost, it adds nutrients to the soil and reduces the need for fertilizer, pesticides, and other chemicals. Chemicals such as these can filter into groundwater and pollute neighboring streams.

The Health Center encourages residents to bring bags and take advantage of the free mulch for use in their gardens or yards. Mulch that is not claimed by residents will be used by the Health Center to beautify its grounds.

Please be sure to remove all ornaments, lights, and the stand from your tree. We will not be able to accept trees that have been flocked with artificial snow or still have tinsel on them.

For more information contact Desiree Hikuroa by calling 697-3599 or e-mailing dhikuroa@wcchc.com.

Wai`anae Coast Emergency Access Route

Click the image for a larger view.

Click here for the Dec. 18, 2008, Honolulu Advertiser story.