WCCHC's Smoking Cessation & Youth Health Corps Visits Capitol

Wai`anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (WCCHC)'s smoking cessation and Youth Health Corps staff visited Maile at the Capitol. L-R: Lorna Souza, Christy Inda, Maile & Summer Pakele. [click on the photo for a larger view].

WCCHC has a smoking cessation program for anyone interested in quitting the habit, whether you are insured or not. For more information, call 696-1511.

WCCHC also has a Youth Health Corps-TeenBEAT program for Wai`anae students grades 8-12. The program features college preparation, career shadowing, participation in community events, and other skill-building activities. For more information, call 697-3573.

Volunteer Community Work Project at Mohala Farms

Information from: Mark Hamamoto (mh2moto@yahoo.com)

Mark Hamamoto worked at Hoa Aina O Makaha, aka Makaha Farm, for several years, and also authored a book about the farm.

Hale Halawai
Volunteer Community Work Project
At Mohala Farms in Wai`alua
Saturday, February 6th: 8 am – 6 pm
Sunday, February 7th: 8 am – noon (if necessary)

Phase 1: Rock wall construction

Please join us in building the ‘dry stack’ rock wall for Hale Halawai.
Ready is the aina, the pohaku, the kumu & the kako’o – we now need YOU!

Hale Halawai is being built as a gathering place:
• to strengthen our connection to the ‘aina
• to celebrate the life-giving nourishment of the land, and
• to support healthy, thriving & self-sufficient local communities in Hawaii

Come participate in this ancient and unique style of traditional Hawaiian construction, led by Master builder Francis “Palani” Sinenci of Hana, Maui. Food and refreshments for the day will be provided. Overnight camping is available both Friday and Saturday nights. Please RSVP to Mark Hamamoto at 478-8469 if you are planning to come, or for more information.

MOHALA FARMS is a 6-acre non-profit farm in Wai’alua seeking to foster healthy local communities in Hawaii through sustainable agriculture, lifelong education and cultural and creative arts. We were formed in 2006 and are now organically certified and providing healthy produce to a growing number of individuals, families, stores and restaurants around O’ahu.

A he nui ka i’ini e ho’ohui i na kamahele like’ole
I ho’okipa i’aai i kai hiki mai i ka moku hanai o Mailikukai
(And great is the desire to gather together travelers from diverse and distant places that those who have arrived are welcomed to the generous district of Mailikukahi)

For more information and directions, contact Mark Hamamoto at mh2moto@yahoo.com or 478-8469

Waianae District Court relocating.

The Waianae District Court will be relocating from Nanakuli to the Kapolei Court Complex as of March 22, 2010.

Civil cases will be heard in Courtroom 1A on Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m.

For more information, click HERE or go to this link:

http://www.courts.state.hi.us/news_and_reports/press_releases/2010/01/rural_civil_case_schedule.html

2010 Opening Day - Hawaii State Legislature

On the Opening Day of the Legislature, 1/20/10, students from the Wai`anae `Olelo program came to interview Maile and other legislators. The students posed with Maile in her office in front of a painting by Makaha-born artist Solomon Enos. L-R: Kawai Carlos-Keliikipi, Marina Nieto-Lopes, Rep. Maile Shimabukuro, Adina Troche, Mahea Nieto-Lopes, and Kevin Pu`u. [Click on the photo for a larger view]

"Girls Who Surf" Visits the Capitol

Maile was visited by "Girls Who Surf" employees, who were visiting the Capitol with the Chamber of Commerce on 1/21/10. L-R: Maile, Cherry, and Miku Uemura. Miku Uemura is a professional surfer from Makaha. [Click on the images for larger views]

Girls Who Surf provides surf lessons and a variety of other surf-related services. For more information, click HERE or visit:

http://www.girlswhosurf.com

Hawaii Safe Routes Hui hiring network partners

From: Laura Dierenfield

...Hawaii was selected to be part of an exciting new 20-state Safe Routes to School collaborative funded by the CDC, Kaiser and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation...We have formed a network called the Hawaii Safe Routes to School Hui (http://www.hawaiisaferouteshui.org/) and our mission is to make it possible for more keiki walk and bike safety to school. Many of us may have remember doing that once upon a time but many of our kids don't enjoy this most basic of rights - to be able to walk or bike safely in their own neighborhood.

The Hui will develop a plan over the next few months, drawing on the talents of educators, law enforcement, public safety professionals, developers, engineers, business leaders, planners and students. Besides making the neighborhood safe for kids, Safe Routes to School helps to reduce reliance on cars, helps friends and neighbors connect face to face, and improves safety for all road users. We warmly welcome you and your organization to join us! It's going to be fun! Our first Hawaii State Network call will be on Tuesday the 26th at 1:30pm. I can send you call-in info and the agenda if you are interested. Mahalo in advance for sharing with other folks in your organization or others you work with.

Also, we're hiring! It feels so good to be able to do this and humbling to get so many great applicants. We're looking for a Safe Routes to School Coordinator for East/North Hawaii Island. If you are interested or know of anyone, please have them check out the job posting at http://www.pathhawaii.org/ ...

MANA: Movement for Aloha No ka Aina

MEMBERSHIP MEETING FEB. 6 @ LEEWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE

MANA: Movement for Aloha No ka Aina

is meeting on February 6, 2010, at Leeward Community
College in Wai‘awa.

The purpose of the meeting is to set a strategic plan for
2010, establish a governance and decision-making
structure, and to review our platform.

MANA is a grassroots party dedicated to building power
for independence and social change. MANA’s platform
supports independence, malama ‘aina, demilitarization,
health, culture, popular education, economic
independence, diversity, and inclusion.

New members are welcome.

What: Meeting

When: Feb. 6 2010

Where: Leeward Community College
Cafeteria

Time: 9:00 am: Light breakfast

9:30 am -4 pm: Meeting
Food will be provided.

Please RSVP to rsvp@manainfo.com to
establish a headcount.

Uncle Eddie Ka`anana Tribute: Ku`i Kalo at Capitol on 1/25/10

On Monday, January 25, 2010, Friends of Uncle Eddie Ka`anana and Rep. Maile Shimabukuro are co-sponsoring a tribute to a beloved kupuna (Hawaiian elder), Eddie Ka`anana. Ka`anana passed away in July 2006.

Ka`anana hailed from Miloli`i, a fishing village in South Hawai`i Island, and dedicated the last 25 years of his life to passing on the traditional Hawaiian practices that he was raised with. In particular, Ka`anana taught others to speak Hawaiian, malama aina (care for the land), and ku`i kalo(make poi). Ka`anana became an "uncle" to hundreds, if not thousands, of young people, through his volunteer work at Ka`ala Farm, Anuenue Hawaiian language immersion school, Kapapa Lo`i `O Kanewai at UH-Manoa, and other venues.

"In memory and celebration of uncle Eddie Ka`anana we invite all whom he touched to join together on his birthday to clean andku`i kalo (make poi) at the State Capital Rotunda," said Rep. Maile Shimabukuro, one of the event co-sponsors.

"To gather and ku`i (pound taro) is a simple demonstration of our connection with and love of Haloa, our culture, real food and our love for uncle. It will send a message to our lawmakers that we are here again. Kaipo`i and I `see' that uncle will be smiling to see us together at the capitol," said Vince Kana`i Dodge, one of the organizers.

Many in the group support the ban on genetic modification of kalo (taro), the plant which Hawaiians believe is their ancestor, Haloa.

Date: January 25, 2010

Time: 3-7pm

Place: Rotunda, State Capitol (courtyard on ground level, site of previous "Haloa Jam")

What to bring: ku`i mea, cooked kalo (taro), i`a(fish), la`i (ti leaf) for wrapping pa`i`ai (concentrated poi), awa, kanikapila (musical instruments and song)

We will provide some cooked kalo and i`a malo`o (dried fish), bring extra ku`i and cleaning mea

Kokua (help) needed with: setup, cleanup, cookingkalo, organizing the presentation of Ku Kahakalau’s DVD “na kupuna”, getting footage of uncle’s last public appearance and sharing (Bachman Hall Haloa Rally), inviting na kanaka i aloha nui o anakala

Contact:

Kaipo`i Kellings, 722-8175

Vince Kana`i Dodge, 478-6492, aipohaku@hotmail.com

Rep. Maile Shimabukuro, maileshimabukuro@yahoo.com

Wai`anae Environmental Justice Working Group Update

Subject: EJ Working Group Meeting MINUTES

CALENDAR:

Next Meeting of the Waianae EJ Working Group Friday Feb. 12 at 5:30 PM at the Waianae Campus of Leeward Community College (LCC).

Makahiki Closing Celebration at Makua Valley Saturday Feb. 20th 10 AM -- Everyone is invited. Please RSVP to Dr. Dodge so your name can go on the Army's list for access.

EJ Bus Tour: Focus on the Cultural Significance of Waianae Saturday Feb. 27th, 8 AM. Meet at LCC-Waianae Campus parking lot. Watch for updates on details of this culture-focus excursion led by none other than Walterbea Aldeguer!

EJ Bus Tour: Focus on "Keep Waianae Country" Saturday March 20th, 8 AM. Watch for details on meeting location and tour schedule.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

...Public Meeting on PVT's Permit Renewal. PVT -- the construction and demolition landfill directly behind the Coral Sands subdivision in Lualualei -- is up for another five-year permit renewal. They have offered to hold a public meeting in conjunction with the Nanakuli-Maili Neighborhood Board. We don't know when that meeting will be held, but we'll try to find out and let everyone as soon as can. It's not clear what to expect from this meeting, but it is good to know it is happening and be prepared.

Source:
Marti Townsend
Program Director

KAHEA: The Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance
http://www.kahea.org
http://blog.kahea.org
phone/fax: 877-585-2432 (toll-free)
Mail:
P.O. Box 37368
Honolulu, HI 96837

E ho`omalu kakou i ka pono, ke `ano o ka nohona a me ka `aina mai na kupuna mai
Protecting Native Hawaiian Traditional and Customary Rights and Our Fragile Environment

Donations for Verna & Hailama Landford-Bright

Lumber and tarps are needed to help Verna & Hailama Landford-Bright, whose house burned down last week.

Donations may be dropped off at their house, or at Wai`anae Business Center, located behind Cathay Inn Chop Suey.

For more information, call Joseph Lapilio, III of the Wai`anae Business Center, at 696-1217.

Legislature 101 Workshop January 28, 6-8pm, @ State Capitol

Kanu Hawaii and Common Cause are putting on a "Legislature 101" workshop, Jan 28th, 6-8pm. The workshop will start with a presentation by the State Capitol's "Public Access Room," and be followed by a panel including Sen. Les Ihara, Jeff Mikulina of the Blue Planet Foundation, Kapua Sproat of the UH Native Hawaiian Law Center, and Rep. Maile Shimabukuro.

The workshop will take place at the State Capitol. The room is currently being confirmed (an update will be sent out ASAP).

For more information, contact:

James T. Koshiba

Executive Director

Kanu Hawaii

james@kanuhawaii.org

fax. 808.356.8198

http://www.kanuhawaii.org

State Clears 'Opala Along Makaha Road & Ma`ili Point on 1/16/10

Update: On 1/16/10, in conjunction with the pathway clean-up organized by Women of Wai`anae, AlohaCare, Nani `O Wai`anae, Rep. Maile Shimabukuro, and others, the State Department of Transportation (DOT) cleared the trash piles past Kea`au Beach along Farrington Highway, and near Kaukama Road at Ma`ili Point ("Guardrails"). `Olelo video footage is forthcoming. In the meantime, mahalo nui loa to Pat Coffmin and his Leeward DOT Highway Crew for an excellent job addressing this critical problem. Background information is below.

HPD Major Michael Moses, pictured at the December 2009 "Live & Let Live" opening ceremony, is working hard to try to find solutions to the trash pile problem along the highway past Kea`au Beach.

Here is an update on the issue:

-- On Tue, 1/12/10, Moses, Michael K. S. wrote:

Subject: Re: Question Re: 'Opala piling up along Makaha road
To: maileshimabukuro@yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday, January 12, 2010, 6:00 AM

Rep. Shimabukuro,

HPD, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Department of Community Services have been working on strategies to address all the issues at Keaau Beach Park and the undeveloped portions of Keaau.

After DPR cleans and maintains the remainder of Ulehawa Beach park to Maili Point we will all take a hard look at Keaau and hopefully come up with a viable plan. In the meantime HPD will continue its effort to enforce all on-view violations of the law including littering.

The HPD Parks Detail and Community Policing Team regularly engage the illegal campers at Keaau and have given them numerous warnings, issued hundreds of citations for various offenses including littering, however they continue to live in squander and filth.

We will continue our efforts, but it becomes very frustrating when it appears HPD is always called upon to be the answer and solution to these very deep rooted social issues.

You really cannot do anything to assist HPD regarding this problem as there are sufficient laws on the books. You can offer support when we get criticized for our enforcement efforts, but that's about it. You can help by assisting the social services providers with desperately needed funding and resources to help these people living in the streets and parks of our city.

From: Maile Shimabukuro
To: Moses, Michael K. S.
Sent: Tue Jan 12 05:32:57 2010
Subject: Question Re: 'Opala piling up along Makaha road

Dear Major Moses:

Please see news article below. Since it seems like the homeless past Kea`au Beach are under the false impression that it is ok to leave their rubbish on the side of the road, is it possible for HPD to issue warnings to the homeless telling them it's actually illegal to leave their trash out? The warnings should give the homeless a deadline to clear the trash that is currently left along Farrington Highway, and provide them with the legal options, eg, disposing of their rubbish in the trash cans at Kea`au Beach Park, at the various dumps in Waianae, etc. Let me know if there's anything I can do to assist with this problem.

Mahalo, Maile

Article Title:
'Opala piles up along Makaha road, as officials point fingers

To view the contents on www.honoluluadvertiser.com, click HERE or go to:
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201001110200/NEWS01/1110359

WCCHC Legislative Visit Videos

On 11-2-09, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (WCCHC) gave state legislators a tour of the facility. Legislators in attendance included Speaker Calvin Say, Rep. Karen Awana, Rep. Jon-Riki Karamatsu, Rep. Maile Shimabukuro, Sen. Suzanne Chun-Oakland, Sen. David Ige, and Sen. Mike Gabbard.

Legislators toured various areas at WCCHC, including the award-winning gardens and pathway, the high-tech office, ER, the new pediatric/women's health building, the amphitheater, fitness center, and Native Hawaiian Healing Center.

Chef Mark Ka'aha'aina treated guests to delicious watercress salad, mahimahi, roasted chicken and potatoes, and bread pudding, in the dining pavillion.

The tour included a discussion regarding the difficulties faced by aged, blind, and disabled patients under the state's new QxEA managed care program. WCCHC officials explained SB 1310, which would allow these disabled patients in medically underserved areas, such as Waianae and Waimanalo, to opt-out of their current health care plans under QxEA. Patients would then be served by AlohaCare, which offers larger provider networks and holistic health options, at a lower cost to the state.

Click on the links below (or cut and paste the link into a new browser) to view video clips of the tour:

Part 1: Pediatric Center

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxskr0FcQPk

Part 2: Women's Health

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf74NL7xnZM

Part 3: Amphitheatre & Fitness Center

Click HERE or go to--

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnKFhkGmAoI

Women's Health Center Tour

`Olelo Franchise Renewal Information Now Available

From: 'Olelo Community Media
Date: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 4:17 PM

Aloha,

The DCCA has just posted its statement, press release and decision and order related to the renewal of Oceanic Time Warner’s Franchise for the next 20 years. Because this information was just released, we have not had the time to examine the 52 page D&O, but wanted to let you know the information is now available. After a thorough review, we will keep you informed about items that affect Community Access.

DCCA News Release:
http://hawaii.gov/dcca/catv/news-releases/CATV-Oceanic_Oahu_Renewal.pdf

DCCA Director Reifurth’s Statement:
http://hawaii.gov/dcca/catv/news-releases/Director_Statement_on_TWE_Oahu_Renewal.pdf

Decision and Order No. 346:
http://hawaii.gov/dcca/catv/decisions_orders/files/Final_TWE_Oahu_Franchise_Renewal_Decision_and_Order.pdf


Mahalo,

'Olelo Community Media

'Legislators on the Move' Video: Rep. Maile Shimabukuro Surfing

Maile surfing at Kaiko`o on her Surflight funboard. Photo by "T" Le. [Click on the photo for a larger view]

Maile's first exposure to surfing was through her father, Professor James Shimabukuro, who was an avid Waikiki surfer. Later, in high school, Maile tandem surfed with Melvin Pu`u and Brian Keaulana. Then, while studying at UH law school from 1997-2000, Maile joined the surf club, where classmates Paul Kawai, Gordon Yang, Blake McElheny, Mark Tarone, and others taught her how to surf.

Surfing gives Maile the perfect outlet to relieve stress and connect with nature. Maile's advice is: "You should find something you love to do, and never give it up, no matter how busy you get."

In a video from HMSA's Legislators on the Move competition, Rep. Maile Shimabukuro, Rep. Cynthia Thielen, and Sen. Clayton Hee are featured. Video clips of Rep. Marcus Oshiro, Sen. Roz Baker, Rep. Lynn Finnegan, Sen. Gordon Trimble, Sen. David Ige, Rep. Blake Oshiro, and others are also included.

Maile's segment is devoted to her surfing and the presentation of an HMSA check to Makaha Elementary School. Mahalo nui loa to Trippy Dods, Kim Click, and the rest of the HMSA gang for doing an excellent job putting this video together.

Click HERE to watch the video!

Kalua Pig Fundraiser for L.E.I Foundation

Aloha All,

It's already almost 2 weeks into the new year and we're off and running! We would like to wish you all a happy new year, full of success, progress, growth and prosperity. No matter what the "experts" say about our economy, I believe that what we each do with, for and in our communities can only initiate and inspire positive changes that enrich us. L.E.I. Foundation knows that by working together we can achieve more.

One of our first tasks to start off 2010 is a fundraiser event. We are selling imu kalua pig at $6.00/pound and I can deliver to you on either the 25th or 26th of January, your choice just let me know, and I can drop off at either your office or another agreeable meeting/drop off place. As the delivery dates are fast approaching I need to collect monies by Friday, January 15th. I have tickets printed out with numbers on them for you, and a log I use to track who has ordered what and notes on delivery preferences, too. Any support you can give us would be greatly appreciated! And please, if you could also pass this along to others who would love to get some kalua pig for themselves and their freezers - mahalo!

-- Sharlette L. Poe

Executive Director L.E.I. Foundation

(808) 699-9956

sharpoe@gmail.com

"When we dream alone, it is only a dream. But when we dream together, it is the beginning of reality." ~Brazilian Proverb

"The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and He shall bless thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." Deuteronomy 28:8

New Ma`ili Fire Station to be Discussed at Council Planning Committee Hearing on 1/14

From: Gail Gomes
Subject: Council Planning Cmte Hearing on 1/14
To: Undisclosed-Recipient@yahoo.com
Date: Monday, January 11, 2010, 11:34 AM

RESOLUTION 09-366 (or visit: http://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-96116/4rgdk0-r.pdf) – REVISION TO THE WAIANAE PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE MAP FOR THE MAILI POINT FIRE STATION. Adopting a revision to the Public Infrastructure Map for the Waianae Sustainable Communities Plan Area. (Transmitted by Communication D-949)

A detailed summary of the proposal can be found by clicking on "D-949" above, or at this link:

http://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-96061/4r1l1bl5.pdf

Waianae Environmental Justice Meeting

From: Marti Townsend
Subject: Next Meeting

Aloha Waianae Ohana,

...The next meeting for the EJ working group is Jan. 15th, 5:30 at the Leeward Community College Waianae Campus, as usual. Let us know if you can make it.

The next steps we need to work on (and there may be others) are:

1. Bus Tour for the UCC leaders and the "Keep the Country COUNTRY" folks
2. Letter-writing campaign to the City Council against the purple dot.
3. Preparing for a public hearing on the PVT landfill permit renewal (assuming one will be held)...

Much Aloha,
Marti

2nd Thursday Meeting JAN 14, 2010

From: The Leeward Housing Coalition

Our 2nd Thursday meeting is scheduled for January 14 at the Ulu Ke Kukui Dining Room. It is a brown-bag meeting (bring your own) or you can purchase meals at the site. The following is our agenda:

11:30am Welcome and Introductions

Presentations

Red Manini Micro-loan Program
Tamar DeFries – Pacific Gateway Center
The presentation will include a description of the Red Manini Micro-loan program
and other funding options for people interested in starting a small business.

Wai`anae Business Center
Kahealani Poe, Coordinator – Business Services
The presentation will discuss business development services available at the
Wai`anae Business Center including micro-enterprise and small business
training. Upcoming classes and other information will also be shared.

Housing Updates
Sandi Miyoshi - HPHA and/or Russ Saito – State Comptroller

Announcements

Leeward Housing Coalition Community Summit on March 11, 2010

1pm Pau

We will have a table available if anyone wants to bring materials or program literature to distribute.

Share this invitation with anyone else you feel would benefit. For more information, call 696-1217.

About 2nd Thursday

2nd Thursday is a monthly meeting of organizations providing health and human services to the homeless community on the Wai`anae Coast. Meetings are held at 11:30am each second Thursday of the month at the Ulu Ke Kukui Dining Facility. Our objectives are the following:

 Network and share information on services available for Wai`anae Coast residents and residents of Wai`anae Coast emergency and transitional shelters.

 Develop a continuum of services for people accessing shelter services and other help by coordinating and collaborating among ourselves.

 Discuss policy issues affecting health and human services on the Wai`anae Coast with an emphasis on housing and shelter issues.

A project of the Leeward Housing Coalition

People's Path Clean-up & Beautification 1/16/10

Come to support the next clean-up and beautification of the People's Path!

What: Clean-up and Beautification of People's Path
When: January 16, 2010; 7:30-11:30am
Where: Maili Point (meet across from Kaukama Road)
Who: Sponsored by Women of Wai`anae, AlohaCare, Rep. Maile Shimabukuro, Nani O Wai`anae, and others
Why: Our goal is to create a pathway along the Wai`anae Coast

For more information, contact: maileshimabukuro@yahoo.com or call 696-4677

Background information:
Last year, Maile and her mother met with Department of Transportation (DOT) officials regarding the planned bikeway for the Wai`anae Coast, which ends at Lualualei Naval Road. They inquired about whether the State would allow the community to extend the pathway around Maili Point, and eventually along the entire Wai`anae Coast. (See posting re: Nani O Waianae April 26 Beach Clean-Up for more information on the "People's Path.") This is the map and response Maile received from DOT. Click on the map to the right for a full view; for a blow-up of the bikeway, click on the map below.


From: Rachel.LA.Roper@hawaii.gov [mailto:Rachel.LA.Roper@hawaii.gov]
Sent: Thursday, April 03, 2008 2:56 PM
To: Rep. Maile Shimabukuro; kgsyoung@hotmail.com
Cc: Darell.Young@hawaii.gov
Subject: Leeward Bikeway Ext.

Hello,

I'm still looking into your questions regarding the Leeward Bikeway and Leeward Bikeway extension, but wanted to send you our contact information along with the map of the Leeward Bikeway. Please note that this is not the most current map of the Leeward Bikeway. It should, however, still be able to give you a general idea of where the bike path will be located...

Darell Young, P.E.
Planning Branch (Advanced Planning)
Highways Division
Department of Transportation
State of Hawaii

Rachel Roper--587-1983
Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator
Highways Division
Hawaii Department of Transportation
State of Hawaii

869 Punchbowl Street #301
Honolulu, HI 96813

Thank you,
Rachel Roper

New US Census Office at Wai`anae Mall is Hiring!

Wai`anae US Census Office Manager Kathleen Popa introducing some members of her team on 1-8-10. [Click on the photo for a larger view.]

It is critically important for Wai`anae residents to participate in the constitutionally mandated US Census in 2010. Our participation determines, among other things, the amount of federal dollars we receive, which translates to everything from teachers' salaries to highway improvements. The Wai`anae Coast's participation was a dismal 10% in the past. We must do better! Also, jobs ranging from $12.50/hr to $17/hr at the US Census' new office at Waianae Mall are now available. For more information, contact:

Kathleen K. Popa
Local Census Office Manager-Waianae 3249
86-120 Farrington Hwy, Suite A109
Waianae, HI 96792
Office: 808-697-7202
Fax: 808-696-5168
E-mail: lcom.lco.3249@census2010.gov

The office's grand opening was on 1-8-10. Here are some videos Maile took that day (either click on the links, or cut and paste the links into a new browser):

Tour of Office:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuEGJhEuicc

Darren Benitez Band Performance:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPCdGDKoCY4

Here are excerpts of an email to Maile from Ms. Popa regarding the event on 1/8/10:

Representative Shimabukuro,

Humbly request your presence at our official opening of the Local Census Office here in Waianae on Friday, January 8th, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. It will be a short but powerful message conveyed to the community on the importance of receiving and returning the 2010Census Questionnaire. The 30-minute program will consist of the Waianae ROTC drill team, some of the local entertainers, a tour around the office and light refreshments.

I can be reached Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. I look forward to your response...

"Na Kakou Ke Kuleana"

BWS Construction Projects to Resume Jan. 4

From: FarringtonProjects

Subject: BWS Construction Projects to Resume Jan. 4

Aloha,

Just a friendly reminder that construction work will resume for the Board of Water Supply's (BWS) water main replacement projects on Farrington Highway beginning on Monday, January 4, 2010.

Crews will be working on Farrington Highway between Nanakuli and Laumania Avenues, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Both center lanes will be closed to traffic. The BWS will open the emergency access bridge at Nanakuli Beach Park during working hours so there will be two open eastbound lanes of traffic. As a reminder, large trucks and buses heading eastbound must stay in the left-hand lane and stay on Farrington Highway. Motorists are also advised to abide by posted traffic signs, to use caution when traveling through the construction area and to allow for extra travel time.

Also beginning on Monday, January 4, 2010, the BWS will start the next phase of its construction project in Nanakuli (Farrington Highway Part 1, Phase B). This phase will replace a vital 24-inch water main on Farrington Highway between Black Rock and Aliinui Drive. Since this phase is in a non-residential area, work will be done at night between 7 p.m. and 3:30 a.m., Sunday to Thursday – to help minimize the traffic impact on Leeward Coast residents. When excavation work begins at Black Rock, the farthest makai bound lane of traffic will be closed. The waterline eventually crosses over to the mauka side of the road so traffic patterns will change. This phase of the project is expected to take about 15 months to complete.

Please continue to visit www.boardofwatersupply.com and click on the Farrington Highway projects icon or call 748-5310 to hear a voice recording with the weekly updated project and traffic pattern information. Questions and comments can also be sent to farringtonprojects@hbws.org or to the BWS Construction Section at 748-5730.

On behalf of the BWS Ohana, Hau`oli Makahiki Hou!

Moani & Kurt

UPDATE: Hale Wai Vista Dedication & Ground Breaking 3-11-10

The date for the combined dedication of Hale Wai Vista I and ground breaking of Hale Wai Vista II has been confirmed by the Mayor's Office:

Date: Thursday, March 11, 2010

Time: Noon

Place: 86-084 Farrington Highway, Waianae




The contact person for the new Hale Wai Vista (HWV) affordable housing project located behind Wai`anae City Mill is Jim Gesser, the future HWV resident manager. HWV is a project of the Hawaii Housing Development Corporation, a private non-profit. Funding was provided by the state via the Hawaii Housing and Finance Development Corporation (HHFDC), and other sources. Prudential Locations, LLC, is handling HWV applications. For information regarding how to apply, and other questions, call Mr. Gesser at 738-3110.

1) Click HERE for a copy of an informational brochure regarding Hale Wai Vista
2) Click HERE for the Hale Wai Vista application

Hale Wai Vista applications are also available at this website: http://www.pruhawaiirentals.com

LTC Don "Rock" Arakaki Retires

LTC Don "Rock" Arakaki dedicated the past 9 years of his life to helping Wai`anae High JROTC students learn discipline, confidence, and responsibility. Pictured here are JROTC cadets from both Wai`anae and Nanakuli High, who presented the colors at the 11-11-09 Veteran's Day ceremony at Herbert K. Pilila`au Recreation Center in Wai`anae. [Click on the photo for a larger view.]

From: Don_Arakaki/WAIANAEHI/HIDOE@notes.k12.hi.us [mailto:Don_Arakaki/WAIANAEHI/HIDOE@notes.k12.hi.us]

Sent: Monday, December 28, 2009 12:54 PM
Subject: Aloha and Mahalo

Aloha All:

It comes a time in life when you have to start a new career and for me
it will be retirement on 30 Dec 09. After 40 years of working (26 in the
military and 14 years with the state), my wife Joyce and I will enjoy an
indefinite vacation.

It has been a very rewarding experience and chapter in my life as the
Senior Army Instructor for the Waianae High School "Searider Battalion"
JROTC Program since January 2001. I would like to express my
appreciation to the administration, staff and faculty at WHS for their
outstanding support in helping us "Motivate Young People to Be
Better Citizens."

I would also like to thank the staff of the JROTC Hawaii Multiple School
Unit (HMSU) for their support of our program and to my fellow JROTC
instructors, it was great working with you and continue providing guidance
to our cadets.

Aloha and Mahalo:

LTC (R) Don "Rock" Arakaki

MA`O's CSA Program

It’s my food in a box » Honolulu Weekly

Please help us spread the word.

Aloha,

Summer Miles
Director of Education
MA'O/LCCW
(office/fax) 696-5569
summer@maoorganicfarms.or

Ka Papa O Kakuhihewa Funding

From: Cynthia K.L. Rezentes [mailto:rezentesc@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 10:20 AM
Subject: Fwd: KPOK applications

Aloha,

Ka Papa O Kakuhihewa working through HCF will have available funding again this year for worthy projects that benefit primarily our youth to work on environmental type projects in the 96792 and 96707 zip code areas (please see more information provided in the press release and the RFP). Click HERE for the press release and HERE for the RFP.

Past recipients of funding have included: Ka`ala Farm Inc., Hoa `Aina o Makaha, Malama Learning Center, Bishop Museum (in return for funding they provided numerous class sessions without charge to some of our schools based on the program developed), Leeward Kai Canoe Club in conjunction with Wai`anae High School (ocean water quality sampling), etc.

The funds are a result of a community benefits package that is being received from HECO ($100,000 per year over 10 years) developed during community discussions regarding the 110 MW Peaking Power Plant built in Campbell Industrial Park. Today, the council that works with HCF in determining what projects will be funded and for how much is represented by residents from along the entire coastline representing both zip code areas.

While not having unlimited funding to provide support to all applicants, the council and HCF takes its' responsibility seriously to make sure that the projects supported do promote support for our youth and their families in either learning about or doing projects which help our environment.

If you know of any organizations or worth projects, please provide this information along to them.

Mahalo,

Cynthia K.L. Rezentes



-----Original Message-----
From: Amy Luersen
Sent: Mon, Jan 4, 2010 9:24 am
Subject: KPOK applications

Aloha All, I hope you all had a Happy Holiday season. Attached is the 2010 Request for Proposals for the Ka Papa o Kakuhihewa fund. Please help spread the work in your communities and forward to any groups that you feel would be eligible. This is available to be downloaded from the Hawaii Community Foundation website. (www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org )We are also sending you a few hard copies by mail to distribute to those who may not have email accessibility. Please note that the deadline is February 5, 2010 so that groups planning summer events/programs can hear prior to the events. Also, just to let you know, we sent the attached press release out to the news last week. We will be contacting you to set up an Advisory Committee meeting for sometime in late March.

Thanks so much,
Amy
Amy Luersen
Director of Philanthropic Services
Hawaii Community Foundation
1164 Bishop St. Suite 800Honolulu, HI 96813
Direct- 808-566-5550
Main Number 808 537-6333
Neighbor Island toll free - 1 888-731-3863
www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org

Youth Matters - Bring a Youth Voice to the Legislature

The Hawaii Youth Services Network (HYSN), Hawaii Foster Coalition and REAL present an advocacy training led by youths who have been involved in changing laws through working with the legislature.

The training is for young people, ages 13 through 21, who are interested in making positive change through the legislative process. Youths are encouraged to bring a bill or issue they would like to work on.

JANUARY 15, 2010
9AM TO 3PM
STATE CAPITOL ROOM 329

CONTACT HYCF TO REGISTER! 545-5683 OR hifosteryouthcoalition@hawaiiantel.net

Makua Valley eyed for counterinsurgency, road bomb training

FROM THE HONOLULU ADVERTISER
January 3, 2010


Makua Valley eyed for counterinsurgency, road bomb training

By William Cole
Advertiser Military Writer

The Army wants to spend about $3.7 million to transform Mäkua Valley into a "world-class" roadside bomb and counterinsurgency training center with convoy live fire along hillside roads, simulated explosions and multiple "villages" to replicate the roadside bomb threat in Iraq and Afghanistan — the No. 1 killer of Americans.

As that occurs, the Army said it also wants to eventually transition some of its storm-the-hill traditional live-fire training from Mäkua to Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island.

The counter-improvised explosive device, or IED, focus at Mäkua is a new proposal by the Army as it also seeks the more immediate return to the traditional infantry live-fire exercises in the 4,190-acre Wai'anae Coast valley — something it hadn't been able to do since 2004 due to environmental lawsuits.

Schofield Barracks may seek to conduct traditional live-fire drills in Mäkua involving companies of 150 soldiers with artillery, mortars and helicopter fire as early as March, officials said.

"What this (longer-term) plan enables us to do is to modernize Mäkua Valley (to meet) what we think is the long and enduring threat," said Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. "Randy" Mixon, referring to counterinsurgency and roadside bombs.

Mixon is head of the U.S. Army in the Pacific.

He said the plan also would reduce the cultural and environmental impact in Mäkua — the source of ongoing lawsuits — "because we would shift over time, and I'm talking five to 10 years from now, the heavy ordnance training, artillery training and things of that nature over to Pohakuloa."

Changes already in the works for Hawai'i's Stryker Brigade at the Big Island training area, along with possible new training ran-ges to replace Mäkua and other improvements, conceivably could total $300 million over the next 15 years, Mixon said.

restarting live fire

The counter-roadside bomb plan represents a fundamental change in what to date had been the Army's dogged pursuit of traditional infantry live-fire training in Mäkua Valley, a quest that has cost it millions in court fees.

A lawsuit over training was settled with community group Malama Mäkua in 2001. However, the Army's failure to complete an agreed-upon environmental impact statement analysis of decades of military training prevented a return to live fire since 2004 and spawned a series of sub-lawsuits.

The Army last July completed the environmental examination by saying it wanted to conduct up to 32 combined-arms live-fire exercises or 150 convoy live-fire exercises annually in the valley.

"The EIS we consider to be legally sufficient (and) we intend to return to live fire in Mäkua Valley," Mixon said last week from his headquarters at Fort Shafter.

David Henkin, an Earthjustice attorney who represents Malama Mäkua, said he doesn't know the details of the shift in focus being proposed by Mixon for Mäkua Valley.

"I guess all I can say is this proposal has never been subjected to any form of environmental review — including public review — so it's impossible to make any informed statement about it without actually seeing what's being proposed," Henkin said.

New construction "raises a lot of concerns about potential damage to subsurface archaeological resources," Henkin said.

More than 50 endangered plant and animal species, and more than 100 archaeological features, are found in the valley area.

global training site

Mixon said he intends to take the Mäkua and Pohakuloa plan before the Army chief of staff and other Army officials probably in the next 60 days.

"If I get their support, which I'm sure I will, we will start as soon as we possibly can," he said. That could mean construction activity at Mäkua within a year, he added.

Henkin maintains that such a change would require a supplemental environmental impact review.

Mixon said part of his plan includes the development of an IED "fusion center" in Hawai'i that would bring together intelligence gathering, a knowledge base and training to defeat roadside bombs not only in Iraq and Afghanistan, but in Asia-Pacific countries such as Thailand, India and the Philippines, where the bombs also are a growing threat.

He said he's already obtained "a couple million dollars" in start-up funding from the Pentagon's Joint IED Defeat Organization.

U.S. soldiers could travel to Pacific partner nations to train their soldiers on roadside bomb techniques, and foreign soldiers might be able to travel to Hawai'i to receive training at Mäkua, Mixon said.

The three-star general said he envisions Mäkua as a "world-class IED and counterinsurgency" training center.

Mäkua's austere hillside road network is a close approximation of Afghanistan roads. Mixon's plan includes the installation of a couple dozen mobile structures that would be congregated in two spots and spread out elsewhere to represent villages.

The training would include convoy live fire in response to an attack, and a "shoot house" with about 10 rooms in which soldiers could practice live-fire room clearing, officials said.

Helicopters would be brought in for support and a key component of the plan is the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to look for roadside bomb planters.

Mixon said the fleet of UAVs will be increasing in Hawai'i, and Mäkua is one of the few allowable places to fly.

Training requirements were examined for Hawai'i with an eye to an integrated approach and "how can we make the best possible use, given the training requirements and the anticipated threat, of Schofield, Mäkua and Pohakuloa Training Area," Mixon said.

community talks

Schofield units have been able to rotate annually to the National Training Center in California for large-scale training exercises during a time of war, but those availabilities, at a cost of between $18 million to $22 million, are expected to dwindle if and when the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan wind down, he said.

As a result, more Hawai'i-based service members, including Marines and National Guard soldiers, will be at home station longer and need to get their training in the Isles, Mixon said.

Mixon said he envisions expanding the live-fire capability at Pohakuloa, and if that's possible, "we would see a gradual shift to a different type of live-fire training (at Mäkua) which is focused on counter-IED operations in cities and close-quarters combat."

But he also said the Army would have to retain the ability to use Mäkua for IED training and — if needed — the traditional company-size combined arms exercises involving mortars, artillery and helicopters firing overhead.

Mixon said he's been out to the Wai'anae Coast to talk with community representatives in "general terms" about the new Mäkua plan.

"It's our desire to continue to train in Mäkua Valley but look at ways to limit the cultural and environmental impact," he said.

Friends of the Wai`anae Library (FOWL) Meeting 1/6/10

Dear FOWL members,



Just a quick email to let you know that our quarterly meeting that we cancelled in Dec has been re-scheduled for next week-Jan 6 at 5:30pm. Please attend if you can, we will be discussing/planning for the annual book sale in March.



Sincerely,



Marcy Thomas

Membership chair

thomas026@hawaii.rr.com

HB 2692 - in need of testimony!

Please consider submitting testimony for this bill which is being heard by the House PBS Committee this Thursday 2/4/2010 at 830am in Room 309 at the State Capitol.

Following is:

1) a description of the bill and it's introducers
2) the text of the actual current version of the bill
3) instructions on how to properly submit testimony to the House PBS Committee


HB 2692

Measure Title: RELATING TO DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PLANNING.
Report Title: Disaster Preparedness Plan; Civil Defense
Description: Requires the director of civil defense to prepare a disaster preparedness plan for the 44th and 45th House of Representatives districts and to report to the legislature in 2011.
Companion:
Package: None
Current Referral: PBS, FIN


Introducer(s): AWANA, CABANILLA, CHANG, HANOHANO, KARAMATSU, SHIMABUKURO, Aquino, Bertram, Brower, Magaoay, Sagum, Souki


[TEXT of BILL]

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B. NO. 2692
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PLANNING.


BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:


SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the leeward coast of Oahu is only accessible by way of Farrington Highway. Any closure of the highway due to traffic accidents or other incidences can temporarily disrupt the lives of tens of thousands of commuting residents. The legislature also finds that, if a major disaster closes the freeway for extended periods of time, a host of problems arise that directly impacts the health, safety, and welfare of several leeward communities.

The purpose of this Act is to prepare for a major disaster on the leeward coast by requiring the director of civil defense to prepare a disaster preparedness plan for the 44th and 45th house of representatives districts. This Act is intended to serve as a model for future expansion of the disaster preparedness plan to serve other communities in the State.

SECTION 2. The director of civil defense shall prepare a disaster preparedness plan for the leeward coast areas of Oahu, specifically the areas included in the house of representative districts 44 and 45 which include the communities of Waianae, Makaha, Makua, Honokai Hale, Nanakuli, Lualualei, and Maili. The plan shall include strategies to address the following concerns:

1. The closing of roadway access to the districts with no available alternate routes;

2. The use of air and sea transportation services when roads are closed and the coordination of these services, especially the designation of primary and alternate air landing sites and any legal authorization needed to land on those sites;

3. The large homeless population living on beaches with limited resources;

4. The elderly, some of whom live alone, with limited access to disaster shelters and transportation services;

5. The growing indigent population that is suffering from the current economic downturn who rely heavily on public transportation to commute to work;

6. The coordination, distribution, and delivery of food, products, and services by private and public companies, organizations, and individuals to homes and communities;

7. An organization to serve as a community site coordinator (e.g. local civil defense volunteer team);

8. An inventory of existing governmental agencies, private companies, organizations, and individuals who may assist with a disaster preparedness plan;

9. Meetings in the community to gather input and follow-up meetings to disseminate this report; and

10. Any other issue necessary for a disaster preparedness plan.

SECTION 3. The director of civil defense shall report the director's findings and recommendations, including costs to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2011 regular session.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.



INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO SUBMIT TESTIMONY:

Persons wishing to offer comments should submit testimony at least 24 hours prior to the hearing with a transmittal cover indicating:
· Testifier's name with position/title and organization;
· The Committee the comments are directed to;
· The date and time of the hearing;
· Measure number; and
· The number of copies the Committee is requesting.

While every effort will be made to copy, organize, and collate all testimony received, materials received on the day of the hearing or improperly identified or directed to the incorrect office, may be distributed to the Committee after the hearing.

Submit testimony in ONE of the following ways:
PAPER: 3 copies (including an original) to Room 310 in the State Capitol;
FAX: For comments less than 5 pages in length, transmit to 586-6521(Oahu) or 1-800-535-3859 (Neighbor Islanders with no e-mail access);
EMAIL: For comments less than 5 pages in length, transmit to PBStestimony@Capitol.hawaii.gov ; or
WEB: For comments less than 4MB in size, transmit from the Web page at http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/emailtestimony.

Testimony submitted will be placed on the Legislative Web site after the hearing adjourns. This public posting of testimony on the Web site should be considered when including personal information in your testimony.

If you require special assistance or auxiliary aids and/or services to participate in the House public hearing process (i.e., sign or foreign language interpreter or wheelchair accessibility), please contact the Committee Clerk at 586-6563 or email your request for an interpreter to HouseInterpreter@Capitol.hawaii.gov at least 24 hours prior to the hearing for arrangements. Prompt requests submitted help to ensure the availability of qualified individuals and appropriate accommodations.

Selected meetings are broadcast live. Check the current legislative broadcast schedule on the "Capitol TV" Web site at www.capitoltv.org OR call 550-8074.

Piles of Trash Along Wai`anae Coast Causes Eyesore for Residents

Click on the link below to view video news footage regarding the on-going problem of trash along the Wai`anae Coast's highways: Piles of Trash on Oahu's Leeward Coast Causes Eyesore for Residents KHON2 - Honolulu,HI,USA ... to blame," says Representative Maile Shimabukuro, (D) Waianae-Makaha-Makua. Though some argue the items left behind are not things the homeless can use. ... The text of the news story is below: Search KHON2.com Search the Web Search Video Sign in | Join | Help | Feedback Home News Weather Sports Traffic Business Entertainment Contests Videos Action Line Lokahi Inside KHON2 January 1, 2010 - 6:12 PM Piles of Trash on Oahu's Leeward Coast Causes Eyesore for Residents Reported by: Vanessa Stewart Email: vstewart@khon2.com Last Update: 12/12/2009 7:13 pm Print Story | ShareThis Piles of trash along Farrington Highway have been an eyesore on the Leeward Coast for months. Residents say they are fed up and want the trash gone. Community members are trying to fix the problem of illegal dumping but say more needs to be done. Mounds of trash line Farrington highway behind Keaau Beach Park. "It's totally unhealthy for everybody, for the community, for this population that is depressed and also for tourism that come along our coast and beach," said resident Pake Salmon. An unsightly image for anyone driving towards Yokohama Bay. "For a few months already I have been driving by this area and we just see trash piling up here," said Salmon. With many homeless families living along the coastline, catching whoever is dumping the trash is difficult to do. "You see the trash bags along the side of the road and then you see the homeless that are living right near it but unless you witness them actually putting it there how can you say who's to blame," says Representative Maile Shimabukuro, (D) Waianae-Makaha-Makua. Though some argue the items left behind are not things the homeless can use. "There are tires, there's batteries and many other household products and garden clipping and white goods so the homeless have no use for a refrigerator but you can find components for a refrigerator out there," says Carroll Cox with Envirowatch. Several community efforts have been made to clean up the area. "We've been doing a bunch of beach clean-ups in that area and trying to educate the homeless there and telling them not to leave their trash," says Representative Shimabukuro. "We're trying to do what we can from our end but there's just so much trash that piles up between the beach clean-ups it's become kinda an out of control problem," says Representative Shimabukuro. Several community groups are planning to clean up the area on Saturday, December 19. Add a Comment Add Video Comment (3) Comments