|
|
|
|
Makakilo ? Mililani Town ? Waipahu ? Waikele ? Royal Kunia ? Village Park |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
E Komo Mai … Aloha and Welcome |
|
|
|
Key Meeting Dates
1/28, 2/25, 3/18, 4/22, 5/27, 6/10, 7/15, 8/26, 9/16, 10/28, 11/18, & 12/16
Full Council meeting at 10:00 a.m. at Honolulu Hale
Latest Council agenda
4th Wednesday of each month
Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board meets at Kapolei High School Cafeteria at 7:00 p.m.
Click here for Makakilo report
Mililani/Melemanu/Waipio Neighborhood Board meets at MTA Rec. Center III at 7:30 p.m.
Click here for Mililani report
4th Thursday of each month
Waipahu Neighborhood Board meets at Fil-Com Center Ballroom at 7:00 p.m.
Click here for Waipahu report
|
Aloha, and welcome to my District 9 home page. This format allows me to provide timely information to the communities of District 9 using the tools of Internet technology. |
|
Our focus will be on news and information from the City & County of Honolulu. We are also providing useful links to other sources of information such as the neighborhood boards that serve District 9.
As a local boy growing up in Waipahu, I have always felt a unique sense of pride and responsibility to give back to the community that made me who I am today. Whether as a legislator, businessman, or even as your neighbor, I consider myself blessed to have the opportunity and privilege to be in a position to help others.
|
|
|
I hope you fully utilize this service to stay current with district activities and to communicate the issues that matter most to you. I look forward to your feedback.
Please feel free to email me at ngarcia@honolulu.gov or call me at my office at 768-5009 to share your thoughts and concerns or just to say "Hello!"
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Construction of New Kapolei Interchange Underway |
Kahu Kordell Kekoa blessing the site of the new Kapolei Interchange
On July 2nd, community leaders and elected officials gathered for the long awaited ground breaking of the new Kapolei Interchange located right behind Zippy's.
Kapolei Property Development Vice President Dave Rae, US Senator Daniel K. Inouye, and State Department of Transportation Director Brennon Morioka celebrate this momentous occasion
This project was first announced in December 2007 as a partnership between Kapolei Property Development, the State Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration. Kapolei Property Development's contribution to this State project was $6 million. By 2012, the company will have invested a total of $382 million on roads and other infrastructure in Kapolei.
When completed, the Phase 1 portion of the Kapolei Interchange project (shown in red in the picture above) will provide a connection to the H-1 Freeway from Kamokila Boulevard at Wakea Street, and from Makakilo Drive.
As many of you who live in the area know quite well, Kapolei has become the state's fastest growing region and has emerged as a booming economic center, with over 800 businesses providing more than 27,000 jobs. Over the next several years, the region is projected to have 38,000 new jobs bringing the total to 65,000. For more details about Kapolei and the infrastructure planned for the area, please check out http://www.kapolei.com/.
|
|
City's new ban on using electronic devices while driving started July 1st! |
On July 1st, the new law passed by the City Council, which prohibits the use of a cellular phone, text messaging device, paging device, personal digital assistant, laptop computer, video game, or digital photographic device while operating a moving vehicle took effect. Violators will be subject to an initial fine of $67, which then escalates with each subsequent violation.
Devices that operate in a "hands free" mode are allowed. The law also exempts emergency responders such as police officer and firefighters who are performing official duties. Also exempted is the use of two-way radios while performing work-related duties, such as operating a taxi cab. Finally, drivers holding a valid amateur radio operator license issued by the Federal Communications Commission and using a half-duplex two-way radio are also exempted.
In passing the bill, the Council believes that a reasonable and affordable alternative to the common and ubiquitous hand held cell phone is readily available to those who require or desire a communication option while driving.
Former Mayor Hannemann said it best when signing the bill into law in early May, "Our intent is to ensure drivers keep their attention focused on the road, where it belongs. We all must be more careful and more considerate of other drivers and of pedestrians, especially the elderly, children and the disabled."
|
|
Kapolei Chamber discusses on the job safety & transit benefits |
Kapolei Chamber of Commerce members gather for lunch
and to hear about transit and industrial safety
On June 24th, the Kapolei Chamber of Commerce brought together more than 150 people to hear about how transit can help Honolulu's environment, as well as learn about how the City and the businesses in Campbell Industrial Park work together to handle emergency situations.
Luncheon Emcee Nestor Garcia with guest speaker Chantam Olive and
Acting Mayor Kirk Caldwell
Guest speakers included
o Chatham Olive, the past president of the Sierra Club Charlotte who championed the LYNX system, spoke on how transit can play a role in keeping Oahu clean and green.
o Mel Kaku, the director of the City's Department of Emergency Management, discussed the recent emergencies at Campbell Industrial Park and gave advice on what to do when there is an emergency situation in Kapolei.
o Annie Lam, the president of the Campbell Local Emergency Action Network (CLEAN) gave an overview of what this coalition of business, government, and community members is doing to raise the importance of emergency preparedness and response within Campbell Industrial Park and the surrounding community.
If you are not a member yet but are interested in joining the Kapolei Chamber, please check out http://www.kapoleichamber.com/ for more information.
|
|
3rd Annual Transit Symposium held in Honolulu
National Transit Convention to come in January 2010 |
More than 500 people gathered to hear from various worldwide transit experts at Honolulu's 3rd Transit Symposium that took place on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.
Listening to transit experts share their experiences in constructing and operating their respective systems.
The featured speakers included:
o Dan Doyle, former Deputy Minister, British Columbia Ministry of British Columbia and Executive Vice President of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. Mr. Doyle will discuss Vancouver's popular SkyTrain, which would be similar to Honolulu's elevated rail system.
o Joni Earl, CEO of Sound Transit rail system in Seattle. The system connects the Seattle area with 74 miles of train line and later this year will open a 16-mile light rail extension. Miss Earl will discuss job creation from the latest extension of the Seattle Sound transit line.
o Bill Millar, president of the nation's largest non-profit transit organization, the American Public Transportation Association, which represents transportation agencies across the country.
o Ian Mulcahey of Gensler, a London-based firm that is one of the world's largest architecture and design companies. Mr. Mulcahey will talk about Transit Oriented Development (TOD) from an architect's perspective and show examples of how TOD planning can be integrated with an elevated rail guideway.
o Chatham Olive, past president of the Sierra Club Charlotte chapter, which championed the LYNX commuter rail system.
o Rick Simonetta, CEO of the nation's newest rail transit system, Valley Metro in Phoenix, Arizona, which carried more than a million passengers in April.
o Wellington Webb, former mayor of Denver who played a key role in implementing the city's FasTracks commuter rail system.
People checking out the various exihibits
The symposium featured informational displays from train manufacturers and dynamic leaders from Phoenix, Vancouver, Seattle, Charlotte, London and Denver who will share their experiences with rail transit and transit-oriented development (TOD).
"This symposium brings a world-class perspective on rail transit to Honolulu," said Former Mayor Mufi Hannemann. "I am excited by this opportunity for the people of Honolulu to hear these experts as they share their insights on the benefits of rail. Honolulu's upcoming rail project will not only help reduce traffic congestion, but create much-needed jobs during these difficult economic times."
Groundbreaking for the 20-mile elevated system from Kapolei to Ala Moana Center is scheduled for the end of this year.
Former Mayor Hannemann also announced earlier in the week that the American Public Transportation Association's Business Member Board of Governors will hold its next annual meeting in Honolulu in mid-January of 2010. APTA is the leading national public transportation advocacy group.
The event should bring more than 100 people to Honolulu, helping to boost the city's visitor industry and assist those employed by it.
"I'm delighted that this prestigious organization will once again have its meeting in Honolulu," said Hannemann, who addressed the group when it last met here in 2006.
For more information on the community workshops, please contact the project office at 566-2299 or at infor@honolulutransit.org.
|
|
Nationally Recognized Football Seniors Honored |
On June 10th, the City Council recognized and honored 12 of Hawaii's most outstanding football scholar-athletes as selected by the Hawaii Chapter of the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame.
2009 National Football Foundation scholar-athletes: Anthony Kaeo Tokunaga, Walter J. Calistro Jr., Michael Keahi Tokunaga, Kellen Imada, Mason T. Puckett,and Maika Kunioka
Representing thousands of high school players across the nation, 3,000 scholar-athletes are selected each year by 119 local chapters of The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame for their superior academic and athletic performance as well for their leadership and community service. From this pool of 3,000 outstanding individuals, the Foundation selects four individuals as the epitome of the term scholar-athlete.
The 2009 National Football Foundation selection of outstanding scholar-athletes from its Hawaii Chapter include:
o Mason T. Puckett – Kicker/Receiver – Aiea
o Kellen Takeshi Imada – Running Back – Iolani
o Brian B. Freeman – Receiver/Defensive Back – Kaiser
o William J. Brennan – Linebacker – Kamehameha-Kapalama
o Walter J. Calistro Jr. – Safety – Kamehameha-Kapalama
o Anthony Kaeo Tokunaga – Safety – Kamehameha-Kapalama
o Michael Keahi Tokunaga – Defensive Back – Kamehameha-Kapalama
o Nathaniel Lemar Hall – Linebacker – Leilehua
o Kaipo K. Ke-a – Defensive Back/Receiver – Leilehua
o Maika Kunioka – Kicker – Leilehua
o Manti Malietau Louis Te'o – Linebacker/Running Back – Punahou
o Josiah Chong Tim – Offensive Line – Waianae
Congratulations to these young men and best wishes to their futures both on and off the field!
|
|
City Budget Passes |
On June 10th, the City Council also passed the Fiscal Year 2010 budget package, covering the period from July 1, 2009 to June 20, 2010.
From the start of deliberations in early March to its conclusion in June, my colleagues and I looked very closely at the various services we provide our residents, clarifying our core and vital services, and possibly postponing or eliminating services that don't meet those criteria.
Listening attentively to the deliberations during Budget Committee briefings
With the growing uncertainty over the State's finances and their proposals to take away funds normally provided to the Counties, in addition to the Former Mayor Hannemann's package of bills, the Council also introduced several measures that proposed various property tax exemptions and incentives, as well as possible legislation regarding fuel taxes and parking rates to further deliberate public policy issues in shifting away from our reliance on single occupant automobile usage and fossil fuels, to give our residents greater flexibility in moving toward "fee for service" basis. Although these ideas did not garner support this year, they remain in consideration for the Fiscal Year 2011 budget.
The budget that passed included the following legislation:
o Bill 14 – Council Legislative Budget
o Bill 15 – City Operating Budget (day-to-day costs)
o Bill 16 – City Capital Budget (planned major facilities and equipment costs)
o Bill 17 – General Obligation Bond sales
o Bill 18 – Creation of Transit Improvement Bond fund and sales of such bonds
o Bill 19 – Proposed one-time real property tax credit for FY 2010
o Bill 20 – Proposed motor vehicle weight tax increases
o Bill 21 – Proposed abandoned vehicle fee increases
o Bill 22 – Proposed bus fare increases
o Bill 23 – Proposed golf course fee increases
o Bill 24 – Proposed Honolulu Zoo admission fee increases
o Bill 25 – Proposed parks fee increases for various services
o Bill 26 – Proposed special duty officer fee increases
o Resolution 09-077 – Proposed real property tax increase
One measure that failed to pass was a proposal to increase the alarm registration and false alarm fees. Mahalo to those of you who submitted testimony. Your wisdom and insights were greatly appreciated.
|
|
Neighborhood Board Elections |
A hearty congratulation goes out to our newly elected and re-elected neighborhood board members. Mahalo in advance for your service to our community.
Neighborhood Boards were set up under then-mayor Frank Fasi as advisory panels and to serve as conduits between city hall and O'ahu's neighborhoods. A total of 414 candidates ran for 445 seats on Oahu's 33 Neighborhood Boards. There were multiple candidates for some seats, but no candidates for others.
The voting period was from May 6th - May 22nd, and the new elected board members will take office on July 1st.
While the turnout was disheartening – the first all-digital and telephone election in the country drew less than 6.5 percent participation, down from 28 percent in the city's last Neighborhood Board elections, in 2007 – it does provide both the City and State data on how to better the system the next time around.
Whether future board elections will give eligible voters the option to mail in ballots is a decision that will be up to the Neighborhood Commission between now and the 2011 election.
|
|
Waipahu Transit Station designs unveiled |
On June 3rd, the City unveiled preliminary designs of the two proposed Transit Stations in Waipahu. One will be located at West Loch at the intersection of Farrington Highway and Leoku Street, and the Waipahu Transit Center at the intersection of Farrington Highway and Mokuola Street.
Approximate locations of the two Waipahu area transit stations
In April, more than 120 residents and business owners attended the inaugural workshop to share their manao regarding the look and feel of the transit stations. Following introductory remarks by Former Mayor Hannemann and DTS Director Wayne Yoshioka, attendees broke up into smaller focus groups to discuss subjects such as color, landscaping, entryway design, exterior and interior wall finishes, seating areas, and plaques and monuments for the stations.
Waipahu community members listen attentively to Former Mayor Mufi Hannemann and Acting Mayor Kirk Caldwell as they open the meeting on the two Transit Stations in Waipahu
Attendees share their thoughts and ideas at the Transit Station workshop in one of the four breakout group sessions
After hours of brainstorming at an April meeting, rail project architects incorporated 225 public comments and came up with a design for the two transit stations.
Artist rendering of the Waipahu Transit Station at Mokuola Street and Farrington Highway
The Waipahu Station is described as rustic, paved with stones, and earth-toned colors, and honoring Waipahu's plantation past. "There was a preference for sheet metal roofing, similar to what you might see on the mill or buildings of the time," said Ken Caswell, lead architect for the rail project.
Artist rendering of the West Loch Transit Station at Leoku Street and Farrington Highway
Farther down Farrington, the West Loch station will have a more modern look with plenty of plants, shade and lots of room for air to flow since there won't be air-conditioning.
The two Waipahu stations will be among the first seven to be built. Project organizers are busy recruiting construction companies for the ground-breaking in December.
"It's a great stimulus for our economy that we otherwise will not have," said Acting Mayor Kirk Caldwell, "when it's being fully constructed, economists have told us it would generate 10,000 new jobs that would not existed otherwise."
The final designs will be shared with the community in July.
|
|
Consuelo Foundation Honored at Council |
From her earliest days, Consuelo Zobel Alger was inspired by the words of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, who said: What matters in life is not great deeds, but great love.
Inspired by the children she was helping in Baguio, and wanting to leave something eternal, Consuelo, in an extraordinary act of grace, committed her substantial family inheritance to the Foundation that now bears her name.
On May 27th, the Council honored the Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation for their 20 years of service in helping to improve the quality of life of disadvantaged children, women and families in the Philippines and Hawai'i.
Founder and former CEO of Consuelo Foundation, Ms. Patti Lyons; Board member, Mr. Paddy Griggs; and Acting CEO and Chief Financial Officer Mr. San Vuong
In early 1987, Consuelo Zobel Alger met Patti J. Lyons, then President and CEO of Child and Family Service in Honolulu. Patti was just beginning to help develop a residential shelter for street children in the city of Baguio in the Philippines. Moved and impressed by what Patti was trying to do, Consuelo decided to help and became the shelter's benefactress.
This fateful relationship eventually brought forth the creation of Consuelo Foundation in 1988, as well as the guarantee of Consuelo's continued support for what she and Patti had begun.
The Consuelo Foundation is a private, U.S.-based, nonprofit foundation headquartered in Honolulu with a branch located in Makati City, Manila. In Hawai'i, priority is given to Native Hawaiian children and women, as Consuelo herself wished. She dreamed of helping them with affordable housing and building a community free of violence and drugs.
Although she passed away in 1990, the memory of Consuelo Zobel Alger lives on forever in the good works perpetuated by her foundation. Her legacy of compassion and giving shall never be forgotten.
|
|
Waipahu Boxing Champion Brian Viloria Returns
Viloria with Mayor |
Brian Viloria is a living testament to the adage that you can't keep a good man down. In a centuries-old sport that requires the stamina of a marathon runner, an unflinching belief in one's ability matched with a gladiator's tenacity has brought this fighter to the pinnacle of success in his sport.
On Saturday May 16th, the community of Waipahu embraced current IBF light flyweight boxing champ Brian Viloria with a hero's welcome on his return to Hawaii.
Waipahu's Legacy of Champions – HOF Boxer Jesus Salud, HOF Boxer Andy Ganigan,
HOF Trainer Al Silva, IBF Junior Flyweight Champion Brian Viloria, and HOF Boxer Ben Villaflor.
After going back to the City's Waipahu Gym where he began his training to speak with and encourage the young boxers of the Waipahu Boxing Club, Brian and other Waipahu Boxing Champs, Jesus Salud, Andy Ganigang and Ben Villaflor were treated to a motorcade parade through the heart of Waipahu and ending up at Waipahu Servco Auto Center, where more than 500 people were on hand to seek autographs of the champs.
On Monday May 18th, Brian joined State Representative Henry Aquino in meeting with then-Mayor Hannemann who proclaimed that day "Brian Viloria Day" in Honolulu.
IBF Junior Flyweight Champion Brian Viloria, Former Mayor Mufi Hannemann
and State Representative Henry Aquino
A small and skinny boy, Viloria started boxing during 1989 at the tender age of nine years old, under the tutelage of Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame Trainer Al Silva.
He compiled an outstanding 230-8 win/loss record during his storied amateur career that was highlighted by splendid performances against elite fighters such as Ivan Calderon, Glen Donaire, and Nonito Donaire, who he defeated in the finals of the 2000 US Olympic trials.
Although he earned himself a slot at the US Olympic team, he was eliminated at the second round of Olympic competition in Sydney and turned professional shortly thereafter.
Viloria almost always received red carpet treatment and VIP considerations early on. He was expected to win and, likewise, he did not disappoint. He went on to win fight after fight.
He would go on to win and defend his WBC crown twice; the first was a definite success, the second was not. His streak of 20 straight wins come to an end when he faced Omar Nino Romero in 2006. Twice he tried to regain his crown after that loss and twice he failed.
In the blink of an eye, the charismatic Viloria fell from the pinnacle on which he was placed. In an instant he lost the heart, the desire, and the enigmatic quality that put him on top of the boxing world.
From the luxurious casinos of Las Vegas and the elegant arenas of Los Angeles, to which Viloria had become accustomed, he moved to small clubs and flea markets. But that didn't discourage Viloria. Instead of beating him down and forcing him to quit the sport he loves, the obstacles created again the heart and desire of a champion.
Putting on what many boxing aficionados consider the best performance of his career, Brian Viloria moved back down to the junior flyweight division to challenge and defeat Mexican Ulises Solis for the IBF Junior Flyweight title on April 19, 2009 via a knock out at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila, capital of Philippines.
It was recently announced that Brian's first title defense is scheduled to be held at the plush Waterfront Hotel grand ballroom in Cebu City on August 22. We wish him all the best in his title defense!
|
|
Kapolei Chamber of Commerce Celebrates its 1st Anniversary with a bang! |
On Monday, May 4th, the Kapolei Chamber of Commerce celebrated it 1st Anniversary with luncheon at the Ihilani.
Jennifer Goto-Sabas, Chief of Staff for US Senator Daniel K. Inouye
More than 150 business people showed up to this event to hear from Jennifer Goto-Sabas, Chief of Staff for US Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Jiro Sumada, Deputy Director for the State Department of Transportation and Former Mayor Mufi Hannemann on the ways in which the Federal Stimulus package is affecting the Kapolei region in a positive way.
Former Mayor Mufi Hannemann addressing the Kapolei Chamber of Commerce
|
|
Stimulus moneys reaching the public |
In keeping with the spirit of the intent of the American Recovery and Revitalization Act of 2009, the "Economic Stimulus Package", the City Council acted swiftly in helping provide much needed stimulus and relief to Oahu residents.
In March, the City made available $2.6 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and $4 million in Homeless Prevention Grants. The $4 million was 10 times the annual allotment for Oahu and aims to help people avoid homelessness or to help the homeless be quickly re-housed and stabilized.
In April, the Council authorized the City to apply for some $1.48 million for Youth activities, $633,000 for Adult activities, and $1.02 million for Dislocated Worker activities through Workforce Investment Act allocated formula funds administered by the State.
In the same month, the Council also authorized the City Administration to seek nearly $312,000 for home delivered meals for our Kupuna, and $19.2 million in roadway funds plus $40.9 million for City transportation projects.
Finally, in May, the Council approved the City obtaining $3.9 million in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants that will be used to reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions and for improvements in energy efficiency.
To date, the Council and Administration has provided nearly than $75 million in Stimulus funds for Oahu residents.
|
|
Bus Route changes to improve service in District 9
|
Beginning Sunday, June 7th, the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) has modified Routes 16, 53, 43, and 202 to help improve the overall service with no additional monetary cost. Attached are route descriptions and justifications for the service modifications.
Route 16— Moanalua Valley
o Establishes a new direct link between Kalihi Transit Center and Kaiser Moanalua / Red Hill
o Adds destinations to encourage ridership on an under patronized route that has excess capacity
o Provides better transfer opportunities to other routes serving Red Hill such as Routes 43, 53, 54 in addition to access to and from Kalihi Transit Center from these routes.
Route 53— Honolulu — Pacific Palisades
o Proposed changes redirect westbound service by proceeding directly to Kamehameha Highway from Moanalua Freeway after servicing Red Hill. Eastbound service would be unchanged.
o These changes reduce travel time during all periods: better on-time performance and eliminates difficult right turn from Laulima to Kamehameha Highway.
Route 43—Waipahu — Honolulu —Ala Moana
o Proposed changes modifies routing to provide service on Managers Drive, use Moanalua Freeway, and to terminate at Alapai Transit Center.
o When changed, the eastbound trip will establish a new direct link between Kalihi Transit Center and Kaiser Moanalua / Red Hill to allow an increase in running time to improve schedule adherence
o The new changes also provides better transfer opportunities between Route 43 and other routes serving Red Hill such as Routes 16, 53 and 54 and provides access to/from Kalihi Transit Center from these routes.
o The route will also extend service along Hiapo Street in Waipahu to service the Renaissance subdivision and portions of the Waikele Community and the Filipino Community Center, and service new sections on Hiapo between Managers Drive and Paiwa as well as along Manager's Drive between Waipahu Street and Hiapo Street. This will provide a simplified, two-way routing in the area.
o A new Route E CountryExpress stop will be established in both directions on Puko Street to help replace relocated Route 43 service
Route 202- Waipahu via Paiwa Express
o Morning Route 202 will reverse its current route through Waipahu. It will now start at Waipahu High School and enter the H-I Freeway from Paiwa Street.
o This change is intended to create faster travel time between Waipahu to Waikiki corridor with Route E and to create Route 202 access into the Zipper Lane.
o The afternoon route will remain unchanged.
|
|
Makakilo Elementary School 40th Anniversary |
On Wednesday, April 22, 2009, Principal Sean Tajima, PCNC Evelyn Souza and 40th Anniversary Luau Chairperson Franklin Souza, were honored at the Council for the upcoming 40th Anniversary Celebration.
Principal Tajima and Mr. & Mrs. Souza honored for Makakilo Elementary 40th Anniversary
Founded in 1968, Makakilo Elementary School primarily serves children that live in the residential community on the lower slopes of Makakilo. It is one of four elementary schools in the Kapolei Complex that provide a quality standards-based education, with the focus on reading, writing, and math. The school also provides programs for students with limited English proficiency and programs for gifted and talented students, computer education, and special education.
Under No Child Left Behind, a school makes Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) if it achieves the minimum levels of improvement determined by the state of Hawaii in terms of student performance and other accountability measures. To the credit of its faculty and staff, Makakilo Elementary has effectively met the AYP criteria having previously been recognized as a Distinguished Achievement School for making AYP for three consecutive years (2003, 2004, and 2005). Makakilo Elementary School achieved AYP status again in 2007.
Former Mayor Hannemann, Principal Tajima, PCNC Evelyn Souza, and 40th Anniversary Luau Chair Franklin Souza celebration the proclaiming of April 25, 2009 as "Makakilo Elementary School Day"
Following their recognition by the Council, Principal Tajima and Mr. and Mrs. Souza were also honored with a Proclamation by Former Mayor Hannemann naming April 25, 2009 as "Makakilo Elementary School Day" in the City and County of Honolulu.
|
|
Read Aloud America at Kaleiopuu Elementary in Village Park |
On March 3rd, I joined my friends Dave and Kathy O'Neal of Royal Kunia, along with other Hawaii elected officials, in participating in the nationwide Read Aloud America program at Kaleiopuu Elementary School in Village Park.
Reading to keiki at Kaleiopuu Elementary School
Founded in 1995, Read Aloud America's family literacy program has been growing over the past 14 years to become the largest and most effective in America! Through the fun of reading and being read-to, Read Aloud America promotes literacy, bonds families, and builds communities of lifetime readers.
The lifestyle change of making reluctant readers life-long learners is at the heart of Read Aloud America and its Read Aloud Program, or RAP. The made-in-Hawaii nonprofit is marking its 10th anniversary this school year by expanding statewide, visiting schools on Maui and the Big Island for the first time, with federal funding through the state Department of Human Services.
|
|
Curbside Recycling Updates -- More communities starting recycling
Clarifying the Council's concerns over costs |
Approximately 40,000 homes in Waimanalo, Kaneohe, Wahiawa, Launani Valley, Waipio Acres, Waipio Gentry, Halawa, Pearl City and Aiea will join the program starting the week of May 4th in the second of four planned implementation phases for the program.
If you recall, back in November 2008, the City implemented the first phase of its island-wide rollout of the curbside recycling program, when approximately 39,000 homes on the North Shore (Mokuleia to Sunset), and in East Honolulu (Kuliouou to Manoa, Kapahulu) and Kailua (including Lanikai) joined the pilot communities of Mililani and Hawaii Kai in the automated pickup of refuse, recyclables and green waste.
The voluntary curbside recycling project initially started with 18,500 homes in Hawaii Kai and Mililani in October 2007, using a different method in the two communities. While some 96 percent in both communities recycled, a follow up study done in June 2008 found limiting refuse pickups to once a week compelled Hawaii Kai residents to recycle more than Mililani residents, who had an option to pay for a second weekly refuse pickup.
Overall, Mililani recovered less recyclable material and green waste than Hawaii Kai despite having 3,900 more homes. Just five percent (5%) of Mililani residents paid for an extra refuse pickup. Of those who did, 62 percent did not recycle.
While Mililani is the first of our district's community to have curbside recycling, the remaining communities – Makakilo, Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia, and Waikele – are not anticipated to be phased in until the last phase in May 2010.
Many of you are probably aware that during budget deliberations, the committee and I have been discussing the increased cost of the program versus the benefits it provides. In FY 2008, the cost to run the program was $3 million. In FY 2009, the cost is $8 million, and in FY 2010, projected costs will be $12-$13 million for less than a full year's level of operation. In all, full implementation in FY 2011 could be $18-$20 million when done.
In all fairness to each one of us taxpayers, we owe it to ourselves to see whether full implementation can be spread out over several more years. I'm sure that most would agree with me that it makes absolutely no sense to aggressively roll out full implementation now only to come back later to charge you to pick up your trash.
Information about collection schedules and tips for sorting can be found online at http://www.opala.org/. City recycling specialists are available to assist with questions and requests for additional carts at 768-3200.
|
|
UPDATE – District improvements |
Waipahu District Park Pool Reconstruction and Repair
In late July 2008, the Department of Design and Construction gave the notice to proceed on repairing the pool. While it was hoped that it would have been completed this Spring, construction has been slightly delayed to performed additional preventative work and it is now anticipated that the pool will open in August 2009. Below are some pictures showing the work that has been done thus far through June.
Construction of the new concrete decking around the pool is finally complete
Repair of cut rock wall near Waipahu Elementary School
In 2007, I worked with the Department of Design and Construction and the Principal of Waipahu Elementary School to place money into the budget to repair the cut rock wall along Waipahu Street. I am pleased to announce that final design of the wall repair plans are being reviewed, and construction anticipated bid out in the near future.
Cut rock wall along Waipahu Street near Waipahu Elementary School
Play Apparatus at Makakilo Community Park
In 2007, I put a budget amendment in the City's budget in the amount of $200,000 for the replacement of the play apparatuses and resurfacing of the resilient rubber play surface. Since being approved by the City Council, this project has been working its way through the proper design and engineering processes of the City. I am pleased to announce that they are finalizing the plans and specifications for the new apparatus, and the project is anticipated to bid out this year.
Once we complete the reconstruction of the tot lot areas, we will then start on the phased reconstruction of both the tennis and basketball play courts. This is all part of a series of phased improvements to the park to address its many needs. While frustrating at times, our office truly appreciates everyone's patience and understanding as we continue to improve our community in a fiscally responsible manner.
Equipment and play apparatus needing to be replaced at Makakilo Community Park
|
|
|
