Maunawili Community Association

Maunawili Community Association Minutes January 7, 2003

Maunawili Community Association Minutes January 7, 2003

Maunawili Community Association
Regular Meeting: January 7, 2003
Maunawili Valley Neighborhood Park

Present: Jim Corcoran (Director); Rose Faria (Treasurer); Clifton Gadsden (Staff: Rep. Pendleton’s Office); David Laeha (President); Veronica Rodrigues (Lead Counselor HH CFS); Linda Ure (Secretary).

The meeting was called to order by President David Laeha at 7:10 p.m.

Approval of Minutes for December 3, 2002 Regular Meeting:
Correction: Page 1, December 3, 2002 Regular Meeting corrected to November 5, 2002. Correction: Page 3, Halloween Event for 2003, Correct Georgette Gomes to Julie Hahn. Minutes of December 3, 2002 were approved as corrected.

Elected Officials: Clifton Gadsden (Staff) for Rep. Pendleton reported 1) Budget Detail Sheets have been requested, however, there is no solid answer at this time; 2) Proposed legislations will consider a bill for “Highway in the Sky” to leverage Federal Funding to underwrite, from the Federal transportation funds, for airlines to address the existing Neighbor Islands Commuting for employment so as to stimulate the economy and create an island to island highway. 2) Construction is currently taking place at Maunawili Elementary School for new black boards, repairs and equipment. 3) Open House for Rep. Pendleton, at the Legislature will be Wednesday, January 15, 2003 beginning at 12:30-3:00 p.m., fourth floor, in room 442.

Discussion: The MCA generally supports the audit process in the overall budget and especially as pertains to DOE funds. MCA would like to also see such things as vendor names; and more details for the line items, not just by department. The MCA considers that the $6 million dollars to cover this cost should allow for more detailed information within the Budget. While Act 221 may be used as a model for tax credits to aid research in areas of health care, it was cautioned that Act 221 has loopholes that need resolution to address abuses. It was suggested that Act 221 be “fixed” first. It was queried whether the Tourist Industry is indeed paying a fair share for conducting business on our land. With Restaurant tax, Real Estate Tax, General Excise Tax, Hotel Room Tax, are these commensurate with the cost of providing water and sewer, utilities, infrastructure for roads and airports. Is this revenue adequately shared with the City & County? It is of concern that as the ERS needs $ 500 Million to break even each year; therefore, are the Boards, set up by the State, managing prudently and efficiently?

Maunawili Boys’ Home: The facility has the full complement of 6 beds; however, several of the boys will be graduating in the next several weeks. The facility has recently had its roof repaired along with interior painting, plumbing and electrical repairs. In 1999 there were 2 graduations, in 2000 and 2001 there were 8 more graduations. Hale Holopono is utilizing a successful strategy with the youth.

Treasurers Report: Account balances as of October 31, 2002 were $4,730.09. November dues collected were $60.00, resulting in a balance of $4,790.09. No expenses or collection occurred in December. July 1, 1002 to December 2002 accounts for 169 household memberships.

Annual Meeting: The annual membership meeting will be scheduled with Trinity Church and School in early April, 2003. It was noted that a lead time of three weeks would be necessary to notify the community for the Annual Membership Meeting as well as any Pot Luck activities.

Christmas Light Decorations: will be published in the Muse. It was noted that the cost of decorating with lights in Hawaii cost twice as much in electrical fees as it does on the mainland.

Windward Regional Park: Council Chair Gary Okino did not respond, by this meeting, to the December 4, 2002 email request for an update on the status of the Windward Regional Park as detailed in the City and County Budget. Now that December is past, it appears that the back 900 acres were not purchased for $4 million as stated in the budget. The final status of the Conservation Easement remains in question. It would appear that the budget items to purchase the land and the easement have lapsed. It was noted that the granting of the CUP in 1986-87 included a covenant for no residential development for 20 years, or until 2006-7 and this time has run its course unless the clock began at the time of the filing of the covenant. These items, along with the archeological report require further research
Submitted by Linda C. Ure
Secretary, Maunawili Community Association