BREAKING: September 30, 2017

Kaiser Coach Arnold Martinez resigns amidst conflict and parent confrontation.  Excerpts from his statement:

In late June of 2016 I was hired as the Head Football Coach for Henry J. Kaiser High School. Our program philosophy was to build a long-term sustainable program that treats athletics as an extension of the classroom and overall educational experience of our students. We believed in teaching our players to be great people, students, and athletes, in that order. We believed that winning in the interscholastic athletic arena begins with winning at home, in the community, on campus, in the classroom, in the locker room, in team meetings and at practices. We believed that giving your best in the classroom, being a good teammate, being on time, attending practices, earning a roster spot, earning playing time, wearing the team uniform and being coachable is normal procedure for all teams at all levels. We believed in a football culture of quality, hard work, and standards, where character is the foundation of success.

Due to a series of events throughout the season there were extreme concerns for student, parent and staff safety. There were threats aimed at school staff, school administration and myself. These threats have reached my family, my personal property, and my home. I received a letter at my home threatening my family and me with physical harm. Because of this hostile environment I am formally resigning as Head Football Coach for Kaiser High School. Although I will miss our players, I must prioritize. The emotional, mental, and physical well being of my wife and children are my highest priority.

Source: [HNN] [Letter of Resignation]

September 30, 2017

Kaiser parent arrested for terroristic threatening:

The controversy led to an incident on September 19th in which a parent of a player, Gregory Illuminato Tartamella became violent with Kaiser staff. Tartamella was arrested Friday (Sept 29) on two counts of terroristic threatening and a count of assault 2 from events that evening.  Source: [KHON]

September 22, 2017

Video surfaces of parent / Head Football Coach Arnold Martinez confrontation at Kaiser High School [KITV]

The History:

[Star-Advertiser] September 19, 2017 4:43pm

An altercation at the Kaiser football field requiring police attention led to the school’s decision to cancel the rest of the Cougars’ season.

According to a source high up in the Kaiser administration, an argument between parents and head coach Arnold Martinez began after practice Monday.

“The parents almost punched him and it got really ugly,” the source said. “The parents were irate and there was some pushing and shoving.”

The source said the school has asked for a police presence of six to eight officers for the rest of the week, which concludes with the annual homecoming assembly Friday.

[KHON2] September 19, 2017, 6:07 pm

Officials also announced that the grand opening of the school’s new athletic facilities and renovated track and field will not take place as scheduled Wednesday “as an added safety precaution.”

The department declined to comment further, or give us access to campus.

We received several calls and emails from parents who are disappointed with the decision.

[Hawaii News Now] September 19th 2017, 4:30 pm 

In an email obtained by Hawaii News Now that was distributed internally to faculty and staff members, school administators said that the decision to cancel the remainder of the football season was "due to escalating threats against members of our faculty and staff."

Multiple sources tell Hawaii News Now that there was a second, unspecified altercation involving a parent, but that the incident happened at head coach Arnold Martinez's home, not at the school.

Court records obtained by Hawaii News Now show that Martinez filed for a temporary restraining order last week. It was not immediately clear whether the request for a restraining order was related to the incident.

Aug 18 - Kaiser High School in Hawaii Kai has forfeited its first two football games due to a shrinking roster.  Hawaii Prep World highlights some of the issues affecting both the team and Hawaii high school football overall. [Hawaii Prep World] 

Aug 18 -  Chef Eric Oto has lived, learned and worked his whole life on Oahu. This month he debuts in his new post as chef de cuisine for Hoku's, Kahala Hotel and Resort's signature restaurant. Oto, a graduate of the culinary program at Oahu's Leeward Community College, worked his way up at Halekulani, becoming sous chef at Orchids restaurant. He then moved on to Four Seasons Ko Olina, where he helped open the Ko Olina Fish House as the sous chef. [Travel Weekly]

Aug 15 - Following community outcry, the Kahala Hotel has pulled its environmental impact assessment regarding expansion of its wedding venue to shoreline areas. [HNN]

Aug 14 - Middle school charter SEEQS began instruction at their new location, shared with them via generous consent of Kaimuki High School.  [Civil Beat]

Aug 14 - The derelict home in Kaimuki that caused concern among neighbors has now been replaced by a new two-story home and new owners.  Honolulu City Councilmember Ann Kobayashi spoke to KHON2 regarding the subsequent ordinance and lessons learned. [KHON2]

Aug 13 - Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii posted surveillance images online over the weekend of a man they believe stole a drone from their Kaimuki home office. The organization said the apparent robbery took place on Monday Aug. 7 just after 7:30 p.m. [HNN]

Aug 12 - The Medical Examiner identified the fisherman swept away from the shores near the Kahala Hotel as Matthew Mabida-Bridges, 30, of Honolulu. Mabida-Bridges and his companion were fishing Aug 11 when a large wave knocked them off their feet.  [Star-Advertiser]

Aug 11 - The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) has been ramping up its patrol of parking lots in the Makapuu area following a rash of vehicle break-ins. [HNN]

November 25 - Scuba diver found unconscious in waters off of Kahala Beach Hotel. (Star-Advertiser)

November 23 - Firefighters extinguished a Hawaii Kai fire that started in a garage on Kaeleku Street.  No parties were reported injured and the fire that started around 4:50pm was put out in 15-minutes. [PressReader]

November 23 - The lender for the developer of Kalama Hokupaa, a 14-home project near the Hawaii Kai Executive Golf Course in East Oahu, has filed a foreclosure lawsuit against the developer for not making timely payments on its $6.3 million loan. [PBN]

November 23 - The State is investigating a chemical dump at the Aina Haina drainage canal.  The chemical waste has turned the water purple. [HNN]

November 22 - The HPD sergeant involved in last week's bizzare SUV crash fronting Kaiser High School has asked for an independent investigation of the incident.  Following the crash, he was served a search warrant and a DNA swab was obtained.  The sergeant is a witness in the case against Police Chief Kealoha and his wife. [HNN]

November 23 - HPD have arrested an Aiea man for impersonating a police officer in the Kaimuki area.  [Star-Advertiser]

November 18 - Residents near Kaiser High School have been advised of its ongoing construction.  The track and field area is being improved and although steps are being taken to mitigate the effects, residents may experience an increase in windblown dust through August 2017, when the improvements are scheduled to be completed. [Hawaii DOE]

I give myself a low B-

Earlier, I had written about why I thought world language in high school was a questionable endeavor. To prove my point, I spent an entire year actively studying Japanese to see how far it would take me.  The "final exam" was a one-week trip to Tokyo to see if my studies allowed me to communicate effectively.

I surmised that 30 minutes a day of study would give me reasonable proficiency to communicate.  Throughout the year, everywhere I went I took my app-loaded smartphone so I could steal a few free moments from each day to learn Japanese.  Our trip recently concluded and I'll give myself a B-. My traveling companions give me an A.  My son gives me an A.  Maybe that's all that counts to me.  For him, having seen the results of my studies gave him the proof he needed.  He's had to drop his "it's impossible" attitude when it comes to the subject.

As for me, there is a little disappointment because 30 minutes a day just wasn't enough to be as proficient as I had hoped.  I thought I would be able to get through all 36 lessons on Japanese audio flashcards by year's end.  Instead I only got through 16 and I still feel as though I need to review the last five of those.  It helps that the Japanese people are so patient.  It also helps that they can empathize with me because English is a mandatory subject in Japan.

Perhaps the point about empathy may be the strongest argument for learning a foreign language.  With teens, however, I doubt it has much impact.  Growing up, I recall being somewhat xenophobic and making fun of foreigners' English.  I never really drew the connection between that and the fact that I struggled through both French and Japanese as a high schooler.  Maybe as educators, we need to press the point more.

Getting around Japan

For what it's worth, I surprised myself.  On our arrival, we got lost.  I was able to stop in at a 7-11 convenience store and ask for directions.  Importantly, I was able to understand those directions.  With a combination of that information and Google Maps, we found our ryokan (Japanese-style inn).

On the second day, I didn't use as much Japanese as I would on the rest of our trip.  Instead, we eased our way into the Country by meeting up with a American friend living in Tokyo.  Still, that morning I did use some Japanese at the restaurant we had breakfast at beforehand, and I did use it to read signs.  As it turns out, learning both hiragana and katakana is a tremendous help in Tokyo.  I'd say that a great number, perhaps even a majority, of signs can be figured out using just kana (character-style writing).  Additionally, the transit systems all include the use of hiragana and katakana in addition to traditional kanji.  These days, they often provide English translations as well, but some of the station signs remain in Japanese only.

By the third day, I was much more comfortable speaking Japanese.  Words came out without the usual hesitation.  On this, I definitely credit the free audioflash card series.  Honestly, I can't say enough about Roger Lake's amazing learning tool.  Throughout the day, I would use Japanese to communicate with others.  For instance, at dinner, I was able to ask what certain sushi items were, and I was able to request other items not visible on the menu.  It was the first time I had tried tsubugai (whelk) and it was certainly useful to know what it was I just ate (especially because it was incredibly delicious).

On the fourth day, I had a much better idea of what I was and was not capable of communicating.  I used my new skills at the Midori Madoguchi (train service center) to ask, in Japanese, for directions to their foreigners' service center.  I needed to request reserved seats on a limited express train to Matsumoto, a train station several hours outside of Tokyo. I preferred to do it in English to be sure I got it right.  The next day, however, I would use Japanese to figure out how to get back after having missed our train back from Matsumoto to Tokyo. 

On the sixth day, I was tired of following my husband and son to their favorite restaurant.  I can't say my son is a prodigy when it comes to foreign language, but he is a smartphone prodigy: he quickly figured out how to use Pokemon Go to get to his preferred food choice.  That day, my daughter and I ate across the street at a restaurant where not only was the menu in Japanese, there were no pictures accompanying it.  Still, we were able to order soba and I was also able to ask one of the patrons what his meal was called.  As it turns out, "asa soba" is a morning special.  You get one of four choices of soba dishes for the amazing price of ¥330, or approximately $3.  I'm not sure if was the actual meal that tasted so wonderful, or the sweet taste of victory.

You must have a natural gift for language

I've uttered these words before to others.  Now, I'm mildly insulted by them.  Still, those that say "You must have a natural gift for language," are people who just don't fully understand the dynamics behind learning a new language.  You don't just wake up one day and know words.  You need to be exposed to them in context over and over again before they make sense.

Instead of being hurt however, I see these conversations as an opening to convince people that if you really want something bad enough, you will figure out a way to get to it.  I also reflect that we live in an amazing world where our phones can be everything from toys to tools.

It helps to have had others blaze the path before.  Perhaps most inspiring for me was my son's former Japanese teacher at Niu Valley.  She learned Japanese in college by constantly exposing herself to every opportunity for listening and speaking.  My son's current instructor is also a second language learner and inspiring to him.  There have been a few others too: friends who learned after several less successful attempts before.

Still, the majority of people I speak to are those who took the usual Japanese language school curriculum: the afterschool program every hopeful nisei parent enrolls his child in.  These same students are the ones who go on to take high-school Japanese, get an easy A, but are no closer to speaking and communicating than before.  That in itself serves as a "lesson" for those that are reluctant to apply themselves to begin with.  Firstly they don't get that opportunity at an easy A because of those that have more background, and secondly because it doesn't seem to have amounted to much anyway.

Ambivalence plus a word to International Baccalaurate coordinators

 I'm still on the fence over whether foreign language should be a high school subject.  In a world where there is so much to new to learn, does it make sense to spend time on a subject many will never use even if taught at a level where it can be used?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program prides itself on world scope.  World language is a requirement.  Might I suggest that the IB school year be divided differently?  Perhaps 5/6 of the school year can be dedicated to traditional teaching with 1/6 of the year dedicated to language immersion.  Surely that would be more beneficial to the goal.  Further, perhaps only one language -- the foreign language most prevalent in the area -- ought to be taught.

Logistically, such a proposal is a nightmare.  Where would you get instructors for the language portion of the year?  What about the regular curriculum instructors?  Should they also be required to interact in the world language unit?  Yet, in the grand scheme of things, 1/6 of the Hawaii public school year dedicated to foreign language immersion amounts to the same amount of time I spent last year learning rudimentary Japanese.  In week terms, 1/6 of the school year in Hawaii is only slightly more than four weeks.

What now?

Returning to the subject of my own learning, where do I go from here?  Do I continue my studies or do I end them?

 I have at least a few opportunities to use Japanese in Hawaii.  My own mother who gave up on me learning Japanese many years ago, has been helping out lately by speaking to me in Japanese.  It is grossly inefficient, but I'm glad she's willing to do it.  A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to join in on the conversation between my mother and my uncle and aunty.  They were surprised, to say the least.  Yet, sometimes I feel as though it's the equivalent of David Letterman's stupid people tricks: nifty but not necessary.

Ultimately, I think I will continue on with my Japanese language studies.  It's a great mind exercise, not unlike crossword puzzles, which some would also argue serve no purpose.  Perhaps I may -- not this year, but next -- attempt the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) for no other reason than the famous mountaineer credo, "because it's there."

September 22, 2016 - Pacific Business News reports that Henry Kapono's Portlock home is on the market for 1.9 million dollars. [PBN]

September 22, 2016 - Aloha Petroleum will operate a new Hawaii Kai gas station to be located at the site of the current Tesoro on Keahole Street.  Permits have been filed to demolish and rebuild. [PBN]

September 21, 2016 - 30-year-old Zachary Felipe of Manoa was pulled from the water at China Walls near Portlock.  He was pronounced dead by EMS. [KITV]

September 21, 2016 - The Honolulu Star-Advertiser highlights reknown surf photographer Mike Prickett and his courage in persevering after paralysis.  Prickett saved a surfer but suffered the bends and lost use of his legs.  Prickett, 51, is a Kaiser High School graduate who landed his first photography job at the age of 15. [Star-Advertiser - library card required]

September 20, 2016 - Prominent Hawaii musician Ernie Cruz, Jr., of the Ka‘au Crater Boys, died after being found unresponsive at Sandy Beach. [Star-Advertiser]

September 20, 2016 - Following car break-ins at Manoa, Noelani, Wilson, Aina Haina and Waialae elementary schools this month, the Hawaii Department of Education issued a press alert.  The break-ins occurred during afterschool hours. In each case, vehicle windows were broken and small items taken, including purses, bags, cellphones and laptops. [Hawaii DOE]

September 19, 2016 - Niu Valley Middle School registar's office reports problems with transitioning to the new statewide system.  The school requests patience as the issues are remedied. [Niu Valley Middle School]

September 19, 2016 - National-chain Jersey Mike's Subs is scheduled to open in the Hawaii Kai Towne Center in early 2017.  It will occupy the space formerly leased to GameStop. [PBN]

Enrollment counts for 2016-2017 were just released at Hawaii DOE:

Mirroring the rest of the state, East Oahu public education counts generally held steady with no large changes noted.  The only possible outliers would be Kalani, where special education enrollment increased by nine percent, and Niu Valley, where special education enrollment increased by 14 percent.  I've extracted East Oahu data from two years of spreadsheets and posted it [here], if you're interested in more detail by grade level. 

Henry J. Kaiser High School continues to work on its website.  Meanwhile, users are asked to use 

http://www.kaiserhighschoolhawaii.org/

for the latest information.

Kaiser High School defeated Radford and Punahou High Schools for the KFIVE "It's Academic" championship. The championship episode repeats again on Saturday, so set your DVRs to record.  Congratulations to contestants Bobbi Bevacqua, Ryan Chafee and Sophie Bender.

 ESSA TOWN HALL MEETING - August 10  6:00 pm to 8:00 pm @ KALANI HIGH SCHOOL

Please register at the link below. Here is your opportunity to have an impact on YOUR public school system.  Through the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), feedback and attendance is essential.

 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/every-student-succeeds-act-essa-town-hall-meeting-tickets-26597822804

ESSA FAQS - Hawaii Dept of Education

Niu Valley Middle School has a world language core requirement, either Mandarin Chinese or Japanese.  Once that language is selected, if your child goes on to Kaiser, they must continue in that language unless that language is spoken regularly outside of school.  It's all part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum the two schools are a part of.

It drives me crazy to no end because one of my children has absolutely no interest in learning Japanese: it's just a "dumb" requirement that he struggles with and doesn't excel in naturally.

Short story: I'm determined to show that it can be done with just a minimal commitment.

As part of my learning plan, I committed 30 minutes a day to some form of learning Japanese.  I use the term "committed" loosely because I'm willing to give myself credit for nearly anything involving Japanese language.  That includes things like quizzing myself on my phone while standing in line at the supermarket or passively listening to language tapes in the car.

So far, I'm doing better than I expected.  Here's what has been the most effective for me:

June 22, 2016 Homeless encampments growing in Hawaii Kai

"It went from like 3 people to 40 people"

The [Hawaii Kai Marina Community Association]'s tactic of clearing [land on the marina behind the dog park] worked, as the population dispersed, but only temporarily.  Now, just feet away is a complex of elaborate dwellings on city owned land. . .[Director of Facilities Maintenance] Ross Sassamura says the city has removed property from the site.  While clearing out the brush is an option, Sassamura says there are currently no plans to do so.  He also notes that any action taken by the City has to be in response to a complaint. [Hawaii News Now]

June 22, 2016 Kaiser HS announces new temporary website: http://www.kaiserhighschoolhawaii.org/

June 22, 2016 Kaiser HS announces new varsity football coach, Arnold Martinez

June 22, 2016 Kaiser HS one of just 15 schools represented at the national Junior Achievement conference in Washington DC. JA team 8finity is a team from the 2015-2016 fall semester that sold the phone powered mini fans. 

June 20, 2016 Kaiser HS 2015 valedictorian dies while hiking Manoa Falls

A hiking accident at one of Oahu's most popular trails has claimed the life of Kaiser High School's 2015 top valedictorian.  19-year-old Kristi Takanishi died Friday, two days after the tragic fall at Manoa Falls. [Hawaii News Now]

June 20, 2016 Photo slideshow: Koko Head Shooting Complex hosts 23rd annual Shooting Sports Fair.   [Civil Beat]

June 19, 2016 KHON features video on 43rd annual Hawaii Kai Lions' Father's Day pancake breakfast. [KHON]

June 17, 2016 A veteran firefighter has died following a rough water training accident off Diamond Head.  The Honolulu Fire Department says 63-year-old Clifford Rigsbee died on June 16th. 

June 17, 2016 New Avalon apartment complex at 7000 Hawaii Kai Drive holds open house.  

Hawaii News Now provides an inside look at the apartments in its photo slideshow. [Hawaii News Now]

Friends of Kaiser High School PTSA runs a farmer's market every Tuesday from 4-7pm in the school parking lot.  It has piping hot food from Olay's Thai food and true farmer's stand run by Kay and filled with in-season fruits and vegetables. Recently, the market added a local rice producer who imports high-quality grain from Hokkaido and processes it here on Oahu less than 24 hours before sale.

In addition to the market's regular customers, I'd like to see more of you so we can get the momentum this market truly deserves.  On July 5, I'm bringing my plants to exchange them with you.  You bring yours, take one of mine or someone else's.  Don't have any plants to give?  Bring empty pots so they can be refilled for the next event.  Don't have those either?  Just take a plant and leave a voluntary donation to Kaiser's PTSA.  It's that easy.

To start with, I know I can provide:

I don't really have a green thumb, but I know these grow in Hawaii, and I know they grow well in my Hawaii Kai backyard.  In order, they are: Cholesterol spinach (edible), Creeping thyme (edible), Kupukupu fern (decorative), Mint (edible), Watermelon radish [seeds only] (edible) and Yomogi, aka mugwort (edible).

I'll probably have another half dozen or so different plants to offer, so come by and check out the booth.  If it goes well, we'll do it again the first Tuesday of the next month too.  Questions?  Email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

June 9, 2016 Downed power line cuts electricity from Kaimuki through Aina Haina during evening rush hour. [KHON]

June 6, 2016 Duc Ong, a physics teacher at Kaiser High in Hawaii Kai, is among the 24 teachers selected to attend Data Camp in Fermilab in Batavia, Illinois. Data Camp is designed to be an introductory workshop for both new and veteran teachers of physics and physical science to learn about particle physics and high energy physics. [UH Manoa]  

June 5, 2016 Police arrest three after an armed fight at Sandy Beach. [Hawaii News Now]

June 4, 2016 Niu Valley finally gets its playground [KHON2 Video on YouTube]

June 4, 2016 Hiker Airlifted from Makapuu Tidepools [Star-Advertiser]

June 3, 2016 Hawea heiau and Keawawa wetland are targets of attempted theft [Hawaii News Now]

June 2, 2016 When Hawaii Kai resident Hunter Long drops in at the X-Games in Austin this weekend, she won't only become the first female skateboarder from Hawaii to ever do so, she will be the contest's first skater from Hawaii, period. [Hawaii News Now] 

May 31, 2016 Hawaii-based hamburger chain Teddy’s Bigger Burgers will part with its 1950s-inspired diner design and switch its name to Teddy’s Steak Burgers, owners confirmed with PBN this week. [PBN]

The chefs from Kale's Deli, formerly at Hawaii Kai Shopping Center, are now cooking for Juicy Brew in Hale Pawaa (1401 S. Beretania) and Kaimuki (Waialae and 8th). The menu is mostly Vegan and they are highlighting local ingredients. [Facebook] 

Kaiser High School's class of 2016 will be graduating this Friday, May 20, 2016.  Ceremonies take place on campus.  Here is additional information pertaining to parking and accommodation for the disabled.

Graduation Parking
• Parking is available on Tiers 2,3,4 and grass lot.
• Reserved and Handicapped parking available on Tier 1,
• AFJROTC will assist guests with parking

Accommodations for the Disabled:
• Please contact Vice Principal Dana Takahara-Dias at 394-1200 (2226) 

Post Graduation Ceremony Traffic Plan:
• HPD will contra flow all lanes exiting Kaiser High School to make a left turn only on Lunalilo Home Road from 7:30 pm to 8:30pm
Traffic Plan Map:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzRPZR3Lk_QLTVFtdm1Yd2xOUE0/view?usp=sharing

Helpful Graduation Info
Friday, May 20, 2016

Map of Campus - http://www.kaiser.k12.hi.us/downloads/dlroot/General_Files/Map_of_Campus.pdf (ceremony is held at the Cougar Stadium)

Graduation Night - Graduation Ceremony Begins at 6:30 PM
Ceremony ends at approximately 7:30 PM.

What to Bring for Comfort
You'll be sitting in the sun, so a hat, sunscreen, cool clothing, sunglasses are all good ideas.

Refreshments
Kaiser's Project Graduation 2017 will be selling snacks and water

Where Are the Graduates After the Ceremony?
The graduates will leave their stand in the field and move to the edges of the stadium field where "Last Name" letters are posted.  They will have some family time before they are asked to check in for Project Graduation.

5/10/2016 - Hawaii Kai Park and Ride slated for City feral chicken control measures [Hawaii News Now] 

5/9/2016 - Hawaii public schools struggle to provide athletes with top-rated helmets  KHON interviewed Former Kaiser Coach Rich Miano. "Everything they [the private schools] have is so beautiful, and here I am at a public high school, Kaiser High School, and we look like the Bad News Bears. They look like the New York Giants,” Miano said. [KHON]  Article also contains link to public high schools and their equipment inventory.

5/8/2016 - Kaiser High School wins KFive "It's Academic" quiz show over competitors Hawaii Baptist Academy and Iolani School. [Watch]

5/6/2016 -  Avalon's 7000 Hawaii Kai Drive project nears completion [PBN]

4/27/2016 Kaiser Football standout Michael Eletise, former Kaiser Coach Rich Miano and other Hawaii football athletes speak out against the NCAA's proposed ban on satellite football camps; urge public to petition against its acceptance. [Hawaii News Now]

4/27/2016 Honolulu City and County Budget Proposals pertaining to East Oahu for Fiscal Year 2016-2017

• Amendments:
  •  AINA HAINA NATURE PRESERVE EXPANSION, WAILUPE $4,056,000
    • Provision of funds for the acquisition of land and miscellaneous costs for the Aina Haina Nature Preserve Expansion, Wailupe (TMK: 3-6-024:001), as recommended by the Clean Water and Natural Lands Commission in Council Communication 49 (2014) for purposes consistent with the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, Chapter 6, Article 62. No moneys for this project shall be expended or encumbered if the moneys appropriated for this project in the Executive Capital Budget for fiscal year 2015 (Ordinance 14-19) have been expended or encumbered. 
  • Kanewai Spring, Kuliouou $1,000,000
    Provision of funds for the acquisition of land and other miscellaneous costs for the preservation of Kanewai Spring, Kuliouou as recommended by the Clean Water and Natural Lands Commission in Council Communication 293 (2015) for purposes consistent with the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, Chapter 6, Article 62. 
• HANAUMA BAY NATURE PRESERVE $1,200,000
  • Plan, design, construct, inspect and provide related equipment for park improvements. 

4/20/2016 Body found near Hawaii Kai Townhouses may be that of missing person  [KITV]

Just released [Hawaii Department of Education] April 18, 2016

Weekly Friday news summary (July 03, 2015) for East Oahu and Hawaii Kai.  News sources are available through various entities on the web.  Links are posted.

For full text of Star-Advertiser articles, access the database at the Hawaii State Library site and enter your library card number and PIN. 

http://khon2.com/2015/06/27/injured-hiker-airlifted-from-above-makapuu-lighthouse-lookout/ 

http://khon2.com/2015/06/24/city-to-take-action-over-neglected-kaimuki-home/

 Minutes from the June 2, 2015 meetinghave been posted. Of note,a discussion with Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Chairperson Suzanne Case regarding management of Maunalua Bay Ocean Recreation Area: An excerpt reads:

 Implementation of Rules by the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) without Public Input:  DOBAR issues statewide rules and issues commercial activity licenses, who launch out of state facilities. DOBOR is unable to enforce violations on boats launched from private harbor facilities. Public notice was posted. Commercial operators must have a registered and pay $200 monthly fees, liability insurance and ministerial is required. This does not change what the operator can or cannot do regulated or not.

 Zoning Rules: Zoning rules since the 1980’s Regulates commercial activities in the bay. However, the rules do not included surfing schools, kayaking and paddle boards, which did not exist at that time. It was noted that the population has increased and the 1980 rules maybe outdated.

 Amended Rules: There is an increase of bay activity, which gives DOBOR an opportunity to reopen the current process.

 Current Status of the Recreation Advisory Council (RAC) formation within the 10 Ocean Recreation Management Areas under DOBOR: A meeting was held on Monday, April 20, 2015 with some communit input. The current proposal adds one (1) seat to the council. The concept is that people in various use areas must be neutral. The goal is to have people who articulate a neutral stance, lesser use stance and be active community member.

Case's update was followed by a question and answer session by audience members.  Minutes include comments calling for restrictions on commercial activity in Maunalua Bay.  The Board voted 11-0-1 for moratorium on unregulated commercial activities, surf schools and others in Maunalua Bay until the Recreation Advisory Council (RAC) is formed.

Minutes from June's meeting were detailed.  Other items included the ongoing conversations over traffic, Paiko Lagoon access, and Board vacancies.  Updates were given by elected officials and their representatives. 

From the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR): ATTENTION MAUNALUA BAY RESIDENTS: The nomination period for Maunalua Bay Recreation Advisory Committee (M-RAC) members begins today and will run from July 1, 2015 – July 8, 2015. Everyone already signed up to participate will be receiving emails allowing them to nominate M-RAC members. If you have not already signed up and would like to, you have until July 5, 2015 to sign up to nominate M-RAC members. To sign up and/or to receive more information on the M-RAC please go to: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/mrac/. Please note, you can sign up at any time to be placed on an email list for activities pertaining to the M-RAC but only those signed up through July 6, 2015 will be able to nominate M-RAC members. Please spread the word and refer interested parties to the DOBOR website for more information. Thank you for your participation!

Hawaii Public Radio interview with Ann Marie Kirk - Livable Hawaii Kai Hui  [MP3]
Urban growth often seems to have a mind of its own and as long as there’s money to be made from a scenic spot, someone’s going to try to develop it.  O’ahu’s Ka Iwi coastline is at the very spot where city becomes country as you drive around the island, so perhaps it’s inevitable that it should become the focus of an effort to keep it undeveloped in perpetuity.   Ann Marie Kirk is a member of the Board of Directors for Livable Hawaii Kai Hui and the head of its Cultural Committee. She joined us in our studio to talk about saving the Ka Iwi coast.

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[Link] to donation site to purchase Ka Iwi land.  $500K needed by the end of August.  As of 7/3, 18% of the goal has been met.

New prices are as follows:

Breakfast

     Elementary Student :  $1.10
     Reduced-price student:  .30
     Second and subsequent student:  $2.40
     Adult:  $2.40

 Lunch

     Elementary Student:  $2.50
     Reduced-price student:  .40
     Second student entree:  $2.00
     Second and subsequent student:  $5.50
     Adult:  $5.50

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June 2, 2015

Tuesday news supplement for East Oahu and Hawaii Kai.  Full text of these excerpts is available through the web.  Where access is granted to the public, there is a link.  Regular updates are issued Friday.  This supplement was created due to the larger than normal amount of local news items.

For full text of Star-Advertiser articles, access the database at the Hawaii State Library site and enter your library card number and PIN. 

KITV4 | Hawaiian Electric [Honolulu, Hawaii] 01 June 2015.

Hahaione Elementary School students and families finished first in this year’s Home Energy Challenge.  Kamiloiki finished third. Both schools received cash prizes from Hawaiian Electric.

Here are the grand prize winners of the 8th annual Home Energy Challenge

1st Place, $10,000 prize, Hahaione Elementary School
2nd Place, $6,000 prize, Palisades Elementary School
3rd Place, $3,000 prize, Kamiloiki Elementary School

The participating families at these three schools combined saved a total of $43,600 on their electric bills from Oct. 2014 through March 2015.. . . The Home Energy Challenge is an educational partnership between the State Department of Education, participating elementary schools, and Hawaiian Electric.

For schools interested in participating next year, applications for the 2015-16 Home Energy Challenge will be sent to all Oahu public elementary schools this summer. Interested schools can call Ms. Sam Nichols at 543-7511 for more information.

Ben Gutierrez HawaiiNewsNow [Honolulu, Hawaii] 31 May 2015.

It has been more than a decade since the city approved the building of a cemetery in Hawaii Kai. Those plans haven't gone anywhere since then, but work has begun once again, and that has some Hawaii Kai residents concerned.

[Hawaii Kai Memorial Park LLC Attorney William] McCorriston said the owners have applied for a business license from the state and a master grading permit. If those are approved, construction could finally began later this year.

KITV [Honolulu, Hawaii] 29 May 2015.

KITV reports that you can find feral chickens on St. Louis Heights.  You can also find feral chickens at Kahala Zippys.  Kapiolani Community College has become so frustrated by the noise, they're even attempting to trap the chickens.  The takeaway? 

"You don't need a permit to trap wild chickens. The public is being asked to help manage the feral chicken population if they have them on their property."

KITV has posted a 2 1/2 minute video to go along with the story.  Click the link above to view the page.

Question: As a frequent Ala Moana Beach Park user, I've noticed more exercise groups using the park. Some are small but others have over 20 people. According to an article in the Star-Advertiser, people are paying to participate in these exercises. Are they regulated in any way? Does this mean mobile car detailing or portable massage businesses can also use the park?

Answer: If people are paying to take part in the exercise classes, it is not an authorized park use.

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If no money is solicited or given, under current rules, groups of fewer than 50 people can gather in city parks without a permit, said Jon Hennington, spokesman for the Department of Parks and Recreation.  "This is the same limit that applies to picnics," he said. "As long as the group does not solicit the public and does not require exclusive use of an area of the park, no permit is required." For any kind of commercial activity to take place in any of its parks, the Parks Department requires a public hearing. . .He explained that a public hearing is required before a decision is made to authorize commercial activities of a "particular type."

Among the commercial activities "eligible to be permitted" are filming, hiking tours at Hanauma Bay, scuba, snorkeling, swimming, tour companies and windsurfing, Hennington said.  "This does not mean, however, that any or all of these activities are eligible for a commercial use permit at a given park," he said.  Meanwhile, craft fairs and art marts sponsored by nonprofit organizations are eligible for permits. To find out more about commercial activities at city parks, go to bit.ly/1HV9wKa.

[To read full article, click link above and enter your Hawaii State library card # and PIN, or subscribe to the Star-Advertiser]

Web Staff KHON2 [Honolulu, Hawaii] 29 May 2015.

Honolulu firefighters were called to help a sailboat that got into trouble [off "of Sandy Beach] twice Friday night in East Oahu. . .[the second time the boat overturned]. ,  , HFD decided to tow the boat to shore.

Mendoza, Jim Hawaii News Now [Honolulu, Hawaii] 29 May 2015.

WZ Family Entertainment Center opened its doors on Waialae Avenue last year. Thursday night, the Honolulu Liquor Commission granted WZ's request for a liquor license.  . .But the chairman of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board said a family fun center serving alcohol doesn't fit Kaimuki's culture of mom and pop shops.

20 Kaimuki business owners signed a petition [opposing the liquor license.]

Please be aware that [May 28] after school, a single, stray mylar balloon flew in to one of the electrical poles on the mauka side of campus causing a campus wide power outage and a fuse blow out on the high voltage pole. HFD and HECO needed to be called and worked over two hours on being sure the campus was safe and that power was restored. This is a great learning opportunity regarding potential consequences to electrical and building infrastructure when coupled with mylar balloons. We ask everyone to please consider other types of celebratory items during the graduation season which includes our own Grade 5 celebration on Tuesday. Thank you for attention to our school and community safety efforts.

From noted journalist Ian Lind's blog, a thoughtful, insightful & nostalgic piece, excerpted here.  The full article is available on his website, link provided above.

. . .My first thought–I should attend. I was, after all, there at the beginning. I entered the 2nd grade at Kahala School when it first opened in 1954. . .

I decided that I would just drop in, not for lunch, but to look around the school and see what it’s like after all this time. . .

My introduction went something like this: “I’m don’t have a reservation and don’t plan on having lunch, but I was a student here the first year the school opened, and I hope I can just look around a bit.”

I quickly got the idea that I was perhaps the only student from the school’s first year to be present for the 60th anniversary. I was introduced to the principal, and warmly welcomed to make myself at home. . .

To read the full article, as well as to see pictures from 60 years prior, please visit Ian Lind's blog. 

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May 29, 2015

Friday news update for East Oahu and Hawaii Kai.  Full text of these excerpts is available through the web.  Where access is granted to the public, there is a link.  

For full text of Star-Advertiser articles, access the database at the Hawaii State Library site and enter your library card number and PIN. 

Kaimuki High School inducted three graduates during its first-ever Hall of Honor ceremony Tuesday.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono (’66), U.S. Attorney Florence Nakakuni (’70) and ukulele performer Jake Shimabukuro (’94) were honored for their achievements and contributions to the community. . .Graduates are eligible to be nominated 10 years or more after their date of high school graduation.

The Maui Jim Molokai Challenge surfski event, from Kaluakoi, Molokai to Hawaii Kai, will take place Saturday [May 30, 2015] starting at 8:30 a.m.  The Kanaka Ikaika Racing Association event, which has a $15,000 purse, will also have an OC-1 solo division and stand-up paddleboard relay division.  .  .The first finishers are expected to complete the race at around 1:45 p.m.

According to Hui 'Ilio's website homepage:

Thank you for joining us at the 10th annual Hawaii Kai Dog Walk on June 1, 2014.  As it turns out, this was to be our last dog walk. . .

As a reminder of the continuous effort needed by the community, the non-profit volunteer group writes from their May 2015 Newsletter:

[Hawaii Kai Dog] Park users have probably noticed the two new drinking fountains near the front entrance, one in the big park and one in the small dog park, which were installed by the Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR). With DPR’s permission, Hui 'Ilio Hawai'i installed anchored bowl holders under the dog faucets to keep the water bowls in place. . .

On Sunday, May 3rd, we closed the park for the entire day to accomplish a number of maintenance projects. Most notably, we had a huge pile of dirt (provided by DPR) to be moved under the fence line and around the benches to fill in depleted areas caused by erosion and digging dogs. Thanks to the assistance of local Boy Scout Troop 101 and some of their family members, the dirt was moved in record time. The troop also planted grass seed in the new soil, and raked and watered. . .

As we continue to strive for park user involvement in maintaining a beautiful community dog park, please remember that the poop bag dispensers are only filled if EVERYONE pitches in and brings recycled bags to fill the dispensers. Oftentimes we have run out of recycled bags and have purchased new bags to fill the dispensers, but that will not be happening in the future. Through the generosity of Petco, we will be adding a new poop bag dispenser on the fence between the small dog park and big dog park. Petco has committed to provide refill bags for this dispenser. Please be aware that this particular dispenser will not get replenished every day. We will continue to need recycled bags in the other dispensers to supplement Petco’s generous donations. . .

About Hui 'Ilio:

Hui 'Ilio Hawai'i is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that was established to promote public dog parks and to promote responsible dog ownership. Its officers and directors receive no compensation. Activities of the organization are carried out with the help of volunteers and sponsors. Our first objective was to make the Hawai'i Kai Dog Park a reality. Now that the park is open, we help to support it through the City’s Adopt-a -Park program. We also reach out to help other dog groups who are trying to establish dog parks in their respective communities.

. . .A transformation has been gradually spreading since [Gensiro] Kawamoto relinquished 30 residential properties 18 months ago on the prestigious Oahu street lined with mansions and historic million-dollar homes.  Among new owners of former Kawamoto properties are a professional poker player, a contractor and a waste management business owner from Hawaii, along with South Korea's wealthiest person, a Russian, a car-racing money manager from Michigan and an Australian billionaire. The new owners are pumping millions of dollars into construction and landscaping. To date, 20 of the 30 parcels that local real estate investment firm Alexander & Baldwin Inc. acquired in bulk from Kawamoto in late 2013 have been resold for more than $100 million, including two deals in escrow. . .

[Note: The full article contains 4 full-color photographs and is approx. 30 paragraphs long. Click the Star-Advertiser link in title and enter your Hawaii State Library Card and PIN # to access.]

Although the Department of Education school year for students begins July 29, 2015, Kaiser Complex schools will take a teacher work day on July 29th and Kaiser will begin the school year on July 30 with student registration.  The first full day of Kaiser classes will be July 31.  On July 30, students who had not prepaid their dues must complete the registration process and pick up their final schedules in the school cafeteria.  Draft schedules are available earlier, from June 15, in the Registrar's Office. 

Please contact school directly at Kaiser_HS [at] notes.k12.hi.us for clarification and updates.

What the future holds, we’ll never know. But after watching this year’s winner, 16-year-old Kaiser High School student Eden Kai, I couldn’t help but draw a comparison between his and Shimabukuro’s virtuoso performance styles.

The kid is good.

Kai performed a song on guitar that he had written for the Brown Bags to Stardom competition, “Beautiful Stars,” and he tore it up. He has a fluidity of playing and a skill level far beyond his 16 years. [read all of Erin Smith's rave article here]

Kudos to other East Oahu winners: Karlie Goya, 1st Place Solo Female Vocalist from Niu Valley Middle School; Paul Shin, 1st Place Male Vocalist from Kaimuki High School.  [ Full Brown Bags to Stardom winners list 2015]

, , city records show the resident had racked up nearly $191,700 in property violations. Neighbors say she's mentally ill and her condition has worsened since her parents died years ago. Meantime, homeless people have been rummaging through these belongings that have spilled out into the front yard even on the sidewalk. "There was even legislation written specifically as a result of this regarding hoarding. Nothing has been done," said Environmental activist Carrol Cox. Cox is referring to Bill 52, which passed last December giving the city the power to clear junk like this from private property. . .[click HawaiiNewsNow link to see full article]

Niu Valley Middle School, Sacred Hearts and Kaimuki Christian were category winners at ‘Ōlelo Community Media’s 2015 Youth Xchange Statewide Student Video Competition.  Niu Valley Middle Schoolwon the Creating Peace category, Middle School division for its short video, "Stop Bullying." Sacred Hearts won with "Stop Forest Fires" in the Forest Health in Hawaii category and “Hula Ki`i: Hula Puppets” in the Mini-Documentary category; Kaimuki Christian won with  “Focus In Class But Not At The Clock”  in the Start Healthy Living category, High School division.

Congratulations to our East Oahu schools for their outstanding work.  A full catalog of entries and recognition is available through this link to Olelo's website.

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