Stacy Garcia Jr. Attends 2015 PALS Ho’ike Festival

Group photo with PALS staff and students. From Left to Right: Hope Iokia, Lance Villianueva, Jonathan Sypert (PALS Advisor), Skylark Lopes, Kauhi Tomas, Leonae Kahele, Kay Fukuda (PALS Coordinator) ,and Stacy Garcia Jr. [Click image to enlarge]

The event was full of surprises — students and staff were led in a “Flashmob” by Waianae High School student Kauhi Tomas. [Click image to enlarge]

The flashmob was so contagious, that other event attendees joined in!  [Click image to enlarge]

On April 23, 2015, Stacy Garcia Jr. represented Senator Shimabukuro’s office by accepting an invitation to attend the annual Program for After-School Literacy Support (PALS) Ho’ike festival at Waianae High School. The event showcased booths from various PALS programs throughout schools on the Waianae Coast (Ka Waihona o ka Na`auao, Nanakuli High and Intermediate, Wai’anae Elementary, Makaha Elementary, Waianae High, Ma’ili Elementary, Nanaikapono Elementary, and Kamaile Academy).

The PALS programs range from arts, health, science, technology, sustainability, philosophy, social and cultural based clubs.  Spaghetti, garlic bread, and green salad was served for dinner by the Nanakuli High and Intermediate Culinary Club. The student participants prepared, cooked, and served the food in accordance with the health code and food standards.

The festival had a large turnout, and attracted many students, faculty, staff, families and community members. “I wish these clubs were were around when I was going through elementary and high school.  I was in awe of an 8-year-old who told me about PALS’ robotics program, and said that he wants to work for NASA,” said Stacy Garcia Jr.

Senator Shimabukuro’s office sends special thanks to Ms. Kay Fukuda for coordinating the event and sharing important updates about the program.

For more information on PALS, please visit: http://www.palshawaii.org/

Ulehawa Canal Update

On April 29, 2015, a meeting was scheduled to form a working group to assess and evaluate the Ulehawa Canal situation. The group included State Representative Andria Tupulo (R-43), members from Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard’s office (D-HI 2), State Senator Maile Shimbukuro’s (D-21) office, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency, State Department of Environmental Health Administration, and City & County Department of Facility Maintenance.

The meeting helped clarify the permit process and identify the permit applications current status. As a result of the complex situation, the group’s members agreed to formulate an action plan to determine what can be done to at least help alleviate the odor problem until the 401 WQC permit process is complete.

Update is regarding the previous post: http://21maile.com/2015/04/16/ulehawa-canal-update-from-cc-environmental-services/

April 2015 Nanakuli-Ma’ili Neighborhood Board Meeting Report

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2015 Neighborhood Boards #24 , #34, & #36 Elections from April 24 – May 15, 2015

IVF Bill SB768 Faces May 1 Deadline

Updated 4/30/15, 5/11/15

Piilani Smith, AP photo in the Star-Advertiser, 4/27/15. Click to enlarge.

SB768 SD1, “Relating to In Vitro Fertilization Insurance Coverage,” introduced by Senator Maile Shimabukuro, must pass out of committee by Friday, May 1, if it is to survive. The bill provides insurance coverage equality for women who are diagnosed with infertility by making available to them expanded treatment options, ensuring adequate and affordable health care services. (The companion House bill is HB864 HD2.)

The Senate conference committee — Green chair; Baker, English co-chairs; Shimabukuro, Taniguchi — met on April 27 and 28 but postponed making a decision. They’ll reconvene on Wednesday, April 29, at 8:30AM in conference room 229.

Senator Maile Shimabukuro, AP photo by Cathy Bussewitz. Click to enlarge.

The following excerpts are from the AP story, “Bill Seeks to Expand Coverage for Hawaii Fertility Law,” by Cathy Bussewitz in the April 27 Star-Advertiser:

“All women should be respected equally, despite their marital status,” said Piilani Smith, a Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner who’s been pushing for change at the Hawaii Legislature for the past two years. “Given that women are pursuing professional careers and securing their place in the work force, they wait until later in life to begin their families, and they should not be discriminated against.”

“Many of us have put off having children until later in life,” said Sen. Maile Shimabukuro, D-Waianae, who introduced the bill. “If you’re someone in your late 30s or even approaching 40, that’s really onerous requirement.” As someone who’s divorced and in her early 40s, the issue is close to her heart, Shimabukuro said.

Read the full story on the Star-Advertiser site.
Relatd story: Kamalii, Smith, and Sen. Shimabukuro Discuss SB 768 on 5/1/15
__________
Also published in:
NY Times, 4/28/15.
ABC News, 4/28/15.
Atlantic Broadband, 4/28/15.
US News, 4/28/15.
Daily Mail (UK), 4/27/15
San Francisco Chronicle, 4/27/15.
San Diego Union-Tribune, 4/27/15.
The [Tacoma] News Tribune, 4/27/15.
SeattlePI, 4/27/15.
Idaho Press-Tribune, 4/27/15.
Idaho State Journal, 4/27/15.

Survey: OHA seeks input about Mauna Kea

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is seeking responses to an anonymous 5-question survey to provide its Board of Trustees helpful information for the Board’s Thursday (4/30) meeting on the planned Mauna Kea thirty-meter telescope.

The survey asks participants about how possible OHA stances on the planned Mauna Kea thirty-meter telescope affects their views regarding OHA’s efforts to fulfill its mission to improve the conditions of Native Hawaiians.

The survey is not intended to be a scientific poll. The survey results will serve only as a general indicator of people’s views for the OHA Board’s consideration.

Please share this link with others: www.oha.org/maunakea. Or click here to go directly to the survey. The survey will allow only one response per computer.

Ahupua’a O Nanakuli Homestead Fundraiser

Please contact De Mont Conner for more information at (808) 450-6055 . Pick up location is at the Nanakuli Alu Like office at 89-137 Nanakuli Ave., Waianae, HI 96792.

“Mauna Kea: Temple Under Siege” Waianae Film Series on May 1, 2015

HDOT West Oahu Lane Closures: April 25 – May 1

From the Hawai’i Department of Transportation

Aloha, For your planning purposes, listed below are weekly roadwork updates for HDOT projects that may affect traffic to and from the West Oahu region.  The list includes lane closures over the weekend and the upcoming week.  For up-to-date information, please visit our HDOT roadwork website.  To view current traffic conditions and images from over 200 traffic cameras around Oahu, please visit our GoAkamai traveler information website or download the GoAkamai mobile app available for iOS and Android devices.  In addition, please follow us on Facebook and Twitter (DOTHawaii).  Roadwork is weather-dependent, subject to change and items may be added without further notice.  If you have any questions about these lane closures, please call the HDOT Public Affairs Office at 587-2160.  Thank you for your interest in West Oahu traffic and mahalo!

 — H-1 FREEWAY —

1) PEARL CITY (NIGHT WORK) Left lane closures on the H-1 Freeway in the eastbound direction at the Aiea Pedestrian Overpass between the Kaamilo Street Overpass and the Aiea/Kaneohe/Honolulu Off-Ramp (Exit 13A) on Monday, Apr. 27, through Friday morning, May 1, from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m., nightly.

• Three left lanes will be closed from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Four left lanes will be closed from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Construction will replace approximately 10,000 square feet of deteriorated pavement on the H-1 Freeway in the eastbound direction. The concrete deck will be replaced by approximately 84 precast panels.

2) PEARL CITY TO WAIPAHU (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Right lane closures on the H-1 Freeway in the westbound direction between the Pearl City/Waimalu Off-Ramp (Exit 10) and the Waipahu Off-Ramp (Exit 8B) from 8 p.m. Saturday night, Apr. 25, through 6 p.m., Sunday, Apr. 26, for deck widening.

• Three right lanes closed from 8 p.m., Saturday, Apr. 25, through 10 a.m., Sunday morning, Apr. 26
• Two right lanes closed Sunday, Apr. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• One right lane closed Sunday, Apr. 26, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, please visit the project website at www.pmcontraflow.com or call the project hotline at (808) 945-1144.

3) WAIPAHU (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Left lane closures on the H-1 Freeway in the westbound direction between the Waipahu Off-Ramp (Exit 8B) and the H-1/H-2 Split from 8 p.m., on Sunday night, Apr. 26, through 4:30 a.m., Monday morning, Apr. 27, for striping work.

• Two left lanes closed Sunday, Apr. 26, from 8 p.m. through 11 p.m.
• Three left lanes closed from 11 p.m. Sunday, Apr. 26, through 4:30 a.m. Monday morning, Apr. 27

For more information, please visit the project website at www.pmcontraflow.com or call the project hotline at (808) 945-1144.

4) WAIPAHU (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Three left lanes closed on the H-1 Freeway in the westbound direction between the Waipahu Off-Ramp (Exit 8B) and the H-1/H-2 Split from 11 p.m, Saturday night, Apr. 25, through 9 a.m. Sunday morning, Apr. 26, for striping work.

For more information, please visit the project website at www.pmcontraflow.com or call the project hotline at (808) 945-1144.

5) WAIPAHU (NIGHT WORK) Right lane closures on the H-1 Freeway in the westbound direction between the Pearl City/Waimalu Off-Ramp (Exit 10) and the H-1/H-2 Split on Monday, Apr. 27, through Friday morning, May 1, from 9 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., for striping work.

• Two right lanes will be closed from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Three right lanes will be closed from 11 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.

For more information, please visit the project website at www.pmcontraflow.com or call the project hotline at (808) 945-1144.

6) PEARL CITY TO WAIPAHU Right lane closure on the H-1 Freeway in the westbound direction between the Pearl City/Waimalu Off-Ramp (Exit 10) and the Waipahu Off-Ramp (Exit 8B) on Monday, Apr. 27, through Friday, May 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for deck widening.

For more information, visit the project website at www.pmcontraflow.com or call the project hotline at (808) 945-1144.

7) PEARL CITY (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Three left lanes closed on the H-1 Freeway in both directions between the H-1/H-2 Merge and the Waiawa Road Overpass on Sunday night, Apr. 26, through Friday morning, May 1, from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., nightly, for the rail project.

• Three left lanes closed in the eastbound direction from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
• Three left lanes closed in the westbound direction from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.

For more information, please visit the project website for The Rail at http://www.honolulutransit.org/.

8) PEARL HARBOR Right lane closure on the Arizona Memorial/Stadium Off-Ramp (Exit 15A) from the H-1 Freeway in the westbound direction on Monday, Apr. 27, through Friday, May 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for the rail project.

For more information, please visit the project website for The Rail at http://www.honolulutransit.org/.

9) PEARL HARBOR (NIGHT WORK) Full closure of the Hickam AFB/Pearl Harbor Off-Ramp (Exit 15B) from the H-1 Freeway in the westbound direction on Monday, Apr. 27, through Thursday morning, Apr. 30, for road repaving.

• Full closure on Monday, Apr. 27, through Tuesday morning, Apr. 28, from 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
• Full closure on Tuesday, Apr. 28, through Thursday morning, Apr. 30, from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

10) SALT LAKE TO HONOLULU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Two right lanes closed on the H-1 Freeway in the westbound direction between the Keehi Interchange and the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Off-Ramp (Exit 15B) from 9 p.m. on Friday, Apr. 24, through 12:01 a.m. on Monday morning, Apr. 27. All ramps will remain open.

Speed limits will be reduced to 15 mph in order to minimize traffic induced vibrations that may lead to cracking in the newly repaired deck.  Airport Viaduct improvements include concrete deck replacements, expansion joint repairs, and pavement restriping. Work is located between the Pearl Harbor Interchange and the Keehi Interchange.

— FARRINGTON HIGHWAY —

1) WAIPAHU (WEEKEND WORK) Honolulu Rail Transit will be working on Farrington Highway this week at various locations. Please visit The Rail’s project website for more details at http://www.honolulutransit.org/.

2) PEARL CITY (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Lane closures on Farrington Highway in the eastbound direction between the Kamehameha Highway Overpass and Waiawa Road on Sunday, Apr. 26, through Friday morning, May 1, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly, for the rail project.

For more information, please visit the project website for The Rail at http://www.honolulutransit.org/.

3) PEARL CITY (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Lane closure on the Farrington Highway eastbound on-ramp to the H-2 Freeway in the northbound direction on Sunday, Apr. 26, through Friday morning, May 1, from 8:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. for the rail project.

For more information, please visit the project website for The Rail at http://www.honolulutransit.org/.

4) WAIANAE Right lane closure on Farrington Highway in the westbound direction between Kaukama Road and Hookele Street on Friday, May 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for roadside maintenance.

5) WAIANAE Right lane closure on Farrington Highway in the southbound direction between Ala Poko Street and Mailiili Road on Monday, Apr. 27, through Friday, May 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for soil testing.

“Hemp Day” at the Capitol

Click image to enlarge

Honoring Candy Suiso

HDOT News Release: Weekend Lane Closures

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR FORD N. FUCHIGAMI DIRECTOR OAHU | KAUAI | MAUI

For Immediate Release: Apr. 23, 2015 15-0147

OAHU LANE CLOSURES FOR THE WEEKEND OF APR. 24 – APR. 26 PLEASE NOTE: Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice.   All projects are weather permitting.   — H-1 FREEWAY —

1) PEARL CITY TO WAIPAHU (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Right lane closures on the H-1 Freeway in the westbound direction between the Pearl City/Waimalu Off-Ramp (Exit 10) and the Waipahu Off-Ramp (Exit 8B) from 8 p.m. Saturday night, Apr. 25, through 6 p.m., Sunday, Apr. 26, for deck widening. ·        Three right lanes closed from 8 p.m., Saturday, Apr. 25,  through 10 a.m., Sunday morning, Apr. 26 ·        Two right lanes closed Sunday, Apr. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ·        One right lane closed Sunday, Apr. 26, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, please visit the project website at www.pmcontraflow.com or call the project hotline at (808) 945-1144. 2) WAIPAHU (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK)

Three left lanes closed on the H-1 Freeway in the westbound direction between the Waipahu Off-Ramp (Exit 8B) and the H-1/H-2 Split from 11 p.m, Saturday night, Apr. 25, through 9 a.m. Sunday morning, Apr. 26, for striping work.

For more information, please visit the project website at www.pmcontraflow.com or call the project hotline at (808) 945-1144. 3) WAIPAHU (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Left lane closures on the H-1 Freeway in the westbound direction between the Waipahu Off-Ramp (Exit 8B) and the H-1/H-2 Split from 8 p.m., on Sunday night, Apr. 26, through 4:30 a.m., Monday morning, Apr. 27, for striping work. ·        Two left lanes closed Sunday, Apr. 26, from 8 p.m. through 11 p.m. ·        Three left lanes closed from 11 p.m., Sunday, Apr. 26, through 4:30 a.m. Monday morning, Apr. 27 For more information, please visit the project website at www.pmcontraflow.com or call the project hotline at (808) 945-1144. 4) PEARL CITY (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Three left lanes closed on the H-1 Freeway in both directions between the H-1/H-2 Merge and the Waiawa Road Overpass on Sunday night, Apr. 26, through Friday morning, May 1, from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., nightly, for the rail project. ·        Three left lanes closed in the eastbound direction from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. ·        Three left lanes closed in the westbound direction from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. For more information, please visit the project website for The Rail at http://www.honolulutransit.org/. 5) SALT LAKE TO HONOLULU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Two right lanes closed on the H-1 Freeway in the westbound direction between the Keehi Interchange and the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Off-Ramp (Exit 15B) from 9 p.m. on Friday, Apr. 24, through 12:01 a.m. on Monday morning, Apr. 27. All ramps will remain open. Speed limits will be reduced to 15 mph in order to minimize traffic induced vibrations that may lead to cracking in the newly repaired deck.  Airport Viaduct improvements include concrete deck replacements, expansion joint repairs, and pavement restriping. Work is located between the Pearl Harbor Interchange and the Keehi Interchange.

— FARRINGTON HIGHWAY —

1) WAIPAHU (WEEKEND WORK) Honolulu Rail Transit will be working on Farrington Highway this week at various locations. Please visit The Rail’s project website for more details at http://www.honolulutransit.org/. 2) PEARL CITY (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Lane closures on Farrington Highway in the eastbound direction between the Kamehameha Highway Overpass and Waiawa Road on Sunday, Apr. 26, through Friday morning, May 1, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly, for the rail project. For more information, please visit the project website for The Rail at http://www.honolulutransit.org/. 3) PEARL CITY (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Lane closure on the Farrington Highway eastbound on-ramp to the H-2 Freeway in the northbound direction on Sunday, Apr. 26, through Friday morning, May 1, from 8:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. for the rail project. For more information, please visit the project website for The Rail at http://www.honolulutransit.org/.

— KALANIANAOLE HIGHWAY —

1) WAIMANALO (WEEKEND WORK) Lane closure on Kalanianaole Highway in the Kailua-bound direction between Aloiloi Street and Saddle City Road on Saturday, Apr. 25, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. for tree trimming.

— KAMEHAMEHA HIGHWAY —

1) PEARL CITY TO AIEA (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Honolulu Rail Transit will be working on Kamehameha Highway this week at various locations. ·        24/7 lane closures in both directions between Waiawa Road and Acacia Road. ·        24/7 lane closures in both directions between Acacia Road and Waimano Home Road. ·        24/7 lane closures in both directions between Lipoa Place and Pali Momi Street ·        Lane closures in both directions between Pali Momi Street and Honomanu Street, Monday through Friday. ·        Lane closures in both directions between Puu Poni Street and Kaonohi Street, Monday through Friday. Please visit The Rail’s project website for more details at http://www.honolulutransit.org/.

— NIMITZ HIGHWAY —

1) PEARL HARBOR (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Lane closures on Nimitz Highway in the eastbound direction between O’Malley Boulevard and Valkenburgh Street on Sunday night, Apr. 26, through Friday morning, May 1, from 9 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. nightly, for pavement marking installations.   2) SALT LAKE TO HONOLULU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Two right lanes closed on Nimitz Highway in the westbound direction between Aolele Street and Elliott Street from 9 p.m. Friday, Apr. 24, through 12:01 a.m. Monday morning, Apr. 27, as a safety precaution due to deck repairs happening above.

— PALI HIGHWAY —

1) NUUANU (WEEKEND WORK) Left lane closure on the Pali Highway in the Honolulu-bound direction between the Pali Tunnels and Waokanaka Street on Saturday, Apr. 25, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for tree trimming.

— ALA MOANA BOULEVARD —

1) HONOLULU (WEEKEND WORK) Lane closure on Ala Moana Boulevard in the westbound direction between Koula Street and Punchbowl Street on Saturday, Apr. 25, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. for roadside maintenance.

— WAIALAE AVENUE —

1) KAIMUKI (WEEKEND/NIGHTWORK) Left lane closures on Waialae Avenue in both directions between Kapahulu Avenue and South King Street from 9 p.m., Friday night, Apr. 24, through 5 a.m. Saturday morning, Apr. 25, for striping and road maintenance. For Immediate Release:  Apr. 23, 2015 15-0148

KAUAI LANE CLOSURES FOR THE WEEKEND OF APR. 24 – APR. 26 PLEASE NOTE: Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice.   All projects are weather permitting.

— KAUMUALII HIGHWAY —

1) PUHI (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Single lane closure on Kaumualii Highway (Route 50) in the eastbound direction between Halfway Bridge and Kipu Road, on Sunday night, Apr. 26, through Friday morning, May 1, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., nightly, for road repaving. Traffic will be contraflowed through the remaining open lane.  Motorists are advised to expect delays.

— KUHIO HIGHWAY —

1) KILAUEA (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Alternating single lane closure on Kuhio Highway (Route 56) in both directions between Anini Vista Drive and Kahiliholo Road on Sunday, Apr. 26, through Friday morning, May 1, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., nightly, for tree cutting and removal operations. Lanes will be narrowed. Motorists are advised to expect delays.

For Immediate Release: Apr. 23, 2015 15-0149

MAUI LANE CLOSURES FOR THE WEEK OF APR. 24 – APR. 26 PLEASE NOTE: Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice.   All projects are weather permitting.

—HANA HIGHWAY—

1) PAIA (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Lane closure on Hana Highway in the westbound direction between Kulani Place and Lae Place, on Sunday, Apr. 26, through Friday morning, May 1, from 8:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., nightly, for sewage improvements.

###

Meghan Small Information Specialist State Department of Transportation 869 Punchbowl Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 (808) 587-2160

90’s Night Fundraiser for Punana Leo on April 24, 2015 @ 9pm

West Oahu Pet Walk on June 7, 2015 @ 8am

GOT HEARTBURN program at Kapolei Public Library on May 16, 2015 @ 1pm

Kapolei Public Library, 1020 Manawai Street, will host the program

GOT HEARTBURN?  Acid Reflux?  Meet and learn from clinical expert, Dr. Russell Yang, MD PhD Gastroenterologist from Pali Momi Medical Center, about GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease)

Senate Confirms Chair Scott Enright and Deputy Chair Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser for Department of Agriculture

Senate takes group photo with newly appointed DOA Chair Enright and Deputy Chair Shimabukuro-Geiser.

Sen. Shimabukuro, Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser, Scott Enright, and Sen. Ruderman (District 2 – Puna, Ka’u).

Waianae Coast Emergency Access Road (WCEAR) Update

Aloha!  I recently posed questions about WCEAR to HPD, the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS), and the City Department of Emergency Management (DEM), received the following responses:

Question: Is it possible for copies of the WCEAR keys to be placed at the Waianae Police Station as well as Kapolei?

Answer (HPD): Absolutely… The projected completion date of the Waianae Police Station is October 2015, however, there have been some delays, so the exact completion and opening date is not known, but once the station is open, a key will be at the Waianae Police Station.

Question: Can the City routinely open the WCEAR when there are traffic jams from now on?

Answers:

DEM: In collaboration with HPD, WCEAR is used only for rerouting traffic during emergency incidents.  The roadway is privately owned and use is limited to extreme situations such as evacuations.   The City does not have the authority to open the roadway for use during non-emergencies.

HPD: There are several issues with this, but the short answer is no, we shouldn’t use it for traffic jams.

WCEAR is a “substandard roadway” meaning it is not regularly maintained and has overgrowth along the roads.  When we open the roadways, I have to have police officers stationed at the gates to monitor traffic because the roadways are not up to code and there is still cross traffic that the officers monitor.  It’s staffing intensive to open the roadways.

For significant incidents that have a tremendous impact, we will open up the gates and work with the City Department of Emergency Management (DEM), to help us with staffing and reassign the officers within the District to assist with Traffic Control.

I should mention that for significant events anywhere in the District, the on-duty Lieutenant will notify me 24/7, and one of our discussions is traffic management not only in the Waianae area but wherever the incident occurs.

DTS: DTS would defer to HPD and DEM regarding use of the WCEAR at any time other than emergencies.  However, it is DTS’ understanding that agreements with private land owners limit use for emergencies only.  In addition, the environmental documents specify use during emergencies only.

Question: Can signs be put up to alert motorists when WCEAR is open so people know that it can be used? 

Answer (HPD): The HPD does not have signs or message boards to deploy or stage when there is a significant incident.  This would come under the purview of DEM or DTS.  With a major incident on-going, officers are going to be responding to the incident and to have to assign an officer to get a portable variable message board would take one officer away from the incident.

The HPD, DEM, and State DOT have the ability to put out NIXLE alerts as well as provide up to the minute information on the City mobile phone application “Go Akamai” and perhaps we need to better get this message out to all residents for information including the opening of the bypass roads.

Note: Sen. Shimabukuro, along with other area representatives, is trying to find ways to increase the community’s access to WCEAR, and will keep the community posted.

Mauna Kea Teach in: Ku Kia’i Mauna on April 23, 2015, 11am-1:30pm @ UHWO

Protect Mauna Kea Event, April 21, 2015 @ 5:30pm at Waianae Boat Harbor

Women of Waianae Honored by Hawaii Women Lawyers: Photos & Video

Judge Lanson Kupau congratulated Women of Waianae. L-R: Judge Kupau, Donna Costa, and Karen Young. [Click image to enlarge]

Women of Waianae President Karen Young (left) posed with Hawaii Women Lawyers President Tricia Nakamatsu. [Click image to enlarge]

Women of Waianae received the “President’s Award” from Hawaii Women Lawyers at the Plaza Club on 4/17/15. L-R: Sally Ford, Mae Chung, Sharon Sandell, Karen Young, Priscilla Maynard, Donna Costa, and Sue Carpenter. [Click image to enlarge]

On 4/17/15, Women of Waianae (WOW) was given the “President’s Award” by Hawaii Women Lawyers (HWL).  HWL President Tricia Nakamatsu recognized WOW for their outstanding service to the community, including awarding college and vocational scholarships to non-traditional students on the Waianae Coast.

WOW President Karen Young delivered an acceptance speech at the event.  Click on the following link to watch a video of her speech:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uyiSdO35-E

For more information about WOW’s HWL award, visit:

http://21maile.com/2015/03/27/women-of-waianae-to-be-honored-by-hawaii-women-lawyers-april-17-2015/

For more information about WOW, visit:

http://www.womenofwaianae.org/