Inside the July 10, 2003 issue: HRI acquires 663 acres in Mälaekahana; Gov. Lingle reprieves Kahuku Hospital cut; Hau'ula Ho'olaule'a benefits KYAC; U.C.C. seeks to build $2.5M Hau'ula camp; Month-long Lä'ie Days starts up; Turtle trapped in Hau'ula net dies; No vacation for Kahuku sports news; Busy 4th of July in Ko'olauloa; Kahuku High Haps: A busy summer; Booster Club starts bus rolling; Ko'olauloa Community Calendar. Kaleo Home Page Kaleo o Ko'olauloa primarily covers the O'ahu North Shore communities of Lä'ie, Hau'ula and Kahuku, and is published 12 times a year. For more information, please go to... General Information on Kaleo including publishing schedules and deadlines, advertising rates and ad size specs, distribution information, staff links, and the use of Hawaiian diacritical marks. Related/Reciprocal Links Check out our related and/or reciprocal links for Hukilau.biz, Hawaii Reserves, Inc., BYU-Hawai'i, the Polynesian Cultural Center, Lä'ie Community Association, the LDS Lä'ie Hawai'i Temple, www.kahuku.org, Laie Inn (next to the Polynesian Cultural Center), The Ko'olau News, and the Pacific Islands Report . Back issues of Kaleo

 

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HRI acquires 663 acres in Mälaekahana

Hawai'i Reserves, Inc. (HRI) recently acquired 663 acres of land in Mälaekahana from The Estate of James Campbell.

The acquisition is adjacent to the 6,000-plus acres in Lä'ie that HRI manages for affiliates of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which purchased the traditional ahupua'a of Lä'ieikawai and Lä'iemalo'o in 1865.

HRI's triangular-shaped acquisition from Campbell Estate stretches from Lä'ie along the mauka side of Kamehameha Hwy. to Mälaekahana Bridge to a point in the Ko'olau Mountains.

HRI President and CEO R. Eric Beaver said negotiations with Campbell Estate for the roughly triangular-shaped property, which extends from Lä'ie to Mälaekahana Bridge on the mauka side of Kamehameha Highway toward a point in the Ko'olau Mountains, "have been underway for some time."

"The HRI governing board, comprised of nine local directors, is very pleased that this unique parcel of land adjoining Lä'ie can now be incorporated into the community's long-range plans," said Jack Hoag, Chairman of the HRI's Board of Directors. Hoag explained, "This will enable HRI to fulfill a long, underserved housing demand for local residents while maintaining the rural ambiance of the area."

"The transaction to acquire such a large block of adjacent land is a unique opportunity," said Beaver, adding that "transactions on this scale on O'ahu are rare."

He explained that HRI hopes to transfer the Lä'ie master plan land use designations already contained in the Ko'olau Loa Sustainable Communities Plan to the new site. The Honolulu City Council approved the Ko'olauloa plan in late 1999, thereby renewing a designation for housing, presently the community's most important need.

"One significant reason for seeking these changes in the plan is the improved economics that result from lower estimated development costs on the new site. We think this will positively effect pricing for future homes," Beaver said.

From near the mauka-most point of the new acquisition, looking back toward Lä'ie. — folifoto

He noted that the topography of the Lä'ie site, mauka of BYU-Hawai'i and the Lä'ie Hawai'i Temple, that is currently designated for additional housing in the City's Ko'olau Loa plan, would require extensive engineering work and excavation just to develop the needed infrastructure. "The topography of the new site is more suitable to facilitate the Ko'olauloa plan designations and, therefore, is more conducive to an appropriate blend of mixed housing."

"Other significant reasons for seeking a transfer of existing designations, include reducing the impact to the environment while promoting the use of existing, agriculturally-designated lands," Beaver added.

He stressed that HRI representatives have already met with nearly all the leasehold tenants on the property, including Matsuda Farms, Gunstock Ranch and the Episcopal Church, and that the property was acquired subject to the existing leases. HRI has also met with the Lä'ie and Kahuku Community Association leaders and other community groups, to inform them of the acquisition.

HRI will work closely with the community and City and County officials to amend the Ko'olau Loa Sustainable Communities Plan, adding he realizes the City must ultimately approve any changes in the plan and that any such changes, plus securing zoning entitlements would take time to accomplish.

"It's not going to happen overnight. This is a long-term vision, but indeed a positive development for the entire community. This acquisition gives new breath to future possibilities for the area. We are very excited with the prospect to facilitate the collective vision articulated in the Lä'ie Master Plan and Ko'olau Loa Sustainable Communities Plan, a vision that has been stated and re-stated by the community for many, many years," he said.

He added HRI would "most likely begin initial development of the new property on the closest boundary with Lä'ie," but he emphasized that they have not reached the stage of seeking or selecting design or development firms. "We are far from that stage. One of the first steps in the process will be to seek further input from the community on the relocation and reconfiguration of the existing land use designations to the new property. That process will likely begin soon. Another step will involve working with the City to incorporate the new configuration."

Inquiries about this project should be directed to Eric Marler, HRI Executive Vice President, or Albert Kanahele, Director of Planning and Development. You may reach them at 808-293-9201.

 

Kahuku Hospital will get a $750,000 grant-in-aid from the State of Hawai'i.

Gov. Lingle reprieves Kahuku Hospital cut

Hawai'i Governor Linda Lingle has reversed her earlier decision to cut $400,000 from a $750,000 grant-in-aid that the 2003 State Legislature approved for Kahuku Hospital.

"I'm ecstatic," said Kahuku Hospital's chief executive officer, Don Olden, upon hearing last weekend of Gov. Lingle's decision. "The funds are extremely important for the hospital's financial stabilization program."

After learning of the governor's original decision to cut the grant, Olden explained that a delegation from the hospital and community appealed, pointing out that the health care facility faced an increase in malpractice insurance premiums from $70,000 to $270,000 this year, as well as over $100,000 in increased salaries for registered nurses and other rising health care costs.

Olden said to cover these anticipated increases, the North Shore's only hospital had applied last January for an $850,000 grant-in-aid from the State Legislature for fiscal year 2003- 04, which began July 1st.

"We argued for parity relative to the five other critical access hospitals in the state," he said, noting that each of the other hospitals "had been receiving between $700,000 to over $1 million a year from the legislature. During the same periods of time, Kahuku had only been receiving $350,000."

As part of Senate Bill 1305, Olden continued, the legislature originally approved $750,000 for Kahuku, which along with a Moloka'i facility, are the only critical access hospitals in Hawai'i that are not part of the state's health care system. The governor previously announced she would reduce that grant by $400,000, but restored the full amount approved by the legislature after learning of the costs beyond Kahuku Hospital's control and the board's plans for handling them.

"There are a large number of people in Ko'olauloa who were instrumental in helping us get through this process," Olden said. "We're deeply appreciative for everyone's efforts."

In other Kahuku Hospital news, Olden noted that:

Anyone interesting in helping Kahuku Hospital should contact Andrea Renaud at 293-9221.

"I want to thank the community for all their support," Olden said. "We appreciate all the help we already get."

 

HAU'ULA CELEBRATED the 4th of July with its annual Ho'olaule'a — held this year at Hau'ula Beach Park on July 6th — with all the proceeds benefitting the Ko'olauloa Youth Activities Club (KYAC). — Photos by Barry Markowitz, www.kahukuphoto.com (folimontage)

 

U.C.C. seeks to build $2.5M Hau'ula camp

Several congregations from the United Church of Christ, including the historic church across from Hau'ula Beach Park, met July 1st with the Hau'ula Community Association to seek their approval to build a $2.5 million campground facility in phases on 103 acres of unimproved land they own near Hälai and Hau'ula Homestead Roads.

U.C.C. ministers outline plans for the church's proposed camp facilities in Hau'ula.

Rev. Dean Fujii from the church's Nu'uanu congregation, who used to farm in Punalu'u, explained the U.C.C. needs the association's approval before they can get a Conditional Use Permit to develop the site for "day experiences for up to 80 people, and overnight experiences for up to 40 people."

Renderings done by the architect who designed a Moloka'i Ranch camp, show the church wants to build "environmentally sensitive" cabins, starting with hale-style kitchen and meeting facilities, over the next five years.

"We really believe Hau'ula is a beautiful place," one of the ministers said, "and we don't want to invade the 'äina with big ugly buildings." He added the church would also make the facilities available to community groups.

He said the U.C.C. originally purchased the site in 1964 and started using it as a wilderness camp in 1974. "We have gone through many phases. At one time it was pastureland," he said, noting it was later used for a tropical fruit project.

Another minister, Grant Lee, explained the U.C.C. sold the property in the 1990s, but the new owners let the property fall into "deep disrepair" and eventually defaulted on purchase. After cleaning more than 35 tons of rubbish off the property, churc leaders began to "create a vision for what we call Lanikamaha'o," he said, pointing out that the late Keoana Hanchett, a member of the Hau'ula congregation, devised the name for the site. "We've had groups from as far as North Carolina and Michigan come over and do work projects," he said.

While the HCA members at the meeting were generally supportive of the proposed campgrounds, board member Annette Santiago said she would like to hear the opinions of the families living nearest to the site.  Rev. Lee said they would be "more than willing" to meet with them.

Another Hau'ula resident, who said church camps can provide wonderful experiences, stressed he wants to protect the rural nature of the community for his grandkids.

The U.C.C. representatives agreed they will seek additional input from the community.

Among other HCA business items:

In closing, Furukawa reminded all HCA members, "We need to build a better community, and it starts with each one of us."

 

Month-long Lä'ie Days starts up

No vacation for Kahuku sports news

Even though Kahuku High sports are on hiatus over the summer, that doesn't mean honors stop coming in or important behind-the-scenes action stops.

Late-breaking honors

June graduate Talavou Avegalio, for example, was just recently named the national Gatorade Track Player of the Year for his championship performance in the state discus event.

"That's two in one year," noted Kahuku athletic director Joe Whitford, who pointed out that graduate Michelle Tuli Peters also won a Gatorade Player of the Year award for her girls volleyball efforts last season. He added that Peters, along with Krisha Kai, were also two of only 12 Nissan Hall of Honor athletes from throughout Hawai'i.

Keala Whitford

And the Honolulu Advertiser recently released its first-ever OIA girls water polo honors list, naming upcoming Kahuku senior Keala Whitford as co-Player of the Year and a member of the First Team, and coach Aukai Ferguson as co-Coach of the Year.

In addition, recent graduate Trudianne Huish was also named to the First Team; Lacy Luehrs, Second Team; and Tiana Ahue, Ida Leonardi and Alee Thompson, Honorable Mention.

State-wide changes

Whitford, as a member of the Hawai'i Athletic Directors Association (HIADA), was also involved in meetings on Maui from June 11-13th that impact some Red Raider sports. He explained HIADA "had a full agenda, because issues can come up from any league. They run it like a legislature, with committees which pass on 'bills' that come to the floor for a vote."

One of those 'bills,' was a proposal by head coach Wendy 'Anae to require girls basketball teams to use a shot clock. "That passed the committee and came to the floor, even though the OIA opposed the measure," Whitford said. "Unfortunately, there was no second, and the motion died...this season."

Whitford added he suspects the shot clock practice for girls will eventually come up again if the National Federation of High School Sports approves the idea. "Once they give the okay, that's when it's going to come into play here."

Whitford said a two-tier state football playoff was the other major issue at the recent HIADA meetings. "Despite OIA opposition, the four other leagues in the state passed the measure," Whitford said.

"That means this year there will be a two-tier state football championship. There will also be a two-tier championship in girls basketball and girls softball," he said.

"Our league looks at it totally from a financial perspective," Whitford continued, pointing out interisland travel costs can become prohibitively expensive. "Also some of the smaller schools don't attract very many fans."

Whitford said trying to get surfing approved as an interscholastic sport was the other key Kahuku issue at HIADA. "The OIA is against it, but our school is totally for surfing. We've had a club at Kahuku for the past five or six years.

Joe Whitford

He explained the OIA's main concern over safety "could easily be worked out" with the use of escort vessels or watercraft. "Surfing is a sport where even seniors participate. For many of our youth, there's a strong cultural heritage. Surfing is also a way of life. Though our league is against it, we're definitely for it," he said.

Whitford added that the Kahuku surf club will continue to participate with other local clubs and in national meets usually held in California.

On a more positive note, Whitford said HIADA approved a state girls water polo championship, naming him the first state coordinator. He speculated the first event would probably be held at UH.

"We're also adding a 125-pound weight class in girls wrestling. There are a lot of girls in that weight range who might be interested in participating," he said.

Whitford said the state athletic directors also okayed a measure allowing two judo entrants from the same school in the same weight class. "Because judo is a growing sport, but we found we couldn't fill all the brackets, we've decided to allow two participants from the same school to participate for now."

Booster Club selling football packages

In other Kahuku High sports news, the Kahuku High Booster Club is selling 50 football packages. Each package includes a season ticket, a parking pass on campus for games, a Kahuku High coach's shirt, and a concessions ticket. "The packages cost $100 apiece, and the proceeds will help fund Kahuku athletics," Whitford said.

Those interested in purchasing the package should contact Whitford at 293-8950 ext 223. The packages go on sale Aug. 4th.

Whitford also pointed out that when students register for school in August and purchase their athletics activity books, each will receive a free athletic tee shirt. The activity book cost is $15.

 

Busy 4th of July in Ko'olauloa: Engine 13 firefighters and a Kahuku paramedic carry the victim of a July 4th, 7 a.m. crash on Kamehameha Hwy. fronting Kokololio Park to an Army Medivac helicopter, which had to land at Hau'ula Beach Park before transporting the person to Honolulu. (Right): Later that afternoon, HFD Engine 15 firefighters put out flames that approached within 50 feet of three homes on a private beachfront lot near Pounder's Beach. — Photos by Barry Markowitz, www.kahukuphoto.com

 

Kahuku High haps: A busy summer

By Natalie Kamau'oha ~ Kahuku High Correspondent

When summer arrives, the learning just begins for many Kahuku High students. Realizing the real world is just around the corner, many upcoming seniors choose to participate in summer activities that will prepare them for their future plans.

For example, next year's student body president, Ian Tapu, is participating in numerous impressive activities. Ian's first stop is a government-sponsored program entitled Presidential Classroom. The program, located in Washington D.C., incorporates various classes, workshops, lectures and tours geared at educating the participants on foreign policy. After an orientation at Stanford University, Ian will fly from California to Japan to participate in Japan U.S. Senate, a program sponsored by an organization called Youth for Understanding.

Ian describes this event as an "exchange program in Japan where [he] will stay with a Japanese family for two months while interning with Japanese officials and attending a Japanese high school." He adds he is mainly excited "to be the tallest person in Japan."

Similar to Ian's tour of Stanford, many Kahuku students will visit prospective colleges and universities: Jeremy James will attend a soccer camp at Brigham Young University in Provo, along with Tiffany Lee who will take part in the multicultural SOAR program there. Tiffany said she "hopes to learn more about BYU because it is the college [she] would like to attend."

From June 13-July 25th many Kahuku students will also participate in the Upward Bound program at Windward Community College: Merekete Smith, Carlie Salomons, Joey Trisolini, and Jason Tufaga will dorm at the University of Hawai'i and attend Windward during the day.

Merekete said, "Upward Bound is an excellent program because it is free and they pay you to attend." Carlie adds that she is participating in this program because "it gives you a taste of what to expect from college life."

While some students head for the classroom, others learn what it means to work for their money: Seini Unga and Atalina Pasi both said they hope to find work in their communities. Seini commented, "I want to work in order to save money for college and my LDS mission."

Erin Bangerter, who works as a swimming instructor in Utah, said, "Teaching is a good experience because you learn to work with children who keep you smiling."

By volunteering at the Hale'iwa Surf Center, Ken Yoshifuku reminds us that the summer is an excellent opportunity for students to participate in community service. At the center, Ken teaches kids how to surf and swim. He said he chooses to volunteer because "it helps expose kids to ocean activities and helps them build more confidence in their swimming ability." Ken also feels "it's crazy to think that many kids who live in Hawai'i rarely experience the ocean."

Classic vacationing is also a route many Kahuku students choose. Rachel Dorr will take a family trip to Alaska this summer. During her RV road trip she hopes to "catch some salmon and see a glacier."

Chris Tsue and Sam Braden, both upcoming seniors, will learn the true meaning of independence as they tour Europe together. While traveling in Italy and France by EuroRail and bus, Chris hopes to "see the Louvre, Eiffel tower, Sistine Chapel and other interesting things." Chris chooses to take this once in a lifetime adventure while he is young because he feels he will be "more open-minded about things."

By looking at the activities of many Kahuku High students it is easy to see learning doesn't end when the final school bell rings. In fact, the end of school often marks the beginning of educational experiences that last a lifetime.Whether it is working on home territory or traveling to distant lands, Kahuku student actions stress the importance of remaining active throughout the summer.

 

Kahuku Booster Club starts bus rolling The Kahuku High Booster Club, led by Moa Mahe, recently put $3,000 down for the purchase of an $8,000 bus, but the Athletics Department needs kökua in raising the remaining balance. A.D. Joe Whitford explained the 10-year-old bus, which was purchased from the U.S. Navy Seals and only has 35,000 miles on it, will help the program save money. "Every year we incur a transportation deficit, but our new bus will help lessen that, so the acquisition is a good one," he said. "With our own bus, we can also leave Kahuku later so the athletic teams will not miss as much school." If you're interested in helping with the bus expenses, contact Whitford at 293-8950 ext. 223.

 

Ko'olauloa Community Calendar

Kaleo collects the information below from various sources. The list is not exhaustive and we encourage readers to verify details. To submit items, call 754-4304 (leave voice message), mail them to P.O. Box 101, Lä'ie 96762, or e-mail: foleym002@hawaii.rr.com at by the Kaleo deadline before the event. The next deadline is listed below, or go to General Information.

Thursday, July 10: Ko'olauloa Neighborhood Board is in recess in July, no meeting;

Saturday, July 12: LDS Lä'ie Stake swim meet, 8 a.m., BYU-Hawai'i pool, call 293-1940 for more info;

Monday, July 14: LDS Lä'ie Hawai'i Temple re-opens;

Tuesday, July 15: Alzheimer's disease info seminar at Kahuku Library, 6:30 p.m., call 293-8935 for more info;

Wednesday, July 16: Ko'olauloa Interagency Council, 8:30 a.m., Kahuku Hospital 2nd floor;  Kahuku Library keiki storytime featuring Janet Yap, 10 a.m.;

Thursday, July 17: Teen Club meeting at Hau'ula Community Park, 7-9 p.m., call Annette Santiago at 293-5564 for more info;

Saturday, July 19: Pacific Rim Children's Choral Festival Concert (includes the Ko'olauloa Children's Chorus), 7 p.m., BYU-Hawai'i CAC, free.

Monday, July 21: HRI blood drive, 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Lä'ie Shopping Center, bring picture ID, call Kim at 293-9201 for appointment or walk-in;

Tuesday, July 22: Ko'olauloa Community Children's Council, parent's group at 6 p.m., council at 7, Kahuku Hospital, 2nd floor;

Wednesday, July 23: Kahuku Library keiki storytime featuring Jesse Newbold, 10 a.m.;

Saturday, July 26: Lä'ie Garden Club will tentatively take a Püpükea tour, 8:30 a.m., call the new president, Bonnie Richards, at 293-7331 for more info;

Tuesday, July 29: Kahuku Library summer reading finale with Action Jackson, 6:30 p.m., includes prizes, awards, refreshments;

Friday, August 1: Hau'ula Elementary School starts;

Sunday, August 3: LDS Temple Visitors Center musical fireside, 6 p.m., free, call 293-9297 for more info;

Tuesday, August 5: Näleimalama meeting, 3 p.m., Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center;

Thursday, August 7: Deadline, next issue of Kaleo;

Tuesday, August 12: U.S. Rep. Ed Case will meet the community at Hau'ula Elementary School, 6:30 p.m.;

Thursday, August 14: Next issue of Kaleo; Last day of BYU-Hawai'i Summer Term; Kahuku varsity preseason football scrimmage vs. Campbell, 4 p.m.; Kahuku JV football scrimmage at Campbell, 4 p.m.;

Saturday, August 16: Kahuku preseason varsity and JV football scrimmage vs. Nänäkuli starting at 11 a.m.

 

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Proudly sponsored by Hawai'i Reserves, Inc. (HRI) ©1999-2003 and co-sponsored by Brigham Young University-Hawai'i Lä'ie Community Association Polynesian Cultural Center as a community service.

Composed, edited and published by Nani Laie Communications Mike Foley Editor & Publisher

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