KYMBERLY MARCOS PINE
COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 1
(808) 768-5001
(808) 768-1217 (fax)
e-mail: kmpine@honolulu.gov

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine
January 12, 2015 Tel: (808) 768-5001

Long-Delayed Makakilo Park to Be Accepted by the City

Councilmember Pine introduces legislation to streamline park dedication process

MAKAKILO — Plans for the long-awaited opening of Kahiwelo Park in Makakilo will finally be put in front of the City Council for approval tomorrow in the Parks, Community and Customer Services Committee at 10:30 a.m. The City’s long delay in accepting the park, as well as the new district park at Ocean Pointe, Ewa, has prompted Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine to introduce Resolution 15-9, which requests the city streamline its park approval process, so completed parks can be opened faster.

The 3-acre park, located near the corner of Kuluhi Street and Welo Street, had been promised to residents years ago, as part of the D.R. Horton – Schuler Division’s Kahiwelo at Makakilo community. The park, constructed by D.R. Horton, contains a large grass field, play court, playground structure, comfort station and parking lot. However, prominently placed throughout the park are ‘Keep Out’ signs, letting the public know that while the park appears finished, the City has not-yet accepted it for public use. Kahiwelo Park was completed in May 2014, and originally expected to be turned over to the City in the summer of 2014, however, City delays held-up the park’s opening until today. Similar delays held up the opening of Ocean Pointe Park until January 2015, though the project was completed by Haseko in August 2014.

“The Makakilo community has waited years for this park, and they have watched this park sit vacant for months because the City does not streamline its park acceptance process,” said Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine.

The City Council’s Parks, Community and Customer Services Committee will vote on whether to approve the park dedication in tomorrow’s 10:30 a.m. meeting. The full Council will then vote on the park dedication at the next full-Council meeting on January 28th, using the Committee’s recommendation as a guide.
Councilmember Pine represents residents of District One (Ewa, Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Honokai Hale, Ko Olina, Nanakuli, Maili, Waianae, Makaha, Keaau, Makua) and chairs the Parks, Community and Customer Services Committee.

City and County of Honolulu Logo

KYMBERLY MARCOS PINE
COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 1
(808) 768-5001
(808) 768-1217 (fax)
e-mail: kmpine@honolulu.gov

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine
January 8, 2015 Tel: (808) 768-5001

City Files Lien Against Hawaii Kai Sludge Dumper in Waianae

sludge_waianae dumping

 

WAIANAE — Community residents say the City is moving in the right direction, as it enforces stronger illegal dumping laws in Waianae Valley by placing a lien for unpaid civil fines on agricultural property where sludge from the Hawaii Kai Marina was illegally dumped.

Introduced by Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine, Bills 35, 36 and 37, often referred to as the ‘Environmental Justice’ Bills, stiffen fines and provide the Department of Planning and Permitting Director with discretion to pursue civil and criminal court actions in their enforcement. The bills were signed into law by Mayor Caldwell on October 23, 2014

According to the Department of Planning and Permitting, the Silvas, owners of the Waianae agricultural property, have been fined a total of $58,050 since December 2013. At this time, none have been paid, and the City has continued to assess daily fines on the Silva’s property.

“The City’s tough response to these violators is a welcome sign. We must stay vigilant in fighting illegal dumping in our community,” said Kapua Keliikoa-Kamai, Waianae Valley homesteader who first reported the violation to the City.

“The Waianae community cares deeply about this place. We hope the City’s response to this violator will make others think twice before they choose to illegally dump their waste in our neighborhoods,” said Jonnie-Mae Perry, Chair of the Waianae Neighborhood Board.

Additionally, for the most egregious violations, including those committed by the same firm or person at the same site in a 12-month period (‘repeat violators’), the City will pursue criminal prosecution and double the daily fines, subjecting a violator to a potential penalty of $10,000 a day while the violation exists, and order the violator to return the land to its natural state.

“We encourage our community to be vigilant in reporting illegal dumping activity in Waianae, Kalaeloa and throughout Oahu. These bills send a strong message that haulers improperly disposing of sludge and waste, who refuse to pay their fines, will not be tolerated by the community or the city,” said Councilmember Pine.

The Department of Planning and Permitting’s code enforcement program’s to obtain compliance for all violations. Enforcement measures are either Administrative (Civil Fines) or Judicial (Prosecuting Attorney’s Office). When appropriate, as occurred in the Silva case, a Notice of Violation (NOV) is issued by an inspector.

If the NOV’s are not corrected within a required period of time, a Notice of Order (NOO) is issued to these violators. Considered the first phase of this Branch’s code enforcement initiatives, past due NOO’s and NOV’s are referred by inspectors to this Branch and civil fines are assessed. The Branch conducts research, gathers evidence, and prepares documentation to enforce the civil fine. Except for rare occasions, administrative measures are preferred to judicial means.

To date, the violators have not contacted the City to resolve the matter, if they continue to let the fines accrue, the Department of Planning and Permitting has planned to initiate foreclosure proceedings to recover the balance of civil fines.

Councilmember Pine represents residents of District One (Ewa, Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Honokai Hale, Ko Olina, Nanakuli, Maili, Waianae, Makaha, Keaau, Makua) and chairs the Parks, Community and Customer Services Committee.

 Enjoy Professional Fireworks Displays, Use Firecrackers With Caution

The Honolulu Fire Department reminds everyone that the City and County of Honolulu’s fireworks ordinance allows the public to purchase and use firecrackers only. All other fireworks are illegal for consumer use on Oahu.

“We hope that people will respect the fireworks ordinance and the dangers of firecrackers. While the number of fireworks-related injuries and fires on Oahu may not be as high as those nationwide, it is still too many for the public to suffer. We experience the same trends as other communities where consumer fireworks cause injuries (most often to children and teens) and fires on New Year’s Eve,” said Fire Chief Manuel P. Neves.

“The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend one of the public displays conducted by trained professionals. If you do use firecrackers, please review these safety tips, follow the rules, and be considerate of your neighbors,” Neves added.

The following information is provided to help the public remain safe and enjoy the New Year’s Eve celebration and New Year’s Day holiday:

Fireworks Safety Tips

• Use only approved fireworks from a licensed retail outlet that posts its retail license.

• Always read and follow warnings and instructions listed by the manufacturer to ensure the safe handling and use of fireworks.

• Never point or throw fireworks at a person, building, or animal.

• Never ignite fireworks indoors. Ensure your outdoor area is safe for fireworks use.

• Fireworks should only be lighted on a smooth, flat surface away from buildings, dry vegetation, and flammable materials.

• Do not string fireworks on utility poles.

• Keep any type of ladder, pole, or tie lines used to set up fireworks at least ten feet from power lines.

• Never ignite fireworks in metal or glass containers.

• Have a garden hose or a bucket of water ready in the event of a fire.

• Fireworks must not be used by persons under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Always wear eye protection when lighting fireworks.

• When lighting fireworks, never position any part of your body over them.

• Never attempt to reignite malfunctioning fireworks.

• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.

• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

• Never experiment with homemade fireworks, as they are dangerous and illegal.

General Fireworks Prohibitions

It is unlawful for any person on Oahu to:

• Throw ignited fireworks at a person or an animal.

• Throw ignited fireworks from above the first floor of any building.

• Throw ignited fireworks from, at, or into a vehicle.

• Set off fireworks on public ways, in parks, cane fields, or places of worship.

• Set off fireworks on public beaches or in forest or wildlife preserves.

• Set off fireworks in school buildings or on school grounds.

• Set off fireworks within 1,000 feet of hospitals, health and elderly care facilities, and facilities for the care of animals, including the zoo.

• Set off fireworks within 500 feet from a hotel.

• Offer for sale, sell, or give any fireworks to minors. Honolulu’s ordinance makes it illegal for minors to use firecrackers on Oahu, even with adult supervision.

• Possess or use aerial fireworks, unless the Fire Chief of the HFD issues a display permit per Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 132D.

• Transport fireworks in carry-on or checked luggage, airline cargo, or mail.

• Remove or extract pyrotechnic contents.

New Year’s Eve Sale and Use of Fireworks on Oahu

The sale of firecrackers in the City and County of Honolulu began on December 26, 2014, and ends at 12 midnight on December 31, 2014.

On Oahu, firecrackers may be set off, ignited, or discharged from 9 p.m. on
December 31, 2014, until 1 a.m. on January 1, 2015.

A permit is required to purchase firecrackers on Oahu. Firecrackers must be purchased from licensed retailers no more than five days prior to its use. Retail licenses shall be prominently displayed in public view and secured at the location for which the license has been issued. Licensed retailers shall not sell more than 5,000 individual firecrackers per permit.

Honolulu’s fireworks ordinance requires that firecracker permits be obtained no less than ten days before they are used. Therefore, firecracker permits for the New Year’s Eve celebration are no longer available. The last day firecracker permits were sold was on December 19, 2014, as Satellite City Halls were not open on December 20 and 21, 2014.

According to Chapter 132D, HRS, the use of aerial fireworks is prohibited unless the HFD’s Fire Chief issues a display permit.

Public Fireworks Displays on Oahu

All firing times are approximate

Display Location: Barge Offshore of 4559 Kahala Avenue (Private)
Display Date: December 31, 2014
Firing Time: 10:30 p.m.

Display Location: Kahala Hotel and Resort
Display Date: December 31, 2014
Firing Time: Midnight

Display Location: Barge Offshore of Waikiki
Display Date: December 31, 2014
Firing Time: Midnight

Display Location: Kakaako Waterfront Park
Display Date: December 31, 2014
Firing Time: 9 p.m., 10 p.m., 11 p.m., Midnight

Display Location: Ko O’lina New Year’s Celebration
Display Date: December 31, 2014
Firing Time: Midnight

HONOLULU (AP) – The Ewa community on Oahu will soon be getting a new park that spans nearly 19 acres and is complete with athletic fields.

The park is over ten years in the making. It will have basketball and volleyball courts and a baseball field.

Courtesy: City & County of Honolulu

The improvements were a gift to the city from developer Haseko totaling more than $5 million.

The new park comes at a critical time because the James Campbell High School athletic field will close for repairs this month.

Councilwoman Kymberly Pine who represents the area says the park will impact the community for years to come.

A dedication ceremony will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of Keoneula Boulevard and Ft. Weaver Road.

– Hawaii News Now Article

City and County of Honolulu Logo

NEWS RELEASE

MAYOR KIRK CALDWELL

COUNCILMEMBER KYMBERLY MARCOS PINE

CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

‘EWA BEACH – The ‘Ewa community will soon be able to enjoy 18.75 acres of open park space furnished with amenities and improvements including athletic courts and a baseball field ready for use.

 

A park dedication ceremony will be held on Monday, December 15, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the long awaited new District Park in ‘Ewa at the corner of Keone‘ula Boulevard and Ft. Weaver Road.  The park’s official address is 91-201 Kaimele Place.

District Park in Ewa Arial View

 

Over ten years in the making, the park will open with improvements including basketball courts, volleyball courts, a baseball field, comfort station, and a parking lot with over one hundred stalls.

 

The improvements were gifted to the city by developer Haseko totaling over $5 million dollars. “We are very happy to give this beautiful park to the community to enjoy for years to come,” said Haseko President Tom Sagawa.

 

“I am very excited to see the families in our community enjoy this much needed and anticipated new park,” said Councilmember Kymberly Pine. “Our children are able to have their little league practice and play games immediately in the park because of the generous giving of our community partner,” and added, “The park will impact our community for years to come.”

 

“This new park is a great example of a public private partnership benefitting O‘ahu residents. With millions of dollars of improvements by Haseko, the developer of homes in the area, and with the assistance of the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation, we are pleased to open this new park that ‘Ewa families will enjoy for years to come. I thank Councilmember Kymberly Pine for bringing this project to the finish line so we are able to open the park now.”

 

The opening of the new park comes at a critical time for the ‘Ewa Community. The James Campbell High School athletic field will close for repairs this month. With a shortage of playing fields in the area, athletic programs were scrambling to find a place to hold practice had the park not opened this month.


DSC_0219 cropped

Councilmember Pine represents residents of District One (Ewa, Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Honokai Hale, Ko Olina, Nanakuli, Maili, Waianae, Makaha, Keaau, Makua). More information at https://www.councilmemberpine.com/

DSC_0245 cropped

Click here for directions to the park. Note that the Google satellite image shows the park under construction, and it is now completed. Current photos are attached. The park has not yet been officially named.

 

hart, honolulu, authority, rapid, transportation, news, release, july, 2014, kapolei, ewa, farrington, highway

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) would like to inform drivers about lane closures for the week of December 14-20 as related to design and construction work for the Honolulu rail transit project. Motorists are advised that work along the 20-mile rail route from East Kapolei to Ala Moana Center will require lane closures during non-peak traffic hours.
For the safety of both the work crews and motorists, the public is advised to proceed with caution through these areas. Drivers should anticipate possible traffic delays or use alternate routes during work hours, and provide a safe distance between their vehicles and workers and equipment.
EAST KAPOLEI/EWA (FARRINGTON HIGHWAY)
Seven days a week through the end of January 2015
Kualakai Parkway (North-South Road) to Old FortWeaver Road
Farrington Highway between Kualakai Parkway (North-South Road) and Old Fort Weaver Road Loop is closed in both directions through January 2015 for utility relocation and column work. Drivers travelling between East Kapolei and the Ewa/Waipahu region will still be able to access either side by using either the H-1 Freeway on the north end of Kualakai Parkway, or Kapolei Parkway/Geiger Road on the south end.

Keahumoa Parkway in East Kapolei
One westbound lane of Keahumoa Parkway in East Kapolei is closed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

H-1 FREEWAYWAIAWA INTERCHANGE
Monday through Thursday between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.
H-1/H-2 Freeways near Leeward Community College

The two inside eastbound lanes of the H-1 Freeway approaching the H-1/H-2 merge (Waiawa Interchange) will be closed overnight next week. Construction of the rail guideway over the H-1 Freeway in this area is scheduled to run until 2016.

WAIPAHU (FARRINGTON HIGHWAY)
Monday through Friday lane closures

Leoku Street to Leokane Street
One westbound lane of Farrington Highway between Leoku and Leokane streets is closed weeknights between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. The northbound lane of Leoku Street is closed weeknights from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.Work in the area is scheduled to run through 2015.

Leokane Street to Pupukahi Street
The outside lanes of Farrington Highway are closed weeknights between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Side-street through traffic and left turns will also be restricted weeknights during those same times.Work in the area is scheduled to run through 2015.

Waikele Road to Aniani Place
The outside lanes of Farrington Highway on weeknights are closed between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Side-street through traffic and left turns will also be restricted weeknights during those same times.

Waipahu Depot Road to Mokuola Street
A portion of the eastbound lanes of Farrington Highway on weeknights are closed between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Mokuola Street to Kahualii Street

Traffic will be contraflowed along Farrington Highway in this area. Drivers may be diverted to a temporary lane on the other side of the road. Two eastbound lanes of Farrington Highway will be open from 5 a.m. to 8:30a.m. Two westbound lanes will be open from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Left turns will be restricted at the Paiwa Street intersection

Left turns at Moloalo Street will be restricted from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays

PEARL CITY (KAMEHAMEHA HIGHWAY)
Please note that lane closure times have been adjusted along Kamehameha Highway in Pearl City and Aiea for the remainder of the holiday season:

No daytime lane closures are scheduled along Kamehameha Highway from Monday, December 15 to Sunday, January 4, 2015.

Also starting Monday, December 15 to Friday, December 19, evening lane closures along Kamehameha Highway will not begin until after 10 p.m.

Eastbound lane closures will run Monday through Friday from 10 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., and westbound lane closures will run weeknights from 10:30 p.m. to 7 a.m.

There will be no day or evening lane closures along Kamehameha Highway from December 22 to January 4. Rail work will resume on Monday, January 5. Monday through Friday lane closures

Waiawa Road toWaimano Home Road
Two westbound lanes of Kamehameha Highway are closed weeknights between 10:30 p.m. and 7 a.m. Two eastbound lanes of Kamehameha Highway are closed overnight between 10 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.

The eastbound lane of Kamehameha Highway betweenWaihona Street and the merge at Farrington Highway/Kamehameha Highway are closed weeknights between 11:30 p.m. and 5 a.m.

The westbound lanes of Kamehameha Highway nearWaiawa Road are closed weeknights between 10:30 p.m. and 7 a.m. Traffic will be contraflowed to the eastbound side of the highway. Utility relocation work in area scheduled to run until mid-2015

Puu Poni Street to Kaonohi Street

Two westbound lanes of Kamehameha Highway are closed overnight between 10:30 p.m. and 7 a.m. with various left-turn pocket restrictions. Two eastbound lanes of Kamehameha Highway are also closed overnight between 10 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.Westbound drivers along Kamehameha Highway near Hekaha Street will be contraflowed to the eastbound side of the highway on weeknights between 10:30 p.m. and 7 a.m.

PEARL CITY (KAMEHAMEHA HIGHWAY)
Puu Poni Street to Kaonohi Street

One eastbound lane of Kamehameha Highway near Kuleana Road (HECOWaiau power plant) and fronting Neal Blaisdell Park near Kaahumanu Street also remains closed 24/7 until early 2015. Left turns at Kuleana Road are also restricted during utility operations only. Utility relocation work in area scheduled to run until mid-2015

AIEA/ALOHA STADIUM (KAMEHAMEHA HIGHWAY)
Monday through Friday lane closures

Lipoa Place to Pali Momi Street
One eastbound lane of Kamehameha Highway near the Pearl Kai Shopping
Center remains closed 24/7.

Pali Momi Street to Honomanu Street
Two westbound lanes of Kamehameha Highway are closed between 10:30 p.m. and 7 a.m. Two eastbound lanes are closed between 10 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. with various left-turn pocket restrictions.

One eastbound lane of Kamehameha Highway near McGrew Point will remain closed 24/7 until the end of the year.

Eastbound drivers along Kamehameha Highway near Honomanu Street will be contraflowed to the westbound side of the highway on weeknights between 10:30 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Utility work scheduled to run until the end of the year. Near Aloha Stadium Westbound drivers along Kamehameha Highway will be contraflowed to the eastbound side of the highway on weeknights between 10:30 p.m. and 7 a.m.

For updates on work days and times, visit the project website at www.honolulutransit.org or contact our hotline at 566-2299

City and County of Honolulu Logo

NEWS RELEASE
MAYOR KIRK CALDWELL
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU

Route E Photo

TheBus Country Express! Route E extended to provide direct service from Ewa to Waikīkī

Transportation Director Mike Formby (right) outlines the bus service improvements, with (left-to-right) Mayor Caldwell and Councilmembers Pine and Menor

 

Waikīkī – Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Honolulu City Councilmembers Ron Menor and Kymberly Pine, and Director of Transportation Services Mike Formby announced that TheBus has expand the coverage area for CountryExpress! Route E effective as of Sunday, December 7. This will provide safe, direct service from Ewa to Waikīkī for the many hotel workers and others commuting in from Ewa seven days a week.

Mayor Caldwell pledged to make the restoration of reliable and efficient bus service a priority for his administration. This extension restores and improves upon the CountryExpress! Route E service that was in place prior to the deep cuts in bus services implemented by a previous administration in 2012. Those cuts shortened this route by eliminating service to Waikīkī and ending service downtown.

Councilmembers Menor and Pine pushed hard for this route improvement and helped to make funds available. As a result, CountryExpress! Route E will be restored to provide service along Kapi‘olani Boulevard, Ala Moana Boulevard, Kālia Road, Kalākaua Avenue, and Monsarrat Avenue.

In addition to restoring the original routing through Waikīkī and adding new stops on Kapi‘olani Boulevard at Kamakee Street and on Ala Moana Boulevard at Ala Moana Center, downtown routing will be revised in response to customer feedback:
• Downtown stops eastbound will be on Bishop at Hotel, King at Punchbowl Street, and Kapi‘olani Boulevard at South Street
• Downtown stops westbound will be on Alapa‘i Street at King Street, Beretania Street at Punchbowl Street, and Hotel Street at Alakea Street
• Three downtown stops will no longer be served by Route E: Punchbowl Street at Hawai‘i State Library, Punchbowl Street makai of King Street, and Ala Moana Boulevard at Richards Street.

For additional information, the public may contact TheBus at 848-5555 or visit www.thebus.org.

 

Mayor Caldwell restored or improved the following routes since taking office last year:
• CountryExpress! Route C from Makaha to Ala Moana
• Route 5 (Ala Moana-Mānoa)
• Route 13 (Liliha-Waikīkī -UH Mānoa)
• Route 14 (St. Louis-Wai‘alae-Maunalai)
• Route 55 (Ala Moana-Kane‘ohe-Hale‘iwa)
• Route 1L (Kalihi-Hawaii Kai)
• Route 2L (Kalihi-Waikīkī)
• Route 501 (Mililani Mauka)
• Route 504 (Mililani Mauka)

——————————–
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2014
——————————–

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii – The Army is advising motorists of upcoming convoys along H2 Freeway and Farrington Highway the morning of Dec. 8 and the afternoon of Dec. 12, as units conduct training at Makua Military Reservation.

Military convoys will consist of no more than five (5) vehicles, of varying types, traveling from Schofield Barracks to Makua Military Reservation. Approximately 20 vehicles total will be involved.

Units will make every effort possible to avoid travelling during peak traffic hours.

The Army is coordinating this effort with the Honolulu Police Department.

Motorists are advised to be alert and drive with care.

The Army in Hawaii appreciates the community’s understanding and continued support of local Soldiers and their families. Operations represent how the Army ensures our nation’s Soldiers are ready to accomplish any mission.

To report concerns related to the convoy movement please call the U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii (USAG-HI) Concern Line at 656-3487. The USAG-HI Public Affairs Office will contact you about your concern during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

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Click here for the Country Express Route E Schedule. 

 

Bus riders from the Ewa plain will soon have a faster way to get to Waikiki.

About two years ago, the popular Route-E country express was cut due to budget concerns. But starting Sunday, the original route returns.

Ewa residents who work in Waikiki will no longer have to get off in downtown Honolulu and catch another bus to Waikiki.

“City bus services are a core function of what we’re supposed to be doing here,” said City Councilmember Kymberly Pine, “and I think that we got a little away from that in previous administrations, and our constituents have said loud and clear that this is a core function that we never want to see cut again.”

The City Council and Mayor Caldwell are looking to restore more routes by finding money in the budget. There’s a list of 25 under consideration.

KHON News Article