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POLL RESULTS: Do you support “Safe Zones”?

As the City Council continues to consider solutions to improve public safety and quality of life for residents, we continue to seek your input on the critical issue of homelessness.
Last week, I polled residents on Safe Zones as a tool to help curb homelessness.  Here are the results:
According to the results:

  • 31% of respondents were “Very Against”;
  • 12% were “Somewhat Against”;
  • 2% were “Neutral”;
  • 16% “Somewhat Support”;
  • 39% “Very Support” the idea of safe zones in our community.

General comments included:

SUPPORT
AGAINST
Implementation of “safe zones” will cost less than sweeps and be less disruptive to homeless individuals/families. Instead, the City should focus on building more shelters and expanding mental health services.
Providing shelter and assistance in designated areas will be beneficial for the homeless. These safe zones can quickly become “unsafe zones” if rules/regulations are not implemented.
Hawaiian Puuhonua tradition: Create a safe space/sanctuary where residents have the ability and responsibility to sustain themselves. May create an attitude of reliance in which homeless individuals will not seek to move into permanent housing.
There should be one in every district, not just certain areas on our island. Does not create a permanent solution for homelessness.
Some believe that sanctioning Safe Zones, as described in Resolution 17-227, will offer people experiencing homelessness a place to stay without fear, while also providing sanitary shared bathroom and kitchen spaces. Moreover, these places could make it easier for social service providers to find and work with homeless individuals.
Nevertheless, the administration and other observers also shared concerns about public safety, health and whether setting up and policing these ‘zones’ would be the most effective way to spend limited city, state and federal dollars earmarked for homeless relief.
At Tuesday’s meeting, the Committee considered these concerns and expanded its suggestion to urge the administration to look at other forms of homeless relief that could be a more efficient way to move people off the street, including – urban rest stops, navigation centers and community/social service centers.
I look forward to working with all stakeholders to help our families experiencing homelessness, off the street and into transitional and eventually – permanent supportive housing.  If you have any thoughts or comments you would like to share with me, feel free to email me at kmpine@honolulu.gov.
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Over $42 million in projects coming to Leeward Oahu

I am happy to share that at the June 7th Full Council meeting, in an unanimous decision, the Honolulu City Council finalized the City’s Budget, approving over $42 million in funding for projects on the Leeward Coast!

Mahalo residents for your tremendous support & testimony.  Throughout the past year, residents have expressed which projects & improvements are important to help maintain and/or improve our quality of life here on the Leeward Coast.  This is a result of your hard work & community support.

 

Here’s a look at some of the many projects we are proud to bring to our district:  

Improving Transportation

 

MAKAKILO DRIVE EXTENSION

$1,500,000 to finish the design of the Makakilo Drive Extension – a second access roadway from Makakilo Drive to the H-1 Freeway.

  

PAPIPI ROAD COMPLETE STREETS IMPLEMENTATION

$5,300,000 to apply complete streets environment to Papipi Road (Ewa Beach) to improve safety for all keiki and pedestrians in Ewa Beach. 

 

IMPROVING KAMOKILA BOULEVARD AND KAPOLEI PARKWAY

$30,000,000 for planning, design, construction and related improvements to streets throughout Oahu, including streets in Kapolei like Kamokila Boulevard and Kapolei Parkway. As of this month, Kamokila Boulevard is scheduled for repaving by October.

 

Revitalizing Our Parks & Recreation Programs

 

IMPROVING KAPOLEI REGIONAL PARK

$2,000,000 for update of irrigation system, design & construction of master planned improvements– including a gym recreation building & swimming pool, and installation of security features at the park– including security cameras and the replacement of park lights with LED fixtures. 

 

IMPROVING ONEULA BEACH PARK

$1,000,000 to plan, design, construct & inspect for master planned park improvements, and purchase equipment for security lighting, fencing and irrigation improvements throughout the park. 

  

IMPROVING MAILI BEACH PARK, KALANIANAOLE BEACH PARK & POKAI BAY

$2,000,000 for additional trees at Maili Beach Park, master planned improvements at Kalanianaole Beach Park (Nanakuli), and design for water circulation solutions to improve the recreation resources at Pokai Bay Beach Park.

 

LEEWARD COAST SUMMER FUN PACKAGE

$150,000 to provide subsidized and enhanced summer programs for children on the Leeward Coast. 

 

 

Improving Public Safety

 

INCREASING LIFEGUARD COVERAGE IN LEEWARD OAHU

$394,000 for nine (9) new positions in the City’s Ocean Safety division, which include 6 Water Safety Officer I positions to continue expanded service, including a new Rescue 7 unit – Leeward Oahu’s second permanent jet ski rescue unit.

  

WAIANAE FIRE STATION RECONSTRUCTION

$375,000 for design & construction for Waianae Fire Station interior improvements.

 

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City Council questioning Police Commission regarding Chief’s departure

Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine, along with other Councilmembers are voicing their concerns to the Police Commission and HPD regarding the Chief’s departure.  At this time, Councilmember Pine and other Councilmembers are suggesting that the commission’s upcoming vote on the payout be delayed until the council can be briefed.

To read more: http://www.staradvertiser.com/2017/01/11/hawaii-news/council-questions-chiefs-departure/

 

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Influent Pump Station Odor Control System Project coming in 2017

Councilmember Pine recently met with the Honolulu Department of Environmental Services and AECOM, who is currently working on odor control in the Honouliuli Wastewater Basin and the Honouliuli WWTP, to improve the influent pump station as well as odors in the sewer system.

Construction will soon begin on a new Influent Pump Station Odor Control System to replace the existing system. This project should start construction in 2017, with completion and startup in 2019. This project will alleviate the odors many residents have experienced in the area.

If you have any questions, feel free to email kmpine@honolulu.gov.

 

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Fighting Vandalism & Preserving the History of Mauna Lahilahi

Hanale Hopfe, Konohiki and Cultural Practitioner of Waianae recently took Councilmember and staff on a tour to Mauna Lahilahi to discuss the historical significance of this sacred area. The area, that once served as a prime fishing location for ancient Hawaiians and contains petroglyphs, is seeing increasing vandalism and illegal dumping.

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As our Leeward Coast communities continue to grow, Councilmember Pine’s priority is to ensure these sacred areas in our district are preserved, and receive the respect they deserve.

 

Discussions are currently taking place on how we can come together as a community to encourage our residents and the City to become better stewards of our land.

 

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Assisting the Knights of Columbus with Waianae Cleanup

The Knights of Columbus organizes an annual All Souls Day ceremony at the State’s Sacred Hearts Catholic Cemetery in Waianae.  After a recent cleanup, the organization needed urgent assistance with removing the rubbish from the property in anticipation of their service on November 2.

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Knights of Columbus members Sebastian Lopez and Dennis Fortnah contacted my office requesting assistance and in response, we helped organize a community pickup.

 

As a result, Knights of Columbus was able to have their All Souls Day event go as planned!

 

City FYI:  The City’s Department of Environmental Services also waives disposal fees for non-profit organizations who are in need of clearing out waste from a City area.  For more information, go to: http://www.honolulu.gov/env/default.html.

 

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Kapolei FYI: Homeless Forum Tackles the Issues; Seeks Solutions

To read the article in its entirety, click here: http://kapolei.com/media/W1siZiIsIjIwMTYvMTAvMjYvMjFfMTRfNThfMzIyX09jdF8yMDE2LnBkZiJdXQ/Oct%202016.pdf?sha=4ff7b12d

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Working Together to Create a Healthier Leeward Coast

blue-zones-midweek

Working Together to Create a Healthier Leeward Coast

 

As our communities continue to grow, it is important to educate our families on the importance of living a well-rounded lifestyle, which is why I am excited to share with you the Blue Zones Project – an initiative we are coordinating with community stakeholders, to create healthy changes throughout our Leeward Coast.

The Blue Zones Project is a community-wide well-being improvement initiative designed to bring healthy lifestyle choices to our community through permanent changes in environmental, health and food policy.  Together these would transform our state into an even better place to live, work and play by helping residents make long-term changes in their diets, habits, and everyday lifestyle.

As part of our shared commitment to improve the well-being of the state of Hawaii, we are working with the Blue Zones team to secure a “Blue Zone” in Kapolei, Makakilo & the Ewa area.

To start, we hosted a meeting at Island Pacific Academy to inform residents, community leaders, and volunteers about how we can get people, places, and policy in our City engaged and informed about this exciting movement.

This initial meeting was a success, and with widespread support, I am proud to announce that the Phase 1 application to have Kapolei and Ewa designated as Blue Zones Project areas was recently accepted.  The Blue Zones Project is now moving on to Phase 2 of their initiative, which involves a comprehensive site visit of the Kapolei, Makakilo and Ewa Beach Area.  The community will know in October if we are selected as a Blue Zones Project area.

We will need to continue community outreach and demonstrate widespread support in this next phase. To spread the word and educate our residents about this upcoming process, my office will be hosting a community presentation for the Blue Zones Site Selection Committee on Monday, September 26, 2016 at Kapolei High School, taking place at 6:00 p.m.  All residents, ohana and keiki are encouraged to attend and get involved in this project that is happening on our Leeward Coast.

 

For more information, feel free to reach Councilmember Pine at kmpine@honolulu.gov or visit www.CouncilmemberPine.com.

 

 

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New Homes Delivered to Homeless in Waianae

With the goal of relocating squatters from public areas and transitioning them into more permanent housing, a modular housing project has ensued in Waianae. As of Tuesday, installation of three modular housing units has begun which will provide shelter for working homeless families and individuals at city-owned property.

The estimated site work cost is $425,000, including assignments such as clearing overgrowth, removing asbestos, and leveling and landscaping the units to prepare the area for tenants to move by the end of October.

Although many are excited for the project, it has stimulated controversy in the area with concerns including the effects on property value and the safety of the community once tenants arrive.

Additionally, the city is collaborating with community members towards another housing project to be located near Waianae High School. The site is planned to accommodate 75-90 homeless individuals.

To read more, visit: http://www.staradvertiser.com/hawaii-news/new-houss-for-the-homeless-delivered-to-site-in-waianae/

 

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Blue Zones Project – Creating a Healthier Leeward Coast

BZP

 

The Blue Zones Project is a community-wide well-being improvement initiative designed to make healthy choices easier through permanent changes in environment, policy and social networks.

 

As a part of their shared commitment to improve the well-being of the state of Hawaii, Blue Zones is now beginning a second wave of community selection, which includes the Kapolei, Makakilo & Ewa area.

 

Blue Zones Project recently connected with Councilmember Pine’s office to round up community support for their initiative to launch in the Leeward Coast. Councilmember Pine and BZP organizers hosted a meeting at Island Pacific Academy to inform residents, community leaders, and volunteers about how we can get people, places, and policy in our City engaged and informed about this exciting movement.

 

Councilmember Pine is happy to announce that the Phase 1 application to have Kapolei and Ewa designated as Blue Zones Project areas was recently accepted. The Blue Zones Project is now moving on to Phase 2 of their initiative, which involves a comprehensive site visit of the areas. The community will know in October if we are selected as a Blue Zones Project area.

 

Councilmember Pine is hosting a community presentation for the Blue Zones Site Selection Committee on Monday, September 26, 2016 at Island Pacific Academy’s Multi-Purpose Room, taking place at 6:00 p.m. All residents, ohana and keiki are encouraged to attend and get involved in this project that is happening on our Leeward Coast.

 

For more information, feel free to reach Councilmember Pine at kmpine@honolulu.gov or visit www.BlueZonesProject.com.

 

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