98-456 Kaahele Street Aiea, Hawaii 96701 Newtown Quarterly Phone: (808) 487-3806 Fax: (808) 487-3000 Email: [email protected] Spring Edition, March - May 2020 Website: newtownestates.org Newtown Recreation Center Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, except holidays. Entrance doors close 45- READ ABOUT: minutes prior to closing time. *Closure of Recreation Center-see page 1 *Greenbelt-page 4 *General Manager’s Message-page 2 *RC Insight-page 5 *BOD Meetings, Motions-page 2 *Recycle Presentation-page 5 *Dear NECA Corner-page 3 *NNSW-pages 6-7 *Underground Utility Lines-page 4 *Scouting News-pages 7-9
ASSOCIATION NEWS
Newtown Recreation Center – Continued Closure
In an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our residents, members, guests, and employees, the Newtown Recreation Center will remain closed until further notice. Additionally, the following meetings, programs, rentals, and events have all been canceled:
March Meetings (NECA Committees, Newtown Neighborhood Security Watch (NNSW), Sub- Associations, the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts) Free Activities and Paid Classes Sports Program (PAL Volleyball League) March and April Facility Rentals Easter Fun Event
Refunds for the PAL Volleyball League, Facility Rentals, and the Easter Fun Event are being processed by Hawaiian Properties and will be mailed to the address on file within 2-3 weeks.
Updates and details concerning the use of the facilities will be communicated through email blasts to residents and members. If you would like to add your email address to the database of the Newtown Estates Community Association (NECA), please send a request to [email protected].
During the closure of the Recreation Center, employees on duty are cleaning and disinfecting areas of the Recreation Center.
NECA encourages members and residents, as well as employees, to monitor your personal health and to call your doctor if you exhibit the following symptoms:
Thank you for your understanding and stay well.
Newtown Quarterly, March – May 2020 Page 2
A Message from the General Manager Basic Protective Measures
There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure to the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyday protective measures to help prevent the spread of this and other respiratory diseases. See below.
Avoid contact with sick people. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, especially with unwashed hands. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a household cleaning spray or wipe. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least sixty (60%) percent alcohol. Maintain social distancing.
Please take care of your health and protect others by practicing these protective measures.
Sincerely, D. Jang and Board of Directors
Board of Directors Meetings, Motions through February 2020
Motion to Approve: Result Voting by Directors
Employee Bonuses for 2019 Passed 7 in favor/0 opposed Merit increases of 3.4% to employees with a Passed 7 in favor/0 opposed satisfactory or better performance evaluation Scheduling the Annual Meeting on Wednesday, Passed 8 in favor/0 opposed August 12, 2020 Imua Landscaping’s proposal in the amount of Passed 7 in favor/0 opposed $4,712.04 to trim seven trees behind the preschool, rec hall, and maintenance building and cut down one tree located near the wading pool. Central Pacific Specialty Contractors’ proposal Passed 7 in favor/0 opposed in the amount of $7,340.00 to remove the existing grout and install new caulking around the large swimming pool. American Coating’s proposal in the amount of Passed 7 in favor/0 opposed $19,000.00 to repair the cracks on the swimming pool deck. Total Fitness USA’s proposal in the amount of Passed 7 in favor/0 opposed $3,499.00 to purchase an elliptical machine.
NECA Board meetings are scheduled on the first Wednesday of each month. Board meetings are held at the Recreation Center and begin promptly at 7 p.m. All homeowners are welcome to attend. Please complete the attendance sheet as you enter the Upstairs Lounge.
Newtown Quarterly, March – May 2020 Page 3
Architectural Design and Covenant Enforcement Department “Dear NECA Corner”
The Architectural Design and Covenant Enforcement Department would like to welcome you back to “Dear NECA Corner.” This column addresses questions regarding architectural and covenant inquiries posed by property owners and residents of NECA. If you have a question and would like to have it addressed by the Architectural and Covenant Enforcement Department, email [email protected].
Dear NECA Corner, I have a couple of spare bedrooms and was looking to rent them out. A friend of mine who resides in Honolulu rents out her spare bedrooms through a website called Airbnb and makes a considerable amount of extra income per month. Are short-term rentals allowed in the Newtown Community? – Rooms to Spare
Dear Rooms to Spare, No, short-term rentals are not allowed in the Newtown Community. As stated in the Master Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions (MDCCR) of the Newtown Estates Community Association (NECA) under Article III, Section 3.02(c), “Each lot shall be used exclusively for residential purposes, and no more than one family (including its servants and transient guests) shall occupy such lot…”.
Not only are short-term rentals not permitted in the community, the Honolulu City Council recently adopted Bill 89, also known as Ordinance 19-18, and effective August 1, 2019, the new regulations imposes stricter penalties and fines on illegal operators of short-term rentals. For example, an owner or operator of a bed and breakfast home must register with the department and submit an application for registration to include, among other things, a confirmation that the bed and breakfast home is permitted by the applicable homeowners association, which NECA prohibits.
NECA property owners should be aware that fines for any form of illegal short-term rental advertising ranges from $1,000 to $10,000 for each day the ad remains on display on hosting platforms such as Airbnb, Expedia, VRBO, etc.
Additionally, short-term rentals are beginning to change the character and quality of life in neighborhoods due to the increased tourism activity. Related complaints include trash, illegal parking, loud noises or parties, and increased traffic. Searches for approved short-term rentals may be conducted at the City and County of Honolulu Short-Term Rentals website at www.honolulu.gov/dppstr/approved-strs.html. -NECA
If you suspect your neighbor is illegally renting out their property and would like to file a complaint, contact the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting. Complaints may be submitted using one of the following methods:
Written Formal Complaint: Mail to the Department of Planning and Permitting, Memo: STR, 650 South King Street, 7th floor, Honolulu, HI 96813 On-line Complaint Portal: Visit website at www.honolulu.gov/dppstr/report-a-violation.html Complaint Phone Hotline: Call the office at (808) 768-8127
All reports submitted to the Department of Planning and Permitting and any personal information are kept confidential. You will need to provide the location address, apartment number of the unit (if applicable), advertisement information, and any pertinent information when reporting the violation. For more information, contact the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting:
Website: www.honoluludpp.org Email: [email protected]
Newtown Quarterly, March – May 2020 Page 4
Underground Utility Lines
Do you know where your underground utilities are located? If you answered no, hold-off on digging up your property until the underground utility lines are located and marked. These lines should be identified prior to starting projects that require any digging such as landscaping, installing a fence or mailbox, building a deck or patio, and installing a pool or pond, etc.
Contact the Hawaii One Call Center before you dig. Located in Oregon, the call center is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and can be reached at 1-866-423-7287 (or dialing 8-1-1). For more information, visit www.call811.com/start-here/homeowners.
Steps to take for Homeowners:
1. Notify the Hawaii One Call Center at least five (5) working days but no more than twenty- eight (28) calendar days prior to the start of your project. 2. Wait for a few days for affected utility operators to respond to your request. 3. Confirm that all affected utility operators have responded to your request. 4. Respect the marks provided by the affected utility operators for the duration of your project. 5. Dig carefully and avoid digging near the marks.
Don't make a judgment call and put yourself and the community at risk. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in damages to gas, electric, communication, water and sewer lines, which can lead to service disruptions, serious injuries and costly repairs. Keep the community safe.
Greenbelt
The Greenbelt area is conservation land owned by the Newtown Estates Community Association (NECA), but under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). The individual owners of the lots located along the conservation district interface will be responsible for the landscaping and maintenance of the firebreak buffer. As a landowner along the Greenbelt, you are not mandated to create a buffer, but instead have an option to develop one.
NECA is not obligated to clear the thirty (30) foot barriers in the Greenbelt, nor bear the cost to trim, cut, or remove any grasses, plants, or trees, in addition to vegetation planted by property owners and residents. Residents whose properties border the Greenbelt may enter for maintenance; however, you will be doing so at your own risk. Safety and caution should be exercised when maintaining the vegetation along the perimeter of your properties.
NECA and property owners may not remove or cut any trees in the Greenbelt area without first obtaining an approval from DLNR.
Please note: The ridge along the right side of Royal Summit as you are heading up Kaahele Street does not belong to NECA. This area is privately owned by a landowner.
Newtown Quarterly, March – May 2020 Page 5
RECREATION CENTER NEWS
“RC Insight”
Welcome back to “RC Insight”. This column focuses on issues and concerns regarding the Recreation Center and its premises. Please email your questions to [email protected].
Dear RC Insight, I have started my spring cleaning and noticed that I have accumulated a lot of stuff that I don’t want or need anymore. I don’t want to drive to one of the City Refuse Convenience Centers to drop these items off, or wait for the collection date for bulky item pickup. As a property owner, am I allowed to use the
Recreation Center’s dumpsters to dispose of my items? –Spring Cleaner
Dear Spring Cleaner, No, the dumpsters are reserved for the Recreation Center and its premises only. Section N, Item 1 of the Newtown Estates Community Association (NECA) Recreation Center & Premises Rules & Regulations states, “The two (2) trash bins located in the parking lot area is for the exclusive use of the Recreation Center. Dumping or disposal of personal household trash or green waste is expressly prohibited.”
If you have items that someone could use, instead of tossing or throwing them away, please consider donating them to one of the many non-profit organizations on Oahu. A few of these organizations will even pick up the items you are donating. Some non-profit organizations that may benefit from your donation are Goodwill, Salvation Army, Big Brother Big Sister Hawaii, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii, and Savers.
Additionally, donating to such non-profit organizations will allow you to take advantage of a tax deduction. Be sure to ask for a donation receipt. -NECA
Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Recover Presentation Submitted by Ginny Sato
Why is managing my trash so important? Doesn’t everything get burned up at the City’s H-POWER (Honolulu Program of Waste Energy Recovery) facility? It is important because although non-recyclables are sent to the H-Power facility, the resulting ash and non-burnable trash end up in our two, limited capacity landfills. Once full, the landfill area can only be used for a park.
On February 27, 2020, Recycling Branch Chief Henry Gabriel, of the Department of Environmental Services, held a free and informative Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Recover presentation at the Newtown Recreation Center. Mr. Gabriel stressed the importance of preventing or diverting our trash before it reaches our landfills. This process can be done by reducing what we throw away, using only recyclable packaged items, only disposing items specified on our recycle bins, and supporting companies that enable us to reuse or donate discarded clothing, housewares, appliances, furniture and building materials.
The Department of Environmental Services offers several recycling tours throughout the year, if you are interested in attending one of the city’s Tour de Trash tours or have any questions on Hawaii’s waste management, please visit their website at www.opala.org or call (808) 768-3200.
Newtown Quarterly, March – May 2020 Page 6
COMMUNITY NEWS
Newtown Neighborhood Security Watch (NNSW) Program
Submitted by NNSW Program Coordinator Kathy Ebey
Aloha, from your Newtown Neighborhood Security Watch (NNSW) Coordinator. Since I prepared my last newsletter article on November 12, 2019, our community experienced zero burglaries, car thefts, robberies, and drugs, one assault, two property damages, three thefts, and six car break-ins to finish out 2019.
Thus far in 2020, we have experienced zero burglaries, robberies, assaults, property damages, and drugs, one car theft, a rape, four thefts and four car break-ins. The total crime count from November 13, 2019 through February 23, 2020 was 22 - a really SMALL number of crimes for a neighborhood our size. Keep up the good work by filing reports with the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) and by keeping your eyes and ears open.
On Monday, January 27, 2020, many residents attended an excellent NNSW & NECA Safety & Security Program on Active Shooter (now broadened to Critical Incident) Training presented by HPD. A couple of major points everyone should remember are:
1. When faced with a critical incident situation your best option is to shelter in place; your second option is to escape the facility, or move to a safer part of it; and your third option is to fight back. 2. When help arrives their first task is to get the bad guys, their second task is to save the already injured, and their third task is to sort out who everybody is, what they saw, who needs assistance, etc. Stay where you are. Do not get up and rush toward the rescuers. If you do stand or move, hold your hands over your head so they can see you don’t have a weapon. If they tell you to lay face-down on the ground, DO IT. You can sort things out later.
Let’s hope none of us are ever faced with a Critical Incident situation. Something else we learned is when you enter a facility (restaurant, night club, bar, store, etc.) take a quick look around to see where the exits are, or where the easiest-to-break windows are. Many people die in night club fires because, in addition to being impaired from drinking alcohol, the smoke is thick and they have no idea where any of the exits are. All of you know about having an escape plan for your family from your home so do a mini-escape plan every time you enter a public building.
Our HPD representative is schedule to attend some advance training in the area of Critical Incident events so a follow-on program may be scheduled later in the year.
Now let’s talk about car break-ins, since that seems to be our “high” area lately. The following are some common-sense suggestions to keep yourself and your car safe:
1. Don’t leave your car unlocked, even when it is sitting in your garage (with the door open), in your carport, in your driveway, or in front of your house. 2. Don’t leave your car running when it is unattended or unlocked. 3. Don’t leave a spare key “on” your vehicle, such as that spare key under your car that all thieves check for first thing. 4. Don’t leave the windows of an unattended car open or slightly cracked, even if it is scorching hot during the summer. 5. When away from home, park in well-lit public areas since thieves tend to avoid areas that are highly visible and brightly lit. 6. Don’t leave property of any value in your car, even if it is locked. Windows are easy to break and many locks are easy to open. And if you must leave something of value in the trunk, or hidden in the back seat area, put it there before you get to the parking area, not while a thief is watching what you do after you park your car.
Newtown Quarterly, March – May 2020 Page 7
Newtown Neighborhood Security Watch (NNSW) Program (continued)
7. Install an audible alarm system and a visible anti-theft device. Thieves tend to avoid cars with alarms and anti-theft devices. 8. Most important, use common sense. If you are in a public area and are wary of the safety of your car, or see someone loitering around the area, it’s best to park somewhere else. It’s better to walk a few extra steps or pay to park in a supervised parking structure/lot, than to have your car broken into because you ignored your instincts. 9. When parking in a public area, don’t leave your registration and/or garage door opener in the car. Thieves will now know where you live and how to get inside of your garage. 10. If your car is broken into, it is best to report it to HPD before you leave the parking area. There may be external clues that would help lead them to the thief. There also may be witnesses that HPD can interview.
And, finally, we are entering our hot season so please make sure that you never leave an unattended young child, an elderly person, or a pet in a parked car unless it is running with the air conditioning is on. Even with the windows cracked, a car can become deadly in a short period of time. Let’s all stay safe, and always be cognizant of your surroundings, to include your neighbors’ homes and property.
As usual, I will end with a pitch for volunteers to become Block Captains for their immediate neighbors. We still have areas that are “uncovered”, leaving those residents vulnerable to bad things happening. If you are interested, please leave your contact information with the Front Desk personnel at the Recreation Center and they will see that it gets to me so I can get back in touch with you. Thank you.
Scouting News
Submitted and written by Nel Miyashiro
November/December 2019
Ko’olina Thanksgiving Outreach Service
Caleb, Joey, Kellen, Noah, Assistant Scoutmaster, Mrs. Michelle Nater and Mr. Ryan Kuwahara spent 4 hours assisting The City of Joy Assembly of God Church during their Thanksgiving lunch to the homeless and seniors in their community. They assisted with various duties such as greeting the attendees, serving meals, and managing the parking as attendants. They surely accomplished their good deed, “Good Turn” (A Scout is Helpful) serving the less fortunate. Photos by Luana DeSoto
Winter Summit
A few Scouts from Troop 488 braved (A Scout is Brave) the winter elements of Camp Pupukea as they camped for 5 nights with Assistant Scoutmaster, Mr. Ryan Ota and Mr. Ricky Murata. The Scouts spent 6-7 hours a day in their merit badge sessions gaining the knowledge from expert adult volunteers. Together, the Scouts earned approximately 25 merit badges as they continue their journey in scouting as they progress towards earning Eagle. Photos by Ryan Ota
Newtown Quarterly, March – May 2020 Page 8
Scouting News (continued)
Aiea Community Association Annual Christmas Parade
Troop 488 and their younger brother, Cub scouts and siblings participated in Aiea’s Christmas Parade. They marched cheerfully (A Scout is Cheerful) in occasional rain, wearing their Christmas hats as they shared their Christmas spirits while handing out candies to the parade spectators along the route.
January 2020 Photos by Albert Rivera Hilo, Big Island Volcano Trip Submitted by Nel Miyashiro and response written by Scoutmaster, Albert Rivera
“Wow! With our spectacular January Hilo and Kīlauea adventure trip in the books, Troop 488 sure started the
2020-year with a Homerun. Having the opportunity to learn about how Mother Earth is making more 'Terra Firma' and seeing the power of Tūtū Pele was incredible. Experiencing the grand large Kilauea Caldera and driving down the
Chain of Craters road all the way to the ocean of volcanic cliffs made for numerous majestic trail hikes. Studying
Hawaiian petroglyphs gave us a glimpse and records of how the ancient Hawaiians lived. We then had a brief visit at the 80-foot Rainbow Falls where legends say that the cave beneath the waterfall was the home of Hina, mother of the demigod Maui. A final stop at the Big Island Candies factory fulfilled our sweet tooth cravings and omiyage essentials. We certainly had countless fantastic experiences that made for an unforgettable adventure.
A HUGE THANK YOU to Mr. Rich Montano and family for organizing, arranging and planning this wonderful Troop excursion. It was so much fun that we look forward to our next adventure! A special Mahalo to Mrs. Nel Miyashiro, SM Mrs. Michelle Nater, Mrs. Linda Lau, and Mr. Travis Miyashiro for the love and helping to make sure the troop had the meals to keep our energy levels up. Lastly, Thank you SMs Mr. Tim Parker, Mr. Ryan Ota, Mr. Eric Chow and Mr. Ken Nakasone for driving the vans and making sure that all were accounted for. The Troop is certainly blessed to have many people that made this trip a safe and very memorable adventure”!
Photos by Albert Rivera
Newtown Quarterly, March – May 2020 Page 9
(continued)
February 2020 Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Campout with Webelos
Every year, Troop 488 invite Webelo Cub Scouts for camping fun and advancements. They educate and introduce scouting skills in the outdoors while having fun. This year, the Webelos partnered with an older scout to learn knot tying, using compass skills on a course, knife safety and implementing their skills in the axe yard, and competed in water boiling during the day. At dinner, each scout, leader, and guests created their own hobo hamburger meal (foil meal) to cook over an open fire. During the evening, they learned fire safety and participated in flag retirement ceremony during campfire as Eagle Scout, Eric Rivera gracefully played the bugle. It was a fun and intimate camp for the Webelos as they consider continuing their scouting journey in Boy Scouts Photos by Albert Rivera some day. Thank you to Scoutmaster, Mr. Albert Rivera and Assistant Scout- masters, Mr. Richard Montano, Mrs. Michelle Nater, and Mr. Eric Chow for assisting the Scouts.
Ka’iwi Channel/Makapu’u Lighthouse Hike
A few Scouts hiked 2 miles on a beautiful, sunny Sunday on the Makapu’u trail. Once they ascended to the top, the view was spectacular and the ocean was enticing to swim once they descended the trail.
March 2020 Photos by Ricky Murata Tripler Fisher House Service Project
Troop 488 scouts participated in a service project assisting the military community. Fisher House I and II, located on the grounds of Tripler Medical Center is a “home away from home” for military families and patients receiving medical treatment. Troop 488 scouts assisted in the kitchen pantry. They transported canned foods from the storage to the kitchen, labeled each canned food, and organized the labeled cans onto 6 shelves. They diligently organized an assembly line to accomplish the tasks within 3 hours. Committee Chair, Mrs. Anne Kaya, Assistant Scoutmasters, Mr. Ryan Ota and Mrs. Michelle Nater assisted with assembling new room keys for the guests. Thank you all for being so helpful! (A Scout is Helpful).
***The Boy Scout Troop meets every Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. in the Arts & Crafts room, unless otherwise noted. Boys ages 11 to 17 years interested in joining the Troop, please call or text Mr. Albert Riviera, Scoutmaster, at (808) 292-8331, or email: [email protected].
***Boys ages 5 to 10 years interested in joining the Cub Scout Pack 488 with Cubmaster, Michael Redira, Pack information inquiries, please contact Dawn Shin by email: [email protected] or text at (808) 722-8680. Photos by Nel Miyashiro