The Hawaiian Claims Office has made available a video about the claims process that may be borrowed from the Waimanalo Library. The video is a segment of "Island Insights" hosted by Paula Akana, and features Melody MacKenzie, Executive Director of the Hawaiian Claims Office, and Melissa Seu of the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation.
On the tape, Melody MacKenzie indicates only about 400 claims have been received to date. She suspects most of the estimated 15,000 to 16,000 on the waiting list may have a valid claim as well as many people who are currently on homesteads.
Persons eligible to file a claim are those beneficiaries eligible to receive benefits of homesteading and related programs from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). This includes current homesteaders who received housing with defects, were not allowed on property awarded during the Accelerated Awards Program, and those still on the waiting list. Also eligible to file a claim are those eligible beneficiaries who tried to apply for homesteads but whose application was rejected because they owned property, had too much income, or whose application was lost by DHHL.
August 31, 1995 is the deadline for Native Hawaiians to file a claim against DHHL for a breach of trust that occurred between Statehood and June 30, 1988. Persons wishing to file claims for breaches of trust that occurred after that date may bring suit immediately in the state Circuit Court.
Claims are filed with the Hawaiian Claims Office of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. There is no charge to file a claim. The Hawaiian Claims Office can help arrange free legal assistance for those who cannot afford legal representation. To file a claim call the Hawaiian Claims Office at 586-2826.
The "Island Insights" segment will also be aired on `Olelo, Channel 24 at the following times: Friday, June 30 at 8 pm; Friday, July 7 at 5:30pm; Sunday, July 9 at 4:30 pm; Friday, July 14 at 9 pm; Tuesday, July 18 at 6:30 pm; and Friday, July 28 at 8:30 pm. n
7-11 Requests Liquor Liscense
The 7-11 adjacent to Waimanalo Beach Park has requested a liquor liscense. The Liquor Commision has announced it will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, August 1, at 4 pm at which anyone may express their concerns regarding the granting of a liquor liscense. The public hearing will be held at the Liquor Commission office at 711 Kapiolani Boulevard, suite 600. Comments can be mailed to the Liquor Commission at the same address. n
Neighborhood Board Fails to Elect Chair
The newly elected members of the Waimanalo Neigborhood Board met on June 12, but because the board failed to elect a chair, it could not take a position on matters brought before it. The board members attending the meeting were: Linden Burzell, Gregory Field, Nancy Glover, Jane Gouveia-Simpson, Wilson Ho, and Albert Lewis. Members absent were Phillip Ellsworth, Ben Kama, and Kalani Ohelo.
Business discussed included a resident's concern of the money allocated in the state budget for the planning of the widening or realignment of Kalanianaole Highway. Without taking action, the concensus was that the Board would work to express the community's concerns to the State Department of Transportation.
Discussion was also held on the following issues:
The tear in the fence between Waimanalo School and Kuhimana Street: Several nearby residents and the Housing Finance and Development Corporation would like the whole in the fence closed off. Other residents and the principal of Waimanalo School would like a gate installed for easier access to the school by Waimanalo Village children. The issue is unresolved, with both the Department of Education and HFDC unable or unwilling to pay to have the fence closed or a gate installed.
Board Budget: The board has no money to advertise this month in the Waimanalo News. The budget for the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board for the coming year has not yet been determined by the Neighborhood Commission.
Three of the thirteen board seats are vacant. The sub-districts with vacancies are Waimanalo Village, Hale Aupuni, and the section of the Homestead bordering Oluolu Street and Kalanianaole Highway. The next Waimanalo Neighborhood Board meeting will be July 10, at 7:30 pm, at the Library. n
Health Center Board
The Waimanalo Health Center is seeking nominations for its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors are volunteers dedicated to making sure that quality health care can be obtained in Waimanalo. Nominees must live in Waimanalo and be users of the Health Center. Board Members serve for three years and determine priority community health needs, develop strategic community health care plans, establish general operating pollicies, and monitor financial viability. Individuals may nominate persons for the Board of Directors by submitting their names to the President or Secretary of the Board at least thirty days before the election. Elections will take place on August 19,1995. Contact the Waimanalo Health Center at 41-1347 A Kalanianaole Highway, or call 259-7948. -NG