Thank you for the great meeting last Tuesday.
My telephone numbers:
883.8542 (home)
756.3121 (cell)
881.4421 (work - M, W, F)
Home email:
deecohler@hawaiiantel.net
Work email (ah.org will not work much longer)
cohlermd@NHCH.com
Thank you.
This is a post to test our private group page. I have emailed you all usernames and our password. I have the program set to e-mail all of you a notification whenever a member writes a post.
Please reply to this post by posting a message, you will get a lot of notifications, but this is a test to provide us a check of the system. I will be working on the phone tree next, so along with this page site, our group will then we will have our basic communication plan up and running. Remember to click on Publish to post your message. Mahalo, Jeffrey Lee
The meeting was opened with a great group of homeowners-we were missing James Ashford and his wife of 68-1705, Nobuyuki and Miwako Asaga of 68-1703; tenants Laura Werneck (next to Catherine and Dan) of 68-1702, Tenant Mike and (Shannon?) Edwards of 68-1706 and new tenants, Josh and Melissa Carlucci of 68-1707.
Jarrett Arashiro started the discussion with tagging/graffiti being done by A. T. He is joined in this defacing of our community and thefts by enlisting teenagers by buying them alcohol. Other problem youth are S. J. from the Kekumu (affordable housing) and C. G. who drives an older gray Dodge truck. There was another youth mentioned, I did not get the name of. We discussed a phone tree when we see suspicious happenings in our cul-de-sac and Jarrett can get the police on it by calling Jarrett with the license plate number; that we should not try to confront or apprehend the wrong doers.
We discussed the fact that the Japanese couple in 1703 had their home broken into. The thieves came back the next day and stole their car. I believe that these thieves have been apprehended…could someone confirm?…Jarrett.
Jeffrey mentioned that a deterrent is to leave your house lights on at night. A motion detector can be purchased at Home Depot and it can be moved around…according to Jarrett.
Tony and Dina discussed the youth that their youngest, K. knew and they forbade him to allow these associates to come in the neighborhood. They have pulled Kyle out of Kealakehe HS because of the bad influences of the students there. The vice principal said he would help, but did not follow-through. A friend of K.’s is S., who is a tall lad who may be mentally slow. Catherine wondered if some of these youth had been sitting on her rock wall. She said that she is uncomfortable with having this occur as she doesn’t know the intention of these youth.
Tony saw a latino youth that was about 5′8-10″ with a mustache, who had a can of spray paint in his back pocket. They talked about a youth, L. , who is fair with blond hair, who lives in Elima Lani. He and his brother have been getting into trouble, including fights. The parents may be a big part of these boys problems and they have been seen walking around with back-packs which is what they be putting small items they steal (or alcohol). There are rumors of ice problems in the family and there are definitely ice problems in Elima Lani and Kekumu.
Jeffrey stated that in an emergency, like an earthquake, if we could congregate in the cul-de-sac shortly after so we know everyone is alright. We need to get this instruction to all who live here. We all agreed that when we know of an incident we should email everyone else and use a phone tree to make sure the word has gotten out to all.
We discussed the wild fire threat. Robin, who is a Red Cross official, stated that the fire department will give a key to the hydrant if a local resident is willing and able to be responsible for storing the hoses and has the ability to respond in the event of a wild fire or other emergency. Robin answers to the head of the Red Cross here, Barney Sheffield (sic?). She said that the Red Cross has good, training we can take and that it is listed on http://www.hawaiiredcross.org It is not free, but invaluable. Also I have sent the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) members to at www.waimeaeducation.com or call at 885-1539. I couldn’t figure out how to only show the local Red Cross training available close to us. Maybe Robin can help with that. She taught us another important point; to have an out-of-town family member, who all are to report to in case of a disaster, so the family can know everyone is OK in case they are not able to contact each other. She said we should have a disaster escape and that includes two ways out of every home. When April asked if anyone had hurricane shutters made for their homes, tony said that if you buy heavy-gauge peel-and-stick film (min 1 mil) for the windows that will prevent them from injuring you with shattering glass. He also said that he keeps his batteries separate from any metal flashlights as they corrode quickly when kept in the flashlight (like the MagLite). April mentioned to have a copy of all important papers, insurance papers included, in a water tight container. Tony said you can buy a water-tight safe for only about $40. A list of emergency numbers should be handy…I gave out one magnetic sticker with these numbers. There are several in the list of Emergency Preparations that I handed out. I think Robin could send us a good list, too.
April handed out a five page Emergency Preparedness List; the back page of which has the website to register with the County of Hawai’i to be notified in case of an emergency. Hawai’i County residents need to register for City Watch notification messages by either mailing their contact information to: County of Hawai`i Civil Defense Agency, 920 Ululani Street, Hilo, HI 96720 or online at http://www.citywatchonline.com/CSBSignUp/HawaiiSignUp.asp
There are crank flashlights at Costco with cell phone chargers and weather channel radios. The price is less that $16 for two. Jeffrey has an amateur radio license. He can get information from professionals in case of an emergency. Robin said that we all should carry emergency gear in our vehicles. I will put the list I prepared for that here:
What to pack in emergency auto kit:
Backpack - Extra room for other personal items
Light Stick and at least 2 flares
Tow Rope – to tow up to 6,000 lbs.
Hanging Light - Connects to your car’s battery to help you check under the hood & for other reasons
Jumper Cables - These 12 foot cables are made of heavy duty 10 gauge rubber and copper
First Aid Kit - Contains Band-aids, Aspirin, Sting Relief Pad, First Aid Instructions –best to take first aid class
Fire Suppressor & Extinguisher - Strong enough to put out a flare. This could be a real life-saver
Solar Blanket - waterproof blanket to retain body heat. Great for ground cover.
Waterproof Poncho
Multi-use Knife – with screwdrivers, saws, scissors, can openers, tweezers,etc. Machete is good.
Flashlight w/ Batteries – crank or solar is best
Flat Tire Fixer - Fix and go with this non-explosive flat tire fixer. Fixes most tires in one minute.
Long shelf life Drinking Water - Water for medical use or to add some water to your battery.
Leather Palm Work Gloves
Whistle with Lanyard
Emergency Instructions & Help Sign
10 yards of Duct Tape
Hand Cleaner
Utility Knife
Compass
Matches (wood ones are preferable-lighter is good, too)
As we were leaving we discussed having another meeting…we left the date open. Some folks had left when Patrick of 1709 stated that he is trained in most emergency response. He works on a boat and this training is a requirement. Good to know.
I didn’t get everything and hope that you all can add what I didn’t get.
Mahalo ohana, for being concerned with your neighbors,
April
Cell: 989.5995
TEST %
Greetings to all. I am very pleased at our turn out last evening. Thank You all for your efforts.
