Present
Valsey Frietas, Yvonne Turro, Robert Maeshiro, Julie Aoyagi, Lee Hopkinson, Wayne Iseri, Ann Marie Duca, Leighton Sakamoto, Lois Upton, John Green, Steve Jenkins, Kahea Souza, James Garrett, Sharon Navarrete and many other guest parents.

Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:07 p.m.

Approval of Minutes
Due to time constraints, the July 20, 2004 meeting minutes was distributed for review but not acted upon.

Treasurer’s Report
Due to time constraints, the Treasurer's Reports for both July & August 2004 were distributed for review but not acted upon.

President’s Report
Valsey distributed the Ohana Budget Proposal 2004-2005 for review of proposed changes. She also informed members that the Ohana would be adopting a new accounting system. This is due to the importance of each new board starting off with a clean slate at the beginning of their respective terms. The new system would provide for better controls and accountability of finances. Financial data will be uploaded into "Quick Books" so that a general ledger can be set up and maintained to provide balances in real time instead of at year-end. Julie mentioned the importance of maintaining a general ledger accounting system to better track financial data. As mentioned, this would provide for better accounting controls, accountability, and protection of Ohana assets.

After discussing the merits of the new system, Valsey proposed that important line items such as: T-shirts, Fundraisers, and Playground be set up with beginning budgets - actual funds they will have to start business with. The following starting budgets were proposed: T-shirts - $4,000, Fund raising - $2,500, Playgrounds - $3,000. Chairpersons were informed that as revenues come in, they will be deposited and expenses paid as they are incurred. If more funds are needed, they can be requested. Any excess funds will revert back to the general fund at the end of the school year.

Lee moved to approve the new system, Wayne seconded. The motion was unanimously approved.

Valsey also had officers fill out the necessary paper work for new authorized signatures for Ohana's bank accounts.

She also requested that all Ohana members holding elective positions or chairperson positions to write up a list of duties and responsibilities of their respective positions. This will be helpful for future incoming board members/officers when they replace outgoing members/officers.

Vice President’s Report
none

Committee Reports:

a. Shirts
Yvonne announced that the purple t-shirts stock order had arrived at the printer. Gold t-shirts stock order still pending. Since the original order was 1,500 shirts, a total of 750 of both colors will be the first order. Additional orders will be made as needed. Yvonne shared that there could be a purpose for the different colors. One could be designated as primary shirt for excursions, the other for general school use. Leighton suggested that the choice be left up to the students as to which shirt they would like to purchase.

Lee motioned and Robert seconded that one gold t-shirt be given to each Ohana member. The motion passed unanimously. Valsey announced that the first order of the new t-shirts had come in. The next delivery will be Thursday, August 19, 2004. Yvonne mentioned that the printer had already put aside complimentary shirts for Ohana members. The members were allowed to select their shirts prior to tonight's meeting.

Ann Marie asked how many of the old shirts were left in inventory and what the Ohana was planning to do with them. Kailani said there were about 20 - 30 shirts. Discussion followed on possible uses. It was decided that the shirts be used as prizes for the following events: Open House, Lei of Aloha (4th Grade activity), Parent Substitute Volunteers, and Grandparent's Day.

A parent suggested that a booth be set up at the Fun Fair to sell Ahuimanu Elementary School t-shirts. The parents could then decide the color and sizes they would want. Ohana members said this has never been done, but it sounded like a very good idea.

Lee discussed that the t-shirt order form is very confusing to parents and that it needs to be made easier to understand. Too many objectives are trying to be accomplished at once. Re-designing the form will enable the Ohana to thank the parents and staff for any donations made. The present form does not allow for this recognition.

Valsey mentioned that the Ohana should give complimentary t-shirts to teachers and staff. Lee moved to approve and Yvonne seconded. The motion was carried unanimously.

b. SCBM
Valsey stated that there is a need for another SCBM representative. Also, that all-future Ohana meetings will be held each month on the Wednesday following the Tuesday - SCBM meeting. The next SCBM meeting will be held Tuesday, September 21, 2004.

c. Workshop
None.
d. Membership
None.

e. Student Council
Ohana members welcomed 6th grade teacher - Mr. Steve Jenkins - as the new incoming Student Council Chair.

f. PCNC
None.

g. Fun Fair
None.

h. Fall Fundraiser
None.

i. Spring Fund Raiser
None

j. Playground
None.

k. Faculty
None.

l. Administration
Ann Marie mentioned that all Ohana members should attend the Open House next Thursday, August 26, 2004 dressed in their new Ahuimanu t-shirts. Open House will start at 6 p.m.

m. Communications
James stated that a picture of the new Ohana Board should be taken at the first opportune time. The photo will be posted in the school web site, and yearbook.

Request for Funds
None.

New Business/Parental Concerns
A new parent questioned if Ohana was set up as a 501-C3 non-profit organization. The reason was that there are organizations such as the Lion's Club that make donations of up to $10,000 to organizations that do the kind of work that we do. The requirement is that an organization needs to be a non-profit in order to qualify for these donations.

Ann Marie shared that 501-C3 status was attempted in the past, but was too time consuming and difficult. Since this was an Ohana matter, as school principal, she could not attempt this. It needs to be undertaken by a parent or other interested individual. She welcomed any parent who would like to help the Ohana to take this matter on as a project.

Another parent asked if Ohana was a member of the U.S. PTA (Parent Teacher Association). If so, we would exist under the umbrella of the parent organization and would be considered a non-profit entity.

Adjournment/Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held Wednesday, September 22, 2004 at 6p.m. in the school library. The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by:
Robert Maeshiro, Recording Secretary