HAWAI‘I KAI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 1
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA – Tuesday, April 29, 2025
7:00 pm Haha’ione Elementary School Cafeteria and Web Access:
Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=mae76dcd47dffb65b7757ca96f711001f
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2490 571 8154
Password: NB01
Join by Phone: +1-408-418-9388
Meeting Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZNUDkxp2QU3dU9HJritG0vz3iFWRBceU
Neighborhood Commission Office YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice
1. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Roberta Mayor
1.1. Introduction of Board members
2. STATUS REPORTS–Three (3) minutes maximum per department. Questions to follow.
2.1. Honolulu Fire Department
2.2. Honolulu Police Department
2.3. Board of Water Supply
2.4 Kaiser Complex Schools
3. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS – Brief announcements by board members and
the public on events, activities, and general information directly relating to Hawaii Kai.
3.1. Meeting of the Planning, Zoning and Environment Committee on Wednesday, April 30, 5:30-6:30 at the Hawaii Kai Library Meeting Room.
4. PUBLIC-GENERATED ISSUES– Two (2) minutes per speaker. Questions to follow.
Issues/concerns not listed elsewhere on the Board’s agenda may be raised but no Board action may be taken because of the “Sunshine Law.”
5. PRESENTATIONS – Ten (10) minutes per presentation. Questions to follow. Discussion
or action as needed.
5.1. Special Management Assessment Permit Request for TMK 3-9-028:021 at 26 Hanapepe Place – Presenter: Julia Ham Tashima, Planning Solutions, Inc.
5.2. Wahi Pana: A Public Art Project – Presenters: Ka’ili Trask-O’Connell & Marion Cadora, Mayor’s Office of Culture & the Arts
6. OFFICIALS’ REPORTS – Three (3) minutes per speaker. Reports should relate to issues of interest to residents of Hawaii Kai. Questions to follow.
6.1. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – Amy Asselbaye
6.2. City Council Chair Tommy Waters – District 4
6.3. Governor Josh Green’s Representative – Cameron Black
6.4. Senator Stanley Chang – District 9
6.5. Senator Chris Lee – District 25
6.6. Representative Gene Ward – District 18
6.7. Representative Mark Hashem – District 19
6.8. Congressional Representatives
7. BOARD BUSINESS – For discussion/action. Five (5) minutes per item.
7.1. Update on Kaiwi Coast Scenic Byway
7.2. Update on Kamilo Nui Valley Agriculture
7.3. Consider Sending a Letter to the Honolulu City Council Re: the Proposed Use of General Funds to Mitigate Steep Increases in Sewer Fees on Oahu
7.4. Consider Resident Request for Park Closure Hours for Kamiloiki Park from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Community Input Welcome.
7.5. Consider A Department of Parks and Recreation Letter to Designate Additional Hawaii Kai Community Parks As “Dog-Friendly,” Allowing Leashed or Un-Leashed Dogs in Specific Parks; Community Input Welcome.
8. BOARD COMMITTEES
8.1. Board Committees: Transportation; Education; Parks & Recreation; Planning, Zoning & Environment
8.2. Announcements by committee chairpersons or members as needed.
9. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Minutes for March 25, 2025.
10. OTHER BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
10.1. Board Member Announcements
10.2. Board Chairperson Announcements
10.2.1. Correspondence
10.2.2. Other Announcements
11. CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS
11.1. The next regular meeting of the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board is on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 7:00 pm at the Haha’ione Elementary School Cafeteria and on Webex.
11.2. Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board regular meetings are cablecast on Olelo Ch. 49 on the 2nd Monday of the following month at 9:00 p.m. and repeating on that month’s 3rd Friday at 7:00 a.m. Videos can also be seen online at www.olelo.org/olelonet (search “Hawaii Kai Board”), or via www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards (“Board Meeting Video Archive”).
11.3. Neighborhood Assistant Jeffrey Jones will be collecting canned food at this meeting for the Hawaiʻi Foodbank.
12. ADJOURNMENT For agenda, minutes, member contact directory, and other information, go to www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards.
To receive this Board’s agenda and minutes by mail or email, visit the Neighborhood Commission Office, 925 Dillingham Blvd., Suite 160, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817; call 768-3710 or fax 768-3711; or go to www.honolulu.gov/nco.
If you would like to attend a Neighborhood Board meeting and have questions about accommodations for a physical disability or a special physical need, call the Neighborhood Commission Office at 808-768-3710 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at least 24 hours before the scheduled meeting.
REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2025
ONLINE VIA WEBEX AND IN-PERSON AT HAHA’IONE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA
Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w-fIW1kaZg
Reports and other meeting materials can be found at:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZNUDkxp2QU3dU9HJritG0vz3iFWRBceU
CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:24]: Chair Roberta Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. A quorum was established with 13 members of the Board present. Note: This 15-member Board requires eight (8) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.
Board Members Present: Herb Schreiner, Greg Knudsen, Elijah Lee, Roberta Mayor, Elizabeth Reilly (joined virtually at 7:07 p.m.), Samuel Wolff, Chelsea Chae, Gene Tierney, Holly Lyons (arrived at 7:06 p.m.), Paige Altonn, Joel Brilliant, Lisa Bishop, and Ilse Silva-Krott.
Board Members Absent: Dixon Park and Joseph Pugh.
Guests: Captain Waipa Parker (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Taro Nakamura, Sergeant G. Hung (Honolulu Police Department); Iris Oda (Board of Water Supply); Amy Asselbaye (Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative); Galen Wong (Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation); Adam Doo (Council Chair Waters’ Office); Jillian Anderson, Johanna Ward (Representative Gene Ward); Mahealani (Representative Mark Hashem); Senator Chris Lee; Stephanie (Senator Stanley Chang); Toan Tran, Ariana Ash, Joy Yoshida (McKinley HS); Natalie Iwasa, Judy Nii, Rudy Park, Cheryl Park, Michael Garrison, Nick Menas, Ruth Leonard, Alex Malaby, Joy Schoenmaker, Eileen Flanagan; K. Hashimoto, Steven Bovey, Tom Cooper, Tehani Malterre, Randall, Ayshialyn Sabado, Andrea Ahrens, Ann Marie Kirk (Residents); and Jeffrey Jones (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible, signed-in, not stated, and/or not participated in the discussion—total Attendees: 73 Participants.
STATUS REPORTS [0:02:57]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) [0:03:02]: Captain Waipa Parker provided the monthly statistics for February 2025 and evacuation planning safety tips. The fire department responded to 1 structure and 1 nuisance fire and 3 activated alarms. There were 67 medical emergencies, 1 vehicle collision with a pedestrian, 4 mountain and 1 ocean rescues and 3 vehicle crashes/collisions. Fire safety tips for the month included recommendations for smoke alarms in each bedroom and hallways. Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/164W6lyjmJ-e-rLJjLkE7CW085AHw8cJ-/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:04:25] Member Altonn asked about the collision with the pedestrian which occurred in a designated cross walk.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) [0:05:57]: Lieutenant Taro Nakamura provided the monthly statistics for February 2025.
• Crime Mapping Statistics: https://www.honolulupd.org/information/crime-mapping/. March statistics included 7 vehicle thefts, 4 burglaries, 12 theft reports and 21 UEMV (Unauthorized Entry in Motor Vehicle). Police received 5746 total calls. The safety tip for the month is a reminder of the Move Over Law for Emergency Vehicles.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:07:45] Members Wolff and Altonn asked about homeless-related complaints and the police’s response. Recently there has been increased numbers of homeless in the area, around school grounds (Koko Head Elementary School) and Joe Lukela Beach Park, perhaps because the camp in Waimanalo has been disrupted. Lt. Nakamura explained each complaint has to be addressed as a separate case based on merit and regulations. Recent police efforts have led to citations for violations of park closure hours, mostly misdemeanors. Members Altonn and Wolff mentioned the collision between a vehicle and pedestrian and voiced pedestrian safety concerns, especially along Hawaii Kai Drive, and Lunalilo Home Road where drivers are exceeding allowable speed limits.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) [0:19:03]: Iris Oda shared the general water announcements for February 2025. The Board of Water Supply has followed up with Koko Head Elementary school staff about watering in early morning hours to reduce water waste. 8 water main breaks were reported in the area, with most of them in Kalama Valley and the area where water pipes are currently being replaced. Water pressure is high in that area. Chair Mayor and Member Lyons remarked on the high number of water main breaks in the Kalama Valley area and expressed concerns about the aging infrastructure. The Board of Water Supply is hiring for multiple positions and invites residents to apply.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:21:58]
Kaiser Complex Schools [0:24:09]: No representative present. No report was submitted.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS [0:24:20]
Representative Gene Ward Appreciation [0:24:24]: Johanna Ward, Representative Ward’s daughter, and Jillian Anderson, Representative Ward’s Chief of Staff, expressed Representative Ward’s continued fondness for the Hawaii Kai community upon his retirement from public office, and indicated that his office remains open to address residents’ concerns. Several residents, and Board members shared their appreciation for Representative Ward’s commitment to community service after the recent announcement of his retirement. His dedicated commitment to the community and longstanding service, as a member of the East-West Center and a member of the legislature, gained the respect of community members and contributed to the passage of important legislation. Jillian Anderson assured continued support from Ward’s office until a replacement has been confirmed. The Republican party has 30 days to provide names of three candidates to the governor, and the governor’s office has another 30 days for a final appointment.
Hawaii Running Lab Announcement [0:34:43]: Hawaii Kai Mile 2025 will take place on March 29. The route starts at the Kamiloiki Skate Park and ends at Kaiser High school.
Upcoming Committee Meeting Announcement [0:42:28]: Member Reilly shared the upcoming date, April 30, and conversation topics for the Planning/Zoning/Environment Committee meeting.
HARD Organization Clarification [0:44:10]: Haha’ione Advocates for Respectful Development. Resident Joy Schoenmaker shared the efforts being done to prevent a high-rise development from being built in the Hahaʻione community. Member Altonn pointed out that zoning constraints will determine any development as the properties are privately owned by Bishop Estate/Kamehameha Schools.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:37:27]
Senator Chris Lee [0:46:16]: Senator Chris Lee provided his monthly report at this time as he had to leave the meeting early for a flight. He provided a report on several legislative bills addressing E-bikes, junk fees, clarifying the DUI limits, and mental health support for PTSD. He also expressed his sincere appreciation and respect for Representative Gene Ward.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:55:04] Member Reilly asked for clarification concerning the renaming of the Kaiwi Coast Scenic Shoreline to the Kaiwi Coast State Park. She will follow-up with Senator Lee and monitor the State Land Board’s actions on this matter. Resident Judy Nii shared her concerns about the possible spread of Coqui frogs from Waimanalo to Hawaii Kai. Senator Lee discussed efforts to increase dedicated resources for biosecurity and management of invasive species.
PUBLIC-GENERATED ISSUES [1:01:40]
Kamehameha Schools Concerns [1:01:43]: Resident Alexander Malaby shared his concern regarding the clearing of land at the base of the Koko Crater behind his home that he believes is a Kamehameha Schools land management project. Mr. Malaby explained that the fire mitigation efforts to clear the brush disturbed the surface vegetation near the drainage canal on Koko Terrace. Recent heavy rains led to major runoff of soil into the neighborhood due to erosion. Heavy machinery is also left on the site, increasing the risk of oil contamination. Board member Gene Tierney, who also lives in the same neighborhood, confirmed Mr. Malaby’s concerns. He indicated that the effort to clear the land is being done poorly by the work crew.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:04:33] Chair Mayor indicated that she would contact Kamehameha Schools to communicate the resident’s concerns.
PRESENTATIONS [1:09:04]
Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders: Care to Prepare [1:09:11]: Toan Tran and Ariana Ash, McKinley High School students, provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding emergency and natural disaster preparedness. Their project is to help residents get ready for emergencies by sharing easy steps, useful resources, and the overall importance of being prepared. They want to see Oʻahu residents take action now to care, prepare, and stay ready for any disaster.
• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cDb-PJ0RMN2N-6eo3dflsYlt4K73soxb/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns – [1:15:28] The presentation was well received and board members Altonn, Bishop, O’Reilly, Chae and Lee asked clarifying questions and applauded the presenters for their commitment to the community. Chair Mayor asked that the presentation flyer be made available by email to the board.
Increase in Sewer Fees and Possible Impact on Hawaii Kai Residents [1:18:26]: Resident Natalie Iwasa provided an oral presentation regarding the proposed increase in sewer fees for the island of Oʻahu and the potential impact this might have to the Hawaii Kai community. She shared that the sudden increase in fees should have been implemented gradually over time since certain projects already had proposed timelines. Iwasa shared that the City plans to use general funds and money from long standing vacant positions to aid in the process to help lower the percentage increase for Oahu residents. However, Hawaii kai residents pay for a separate sewer facility, and the city’s use of general tax funds for the sewer project could present an additional burden for, and the possible unequal treatment of, Hawaii Kai residents.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:23:40] A number of board members agreed that Hawaii Kai residents should not have to pay for the increase in Oahu sewer fees through the use of the general fund as they are paying for a different sewer system that will also likely increase fees in the near future. Member Tierney made a motion, with member Chae seconding, that the board send a letter to the city council pointing out that Hawaii Kai residents should not have to pay twice for sewer services and to reconsider using the general fund to support the sewer infrastructure. Much discussion ensued. Chair Mayor indicated that she will draft a letter for the board members to consider at its next meeting, postponing the vote until that time.
OFFICIALS’ REPORTS [1:50:59]
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative [1:51:01]: Amy Asselbaye provided the report and highlighted the following: Koko Head District Park trash removal; clarifying the Joe Lukela Beach Park boundaries; the reasons for deleting the bus route that once served Niu Valley; and that the Department of Parks and Recreation have no plans for any Sandy Beach Park parking improvements.
• Mayor’s Monthly Newsletter: https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter/
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:58:20] Member Altonn shared that ambulance transport to the nearest hospital does not always occur and a patient may be transported to other emergency rooms. She asked for clarification as to why this occurs. Member Wolff requested that any traffic studies of Hawaii Kai Drive be shared with the Neighborhood Board and the public. Chair Mayor asked about the legislative bills regarding fireworks safety and if a letter of support from the Neighborhood Board would be needed. Further board discussion revealed that the bills under consideration do not improve the ability of HPD to respond to resident notifications with searches or citations. Member Knudsen asked about student safety at Niu Valley Middle School as there is no direct bus stop in front of the school. Ms. Asselbaye responded that changing bus routes is difficult, and that there are financial and legal constraints. Chair Mayor suggested that the Neighborhood Board would support a request by the Kaiser Complex principals for a reconsideration of restoring the bus route to Niu Valley Middle School and that she hoped the Department of Transportation Services might be more amenable to such a request. Member Wolff mentioned that a trash receptacle could be placed at the Kalaniana’ole/Kuli’ou’ou bus stop, as trash continues to be left there. Member Altonn asked for a progress report on the demolition of the condemned structures at the Koko Head Stables at the next meeting.
City Council Chair Tommy Waters [2:10:14]: Adam Doo presented the Council Chair’s report which included speed mitigation efforts near Kamiloiki Elementary School; Resolution 2550 addressing the cost of living; and the suggestion of a public-private partnership for naming the Blaisdell Arena and providing additional funding. He clarified, in response to an earlier query, that the Honolulu Police Department is fully funded, however there are close to 400 vacancies. Member Schreiner noted the importance of focusing on HPD recruitment.
• March 2025 Newsletter:
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6098c5bb75e480679bd2fab3/t/65f1f3dd5f09575737bed311/1710355444%E2%80%8E%E2%80%8E337/March2025_D4+Newsletter.pdf%E2%80%8E
Questions, comments, and concerns – [2:18:29] Member Lyons asked for web site information on changes to O’ahu flood zones. Refer to FEMA Updates to Flood Zones Maps. The 90-day appeal period ends on June 10, 2025. Contact Dawn Takeuchi Apuna at the Dep. of Planning and Permitting (800) 768-8000 or dpp@honolulu.gov for more information. Adam also reported there is increased HPD enforcement of no overnight camping rules at Joe Lukela Beach Park, and additional efforts to control the cat population at the Hawaii Kai Park and Ride, install cameras for security and provide identification for volunteers, were discussed at the council meeting. Member Altonn asked if Chair Waters would attend a Hawai’i Kai Neighborhood board meeting as this is his district.
Governor Josh Green’s Representative [2:21:58]: No representative present. For more updates, visit https://governor.hawaii.gov
Senator Stanley Chang [2:22:29]: Report taken later in the meeting due to technical issues.
Senator Chris Lee [2:24:31]: Report given earlier in the meeting in “Community Announcements” section.
Representative Gene Ward [2:24:36]: Report given earlier in the meeting in “Community Announcements” section.
Representative Mark Hashem – [2:24:40]: Mahealani provided the report and described the outreach to the Department of Environmental Services to review and mitigate the Kuliʻouʻou stream flooding problem.
Congressional Representatives – [2:26:00]: No representatives were present.
Senator Stanley Chang [2:26:05]: Stephanie provided the report and highlighted several bills moving through the legislature and a reminder of the resources available for residents. Under Capital Improvement, funding was allocated for a new roof for the Maunalua Fish Pond Heritage Center. The Kaiser High School Civics program was acknowledged during Education Week. Expressed appreciation for the work and long service of Representative Gene Ward.
• For updates, visit https://www.senatorchang.com/newsletters
BOARD BUSINESS [2:30:24]
Update on Kaiwi Coast Scenic Byway [2:31:43]: Chair Mayor shared the conversation earlier in the meeting from Senator Chris Lee’s report regarding the renaming of the Kaiwi Coast Scenic Shoreline. Additional comments by members Reilly and Altonn were made about monitoring the State Land Board’s actions on this matter and representation at those meetings.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:32:20]
Update on Kamilo Nui Valley Agriculture [2:40:45]: Member Reilly shared the efforts being done to mitigate the overgrowth in the valley in agricultural areas to clear invasive plants. Kamehameha Schools will also be canvassing the area.
Consider Letter of Support for Increased Enforcement Against Illegal Fireworks [2:42:12]: Member Altonn mentioned that the bills still moving through the legislature at this point do not strengthen HPD’s enforcement efforts. Chair Mayor shared an email from HPD that stated that HPD does not generally ask for support on any specific legislation. As the board did not identify any legislation they wished to support, the board will not submit a letter or testimony to the legislature on this issue.
BOARD COMMITTEES [2:45:05]: The committee on Planning/Zoning/Environment is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at the Hawaii Kai Library meeting room at 5:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES [2:45:22]: Hearing no issues or revisions, the February 25, 2025 regular meeting minutes were approved as written.
OTHER BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS [2:45:44]: No other board announcements were shared.
CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:45:49]
● Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board is Tuesday, April 29, 2025, 7:00 p.m., at Haha’ione Elementary School Cafeteria and on WebEx.
● Olelo: The Hawai’i Kai Neighborhood Board’s regular meetings are cablecast on Olelo Ch. 49 on the 2nd Monday of the following month at 9:00 p.m. and repeating on that month’s 3rd Friday at 7:00 a.m. Videos can also be seen online at www.olelo.org/olelonet (search “Hawai’i Kai Board”) or via www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards (“Board Meeting Video Archive”).
ADJOURNMENT – [2:47:00] – Chair Mayor adjourned the meeting at 9:48 p.m.
Submitted By: Jeffrey Jones, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed By: Ilse Silva-Krott, Board Secretary
Reviewed and Finalized By: Roberta Mayor, Board Chair
To view agenda and minutes, visit our board website.
Event shows physical location; however, other options of participation may also include WebEx and phone. If available, instructions for WebEx and phone can be found at the top of the agenda.
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