WAI‘ANAE COAST NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 24
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 6:30 P.M.
Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=maeed5df2e50a092fa1c71b930428e094
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2492 938 7667
Password: NB24 (6224 from phones and video systems)
Join by phone: +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll
Physical Location: Wai’anae Public Library (meeting room) 85-625 Farrington Hwy, Wai’anae, HI 96792
Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15Jr_oT5HYGh5APaB2jHRsetQtIb71X0N
Neighborhood Commission Office YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice
Rules of Speaking: Anyone intending to speak, we will ask that in-person attendees’ line up at the microphone. Attendees joining us virtually, please raise your virtual hand. When recognized by the Chair, state your name clearly for the minutes. Comments must be kept under two (2) minutes. Official’s monthly reports must be kept under three (3) minutes. Presentations are asked to stay under ten (10) minutes. Sergeant-At-Arms will be keeping time, please conclude your comments when the timer goes off or asked to end by the Chair. When making comments, please address your remarks to the Chair. Silence all electronic devices.
Working Agreements: Please be respectful while others are speaking, let’s agree to disagree and please refrain from making any comments and gestures towards fellow community members on any topic. While addressing concern please stay within the 2 minutes or yield the remaining of your time if less and try to stay on topic one concern at a time. No more than two concerns shall be heard in one single meeting any more than the allotted amount please feel free to fill out our concern sheets in writing or speak to me after our meeting is adjourned.
Ground Rules: We have a tight schedule. To finish on time, community concerns and questions for presenters will be limited. Subcommittees are created to provide further discussion and address concerns. The Board agenda is to bring to the floor so that the community may be aware of the events and interact unrestricted at subcommittees.
Order of Decorum – The Neighborhood Plan states: §2-13-104 Standards of conduct. (a) Board members, in the performance of their duties, shall demonstrate by their example the highest standards of ethical conduct, to the end that the public may justifiably have trust and confidence in the integrity of the neighborhood board system. Board members shall hold their offices or positions for the benefit of the public, shall recognize that the public’s interest is their primary concern and shall faithfully discharge the duties of their offices regardless of personal considerations.
Note: The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (HRS 92), specific issues not noted on this agenda cannot be voted on, unless added to the agenda. A two-thirds vote (5) of this 9-member Board is needed to add an
item to the agenda. Items may not be added if they are of major importance and will affect a significant number of people.
1. Call to Order: Chair Savaiinaea
A. Pu / Blowing of Conch Shell: Kaukaohu Wahilani
B. Oli: Nani Peterson
C. Pule Wehe: Calvin Endo
2. City Emergency & First Responder Monthly Report: (Limited to three (3) minutes each)
A. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD)
i. Fire Response Search Tool-HFD website: Fire.Honolulu.gov
B. Honolulu Police Department (HPD)
i. Crime Stats / Crime Mapping website: HonoluluPD.org
C. Honolulu Ocean Safety Department
D. Board of Water Supply (BWS)-Kaui Hilo
3. Filling of Vacant Board Seat: (Residents must present I.D. & Proof of Address)
A. 1 At-Large Vacancy
4. Declaration Of Any Conflicts by Board Members: Board members to state if they hold any conflicts regarding any issue under board business, per Section 2-14-116 and Section 2-13-105 of the Neighborhood Plan, that would require disclosure or recusal.
5. Presentations: (Limited to ten (10) minutes)
A. North Shore Neighborhood Board Chair/ Vice-Chair “Objection & Protest” against Wailua Gondola Development. Resolution asking the City & County of Honolulu to deny and revoke conditional use permits of Kaukonahua Ranch, LLCʻs Kamananui
6. Community Concerns: Limited to two (2) minutes
7. Officials’ Reports: (Limited to three (3) minutes each)
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi Representative-Dawn Apuna
B. Council Member District 1- Andria Tupola
C. Governor Green’s Representative-Diamond Badajos
D. Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL)-Diamond Badajos
E. State Senator Samantha DeCorte, Senate District 22
F. State Representative Chris Muraoka, House District 45
G. State Representative Darius Kila, House District 44
H. Congresswoman Jill Tokuda District 2 Report
11. Military Official Report: (Limited to three (3) minutes each)
A. Army Representative- Lt. Colonel Sean Stroh
12. Board Business:
A. Tuesday, July 1, 2025 and Tuesday, September 2, 2025 Regular meeting minutes
B. Consideration for new Regular Board Meeting Procedures: Board to consider doing Oli, Pu, and Pledge of Allegiance at every meeting or for special occasions.
C. Consideration for Board to Participate in Waiʻanae Christmas Parade.
D. Board Member Attendance at Community Meetings/Public Hearings.
14. Committee Reports: (Limited to (2) minutes each
A. Transportation Chair-Richard Landford (not scheduled)
B. Hawaiian Affairs Chair-Kaukaohu Wahilani (not scheduled)
C. Parks & Recreation/ Ocean Safety Chair-Jo Jordan 9/11/2025
D. Housing/ Homelessness Chair-Nani Peterson 9/5/2025
E. Education/ Health & Public Safety Chair-Calvin Endo 9/8/2025
F. Business Economic Development Chair Dana Newman (not scheduled)
G. Natural Resources: Water, Land -Dana Newman (not scheduled)
15. Announcements
A. House Representative Chris Muraoka-Townhall/ Friday October 24, 2025 @ Kamaile Academy from 7-9pm (85-180 Ala Akau St. Wai’anae, HI 96792).
B. Next Committee meetings:
i. Education/ Health & Public Safety (Chair-Calvin Endo) Tuesday, October 14, 2025 @ 6:30-7:30pm @ Wai’anae Assembly of God Church-84-123 Makaha Valley Rd., Wai’anae, HI 96792
ii. Housing/ Homelessness- Chair Nani Peterson 10-17-2025 (Time/location-TBA)
C. Next regular board meeting -Tuesday, November 4, 2025 @ 6:30pm @ Wai’anae Public Library (meeting room) 85-625 Farrington Hwy, Wai’anae, HI 96792
17 Adjournment
A mailing list is maintained for interested persons and agencies to receive Neighborhood Commission agendas and minutes. Additions, deletions, and corrections to the list may be directed to the Neighborhood Commission Office, Kapālama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817; please call the Neighborhood Commission Office at (808) 768-3710 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or send an email to nco@honolulu.gov, or fax 768-3705 to be added to the mailing list or visit https://www.honolulu.gov/esub/email-subscribe-nco.
If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability or an interpreter for a language other than English, please call the Neighborhood Commission Office at (808) 768-3710 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or send an email to nco@honolulu.gov at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. It may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.
All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours, written and/or oral testimony may be submitted directly to the board at the meeting. If submitting written testimony, please note the board and agenda item(s) your testimony concerns. Send to: Neighborhood Commission Office, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160 Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96817. Fax: (808) 768-3711. Email: nbtestimony@honolulu.gov.
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 at 6:30 P.M.
WAI’ANAE PUBLIC LIBRARY (MEETING ROOM) –
85-625 FARRINGTON HIGHWAY, WAI’ANAE, HI 96792
AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING
Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUZ62eg7zCQ
Reports & other meeting materials can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15Jr_oT5HYGh5APaB2jHRsetQtIb71X0N
1. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:01]: Chair Savaiinaea called the Wai’anae Neighborhood Board No. 24 meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. Quorum was established with members present.
Members Present: Richard Landford Jr., Nani Peterson, Dana Newman (online), Kaukaohu Wahilani, Cross Crabbe (online), Calvin Endo, Jo Jordan, Teri Savaiinaea.
Members Absent: Philip Ganaban.
Guests: Captain Mike Dhoni (Honolulu Fire Department); Corporal Cory Makino, Sergeant Fumi Moroka, Lieutenant Marino Carreira (Honolulu Police Department); Kelly Khrone (Honolulu Ocean Safety Department); Kauai Hilo, Kathleen Pahinui (Board of Water Supply); Lieutenant Colonel Sean Stroh (US Army); Paula Bender (Hawaii Bicycling League); Roxanne Adams (Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Urban Forestry); Deputy Director Kēhaulani Puʻu (Department of Parks and Recreation); Director Dawn Apuna (Mayor’s Office); State Senator Samantha DeCorte, Lavinia Kafa, Bronson Meyers, Julina Feliciano (Senator DeCorte’s Office); State Representative Chris Muraoka; Councilmember Andria Tupola, Kika Tapeni (Councilmember Tupola’s Office); Adam Tanga (Congresswoman Tokuda’s Office); Char, Laura (Aloha Animal Outreach); Pikachu Shelby Billionaire; Germaine Meyers Michael Eli; Muriel Ioane; Lena Suzuki; James Cowles, Kim Haupu, Deborah King; Austin Salcedo; Kalei Salcedo, Deborah King; Blessing Star Dela Cruz, Healani Sonoda-Pale, Tom Likos, Mauna Burgess, Trish, Cillah, Keith C., Sam Peck; Jeffrey Jones (Neighborhood Commission Office); Note: Name not included if not legible or stated for the record. There were 70 total participants including those on WebEx.
2. Pu / Blowing of Conch Shell – [0:00:03]: Member Wahilani blew the conch shell to open the meeting.
3. Oli – [0:00:25]: Member Peterson led the board and attendees in an oli, explaining that the chant asks ancestors for understanding and encourages listening before speaking.
4. Pule Wehe – [0:02:45]: Member Endo offered a prayer, acknowledging recent violence in the community and mainland, asking for comfort for grieving families and guidance for the board meeting.
[0:06:09] – A moment of silence was observed for those who have died from violence in the community and to recognize the one-year anniversary of a community tragedy.
5. CITY EMERGENCY & FIRST RESPONDER REPORTS – [0:07:42]
Honolulu Fire Department – [0:07:45]: Captain Mike Dhoni provided the report and highlighted the following:
• August 2025 Statistics: There was 1 structure fire, 4 wildland brush fires, 10 nuisance fires, 4 activated fire alarms, 139 medical emergencies, 10 motor vehicle collisions, 1 mountain rescue, and 1 hazardous materials incident.
• Safety Tip: Captain Dhoni shared information about lithium-ion battery safety, including buying only listed products with safety certification marks, using proper charging cords, charging on hard surfaces, not overcharging devices, and recycling batteries responsibly.
• Event Announcement: HFD is hosting a Fire Prevention Family Event Day on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Honolulu Zoo from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12xDjIivGaEP8CQmPmlgY2qJnie4svwyp/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:12:11]
1. Fire Incident Report: Member Wahilani asked about the cause of a recent fire near residential areas. Captain Dhoni explained he couldn’t comment on specific incidents but directed the resident to request an incident report through the HFD website.
2. Hazardous Materials Definition: Member Jordan asked for clarification on what constitutes a hazardous materials incident. Captain Dhoni explained it includes any chemical or biological release that could threaten the community, ranging from small spills to large incidents.
3. Fire Breaks: Member Landford Jr. inquired about creating fire breaks on properties with overgrown vegetation. Captain Dhoni explained that landowners are responsible for maintaining their properties and creating fire breaks, though there is no official entity specifically dedicated to building fire breaks.
4. Fire Marshal Request: Resident Shelby Billionaire requested that the Fire Marshal visit the board to discuss arson issues. Captain Dhoni agreed to submit the request.
Honolulu Police Department – [0:18:07]: Corporal Cory Makino provided crime statistics for August 2025 and addressed community concerns.
• August 2025 Statistics: There were 27 motor vehicle thefts (5 in Wai’anae), ten burglaries (2 in Wai’anae), 117 thefts (24 in Wai’anae), and 17 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (5 in Wai’anae).
• Traffic Statistics: HPD issued 15 speeding citations, 801 moving violations, 81 parking citations, and 1,293 total citations.
• Calls for Service: There were 8,086 calls for service in the district, with 2,000 in the Wai’anae area.
• Follow-up on Previous Concerns: Officers are conducting periodic checks of Pokai Bay restrooms and have issued citations for parking violations on Water Street.
• Event Announcement: HPD is hosting “Coffee with a Cop” on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Wai’anae McDonald’s.
• Crime Statistic / Crime Mapping: HonoluluPD.org
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:20:39]
1. Homicide Statistics: Board Member Wahilani requested statistics on homicides in Wai’anae from 2022 to present. Corporal Makino agreed to provide this information at the next meeting.
2. Agricultural Crime Hotline: Resident Austin Salcedo shared information about the agricultural crime hotline (808-427-3323) for reporting agricultural crimes on private land.
3. Iwi Kūpuna Protection: Residents and Board Members thanked HPD for their respectful handling of recently exposed iwi kūpuna (ancestral remains) and requested that police vehicles avoid driving on sand dunes to prevent further erosion and disturbance of burial sites.
4. School Bus Safety: Resident Johnnie-Mae Perry asked for clarification about traffic rules when school buses display stop signs. Corporal Makino confirmed that traffic in both directions must stop when a school bus has its stop sign extended. Resident Perry requested that HPD provide school safety tips at future meetings.
5. Māʻili Elementary School: Resident Blessings De La Cruz asked if there was an update regarding the threat made against Māʻili Elementary School.
Honolulu Ocean Safety Department – [0:34:19]: Captain Kelly Khrone provided beach attendance statistics and safety information.
• August 2025 Statistics:
o Mākaha Beach: 25,990 visitors, 4,392 preventive actions, 5,450 public contacts, 178 minor first aids
o Pōkaʻī Bay: 29,000 visitors, 2,585 preventive actions, 3,800 public contacts, 137 minor first aids
o Keawaʻula: 24,330 visitors, 2,760 preventive actions, 3,000 public contacts, 1 resuscitation, 116 minor first aids
• Rescue Operations: Two rescue skis patrol the area from Māʻili Point to Honolulu Harbor and from Pōkaʻī Bay to the end of the island. Recent rescues included a sailboat in distress and a grounded vessel at Lualualei.
• Facility Updates: Mākaha Beach received a new lifeguard tower that is approximately 8 inches taller than the previous one. The tower was positioned to allow relocation during high surf conditions.
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:37:00]
1. Attendance Tracking: Member Wahilani asked how visitor numbers are tracked. Captain Khrone explained that lifeguards record data on daily walk sheets that are entered into a database at headquarters.
2. Educational Programs: Member Peterson inquired about educational programs in schools. Captain Khrone mentioned they participate in career days and conduct swim safety programs at elementary and intermediate schools, with plans to expand offerings.
3. Protecting Iwi Kūpuna: Resident Shelby Billionaire asked if Ocean Safety can help in protecting iwi kūpuna when uncovered at various beaches in the community.
Board of Water Supply – [0:41:00]: Kauai Hilo reported no main breaks in the area during August 2025 and shared upcoming events.
• General Water Announcements: BWS is hosting an “Imagine a Day Without Water” event on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Windward Mall Center Court.
• Follow-up on Previous Concerns: Hilo addressed a previous concern about a waterway on Wai’anae Valley Road passed Angel’s Towing, agreeing to have it checked.
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:43:40]
1. Navy Participation: Member Wahilani suggested inviting the Navy to participate in the “Imagine a Day Without Water” event, given their role in the Red Hill water crisis.
2. Forest Reserve Water Access: Members Newman and Crabbe inquired about restoring water access at a spigot in the forest reserve that was recently disabled. Kathleen Pahinui explained that the spigot was removed after someone left it running, nearly depleting a reservoir. She agreed to discuss possible solutions with management.
3. Oahu Sugar Water: Resident Johnnie-Mae Perry asked about the fate of water previously used by Oahu Sugar and about desalination water plans. Kathleen Pahinui explained that the desalination plant won’t be online for 2-3 years and will initially serve Campbell Industrial Park for industrial uses before potentially entering the public water system.
4. Motorcycles in Mākaha Valley: Member Jordan and Resident Kalei Salcedo expressed concern about motorcycles and electric bikes in Mākaha Valley, noting fire risks, disruption to hunters, and environmental damage. Pahinui acknowledged the issue and announced plans to develop a wildfire management plan for Mākaha Valley.
5. Meter for Waterline: Resident Muriel shared she has been requesting a meter be installed due to the alleged hazards her property presents to nearby residents.
6. Community Events: Resident Lena Suzuki asked if BWS had any intention on having educational events in the Waiʻanae community in the future.
7. Forest Reserve Water Access (cont.): Resident Michael Eli asked if proper signage could be installed so users can be reminded to turn off the water when using the spigot.
6. BOARD BUSINESS – [0:59:22]
Establishment and Appointment of Board Committee Chair, Vice-Chair for Transportation Committee – [0:59:24]: Member Landford Jr. was confirmed as Chair and Member Wahilani as Vice-Chair of the Transportation Committee.
Approval of Meeting Minutes – [1:00:23]:
• Tuesday, July 1, 2025 – [1:00:25]: Jordan MOVED and Endo SECONDED to defer the approval of the Tuesday, July 1, 2025 to the October 2025 Regular Board Meeting. Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED.
• Tuesday, August 5, 2025 – [1:01:13]:
o Jordan MOVED and Landford Jr. SECONDED to approve the Tuesday, August 5, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes. Discussion followed.
o Jordan MOVED and Wahilani SECONDED to approve the Tuesday, August 5, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes with corrections to page 1 (election of officers, correcting “vice” to “voice”) and page 3 (Hawaiian Affairs Committee co-chairs). A voice vote was conducted and ADOPTED with a vote count of 8-0-0 (Aye: Landford Jr., Wahilani, Peterson, Endo, Jordan, Newman, Crabbe, Savaiinaea; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [1:06:11]
Special Joint Meeting with Nānākuli-Māʻili Neighborhood Board – [1:03:39]: The Board discussed a joint meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. (location to be determined) regarding a resolution on the Mt. Ka’ala Kamananui Project (gondolas and ziplines).
[1:04:12] Wahilani MOVED and Landford Jr. SECONDED to participate in a special joint meeting with the Nānākuli-Māʻili Neighborhood Board regarding the Resolution on the Mt. Kaʻala Kamananui Project. Following discussion, a voice vote was conducted and ADOPTED with a vote count of 8-0-0 (Aye: Landford Jr., Wahilani, Peterson, Endo, Jordan, Newman, Crabbe, Savaiinaea; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [1:05:13]
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:06:20]
1. Special Meeting Clarification: Resident Germaine Myers from the Nānākuli-Māʻili Neighborhood Board noted that the special meeting would not have ʻOlelo coverage or an NA to take minutes, so both boards would need to collaborate on minute-taking.
2. Special Meeting Clarification (cont.): Jeffrey Jones (NCO) clarified that special meetings don’t require recording but do require accurate minutes, and that he would inquire about possible recording options.
9. MILITARY OFFICIAL REPORT – [1:11:54]
Army Representative – [1:11:59]: Lieutenant Colonel Sean Stroh provided updates on upcoming training and a new community concern line.
• Training Announcement: The Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center training will occur in late October through November 2025, with increased traffic and noise expected. More specific details will be provided at the October 2025 meeting.
• Community Concern Line: A new line has been established for the US Army Garrison Hawaiʻi at Schofield Barracks: 808-787-1528.
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [1:13:27]
1. Flight Patterns: Member Wahilani asked about military helicopter flight patterns over residential areas, particularly late at night. Lieutenant Colonel Stroh agreed to research the flight patterns and timing and provide information at the next meeting.
2. Cultural Artifacts: Member Newman inquired about Hawaiian cultural artifacts in military inventory from the Wai’anae district and the process for repatriating these items to the community. Lieutenant Colonel Stroh committed to researching this question and reporting back.
3. Community Engagement: Resident Shelby Billionaire suggested organizing a community barbecue at Pōkaʻī Bay to build better relationships between the military and the community.
8. PRESENTATIONS – [1:17:57]
[1:21:03] Chair Savaiinaea called a recess at 7:53 p.m. to resolve the technical issues with the presenter.
[1:21:07] Chair Savaiinaea called the meeting back to order at 7:55 p.m.
Walk, Bike, Drive Program – [1:21:38]: Paula Bender from Hawaii Bicycling League presented on promoting safer interaction between drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. The presentation highlighted the Vulnerable Road Users law, traffic fatality statistics, and safety tips for sharing the road with cyclists. The program is funded by an H-DOT grant to highlight pedestrian and bicycle safety.
• Presentation:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yZDGk9y0ciCZN2a9cjGOP-e_rMNonkV3/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [1:24:58]
1. School Outreach: Member Jordan asked about coordination with DOE schools. Bender explained they work with fourth graders in public and some private schools, offering week-long programs.
2. E-bike Safety: Several community members and Board Members expressed concerns about e-bike safety, particularly regarding young riders without protective gear. Member Landford Jr. suggested developing educational programs with HPD. Paula Bender agreed that e-bike sellers should require training for purchasers.
3. Kamehameha’s Law: Resident Austin Salcedo asked about the Māmalahoe Kānāwai (Law of the Splintered Paddle) mentioned in the presentation. Bender and Member Wahilani explained its historical context as one of Hawaiʻi’s first laws protecting the safety of travelers on public pathways.
4. E-bike Legislation: Resident Germaine Meyers asked what the Hawaiʻi Bicycling League is doing to pass legislation in regards to a permitting process for E-bikes.
5. Liability Insurance: Resident Kalei Salcedo suggested requiring liability insurance for e-bike rentals, similar to requirements for motor vehicles.
Tree Initiative: Planting More Trees Due to Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles – [1:41:15]: Roxanne Adams from the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Division of Urban Forestry (DUF), presented on plans to replace trees lost to Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles. Adams reported that 91 palms were removed from the west coast in 2024, and in 2025, 445 coconut palms were inspected with 33 recommended for removal. In total, approximately 130 palms have been removed from Māʻili Beach Park to Keawaʻula Beach Park. During the same period, 1,213 trees were pruned for safety and maintenance. DUF plans to replant with shade trees rather than coconut palms, which are vulnerable to the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle. The first test site will be Māʻili Beach Park, where they hope to plant 50-100 trees. They are also planning to plant about 15 trees at Puhulu as part of the Arbor Day celebration. Adams presented various tree options, including Hawaiian heritage plants (kou, milo, hau, kukui, hala, kamani), native trees, and introduced species that are drought-resistant and salt-tolerant.
• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IDYu9b_6dPfANkVG8QAPX7Gg8XQUCxyc/view?usp=drive_link
9. COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [1:58:17]
Mulitple Concerns – [1:58:35]: Resident Shelby Billionaire expressed concern about the City Council’s plan to raise bus fares and encouraged community members to attend city council meetings. He also suggested modernizing Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) leases as a solution to the housing crisis, noting that current lessees don’t benefit from equity, cash flow, appreciation, or depreciation.
Civics Education – [2:00:44]: Member Wahilani suggested legislation requiring high school juniors and seniors to take classes on laws and policies to become responsible community members.
Tree Planting Support – [2:01:56]: Resident Germaine Meyers encouraged the board to take a position supporting the tree planting initiative presented by Roxanne Adams.
Development Concerns – [2:03:00]: Resident Michael Eli raised concerns about development activities affecting a river in the area and questioned the status of affordable housing projects.
Community Collaboration – [2:04:48]: Resident Kalei Salcedo encouraged the Board to continue collaborating with the Nānākuli-Māʻili Neighborhood Board to better serve the entire community.
MAʻO Farms Development – [2:06:12]: Resident Michael Eli suggested the land that MAʻO farms is looking to develop on could be used for Hawaiian Homes.
No Rail in 96792 – [2:07:23]: Resident Johnnie-Mae Perry expressed concern about the lack of rail transit in the 96792-zip code and the need for a Wai’anae bus transit center.
Water Resources – [2:08:36]: Member Newman raised concerns about water diversion from Mākaha to Māʻili affecting shorelines, marine life, and natural resources due to erosion and climate change.
10. ELECTED OFFICIALS’ REPORTS – [2:09:45]
[2:09:54] Chair Savaiinaea asked for any opposition to take the agenda out of order to take the elected officials in the physical meeting space first. Hearing no opposition, the agenda was taken out of order.
State Senator Samantha DeCorte – [2:10:15]: Senator DeCorte provided the report and highlighted the following:
• Crime Initiatives: The community continues to prioritize crime concerns. Senator DeCorte is working with Major Mike Lambert of the Department of Law Enforcement on enforcement of agricultural crimes and stricter penalties for repeat offenders.
• Siren Repairs: Three sirens that are currently out of service (near Princess Kahanu, Lahi Lahi, and Kaena) will be fixed by early November, according to Administrator James Burrows.
• Iwi Kūpuna Protocol: When ancestral remains are exposed, the proper protocol is to contact HPD and State of Hawaiʻi Historic Preservation Division (SHPD).
• Civics Education: Regarding the suggestion for civics education in schools, Senator DeCorte cautioned that DOE is struggling with basic services and implementing new classes would be difficult, but encouraged parents and community organizations to help teach these skills.
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [2:14:11]
1. Difficulties with Bills: Resident Shelby Billionaire shared the difficulties of passing bills allegedly comes from being a part of a specific political party.
2. Legislative Support: Resident Germaine Meyers asked what can the Neighborhood Boards do to help better support legislation.
3. One-Way Tickets: Resident Austin Salcedo raised concerns about Mayor Blangiardi’s comments regarding one-way tickets to Hawaiʻi during the upcoming Olympics in Los Angeles, noting this has been an ongoing issue.
4. Makua Valley: Resident Johnnie-Mae Perry asked about the potential return of Makua Valley lands. Senator DeCorte clarified that negotiations are ongoing, with the Army trying to leverage Makua to retain the lease for Pohakuloa. She noted that about 8,000 acres of state lands could be returned.
5. Youth Programs: Member Newman asked about social programs to help unsupervised youth. Senator DeCorte noted that while many programs exist (Boys and Girls Club, Team Bless, Kaʻala, Nakamaki), parents need to take responsibility for monitoring their children and connecting them with appropriate resources.
6. Supporting Children in Community: Resident Kalei Salcedo shared how the community can support children despite the challenges they face.
State Representative Chris Muraoka – [2:32:20]: Representative Muraoka provided the report and highlighted the following:
• Brush Clearance: Working with DHHL to remove brush around Leihōkū and surrounding houses, and with the city and private owners to address areas around Mākaha Elementary School.
• Highway Maintenance: Collaborated with Director Ed Sniffen to get trees cut along Farrington Highway to improve visibility and reduce crime.
• Emergency Preparedness: Taking a community-first approach to emergency planning with Haima, involving generational families who know the valleys and roads better than outside agencies.
• Tsunami Response: Thanked Resident Sanford Kama for assistance during the recent tsunami warning, when they helped evacuate people from camps to higher ground.
• Traffic Safety: Working with Director Sniffen to install speed bumps in three valleys to reduce speeding.
• Community Safety: Worked with HPD on problematic areas including Glen Monger Street and a homeless camp behind McDonald’s.
• Agricultural Crime: Encouraged residents to post “No Trespassing” signs on agricultural properties.
• Middle Park Bathroom: Working with Councilmember Tupola to reopen the bathroom by year’s end.
• Emergency Sirens: Noted that many sirens have been broken for over four years and raised concerns that sirens are only along the coastline, not in urban areas.
• E-bike Legislation: Planning to work with Representative Kila on legislation to hold e-bike purchasers accountable through serial number tracking and mandatory training.
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [2:39:54]
1. Motorcycles in Mākaha Valley: Member Jordan expressed concern about motorcycles and e-bikes trespassing on the 660 acres purchased from Pacific Links in Mākaha Valley. Representative Muraoka clarified that while he doesn’t have a relationship with the owners, he would look into the issue of trails expanding into the mountains.
2. Siren Monitoring: Resident Germaine Meyers emphasized the importance of monitoring the siren issue, noting that previous representatives and senators had not addressed the problem effectively.
3. Community Collaboration: Resident Austin Salcedo shared the Waiʻanae and Nānākuli-Māʻili Neighborhood Boards should have similar committees collaborate to find better solutions to community issues.
4. Kūpuna Education: Member Endo asked if the State could put together a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to help educate Kūpuna on emergency preparedness applications and announcements on their cell phones.
Councilmember Andria Tupola – [2:53:16]: Councilmember Tupola provided the report and highlighted the following:
• Council Meeting: Full Council meeting scheduled for September 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with bills on the selection of the police chief, audit of HESD and CORE, a revolving fund, and a pound master bill for animal recovery.
• Recognition: Honoring a Wai’anae teacher, Leia Aken, for her years of service in DOE programs.
• Youth Programs: Working with Representative Kila on funding youth programs in geographic areas where they are needed.
Mayor’s Representative – [2:54:57]: Director Dawn Apuna provided the report and highlighted the following:
• DHHL Permitting: DHHL has asked the City to help with their permitting process, with hopes that AI can assist with single-family building permits.
• HPD Cultural Training: HPD will provide curriculum documents after receiving a physical copy of the subpoena.
• Illegal Dumping: ENV conducted a site inspection on Monday, August 11, 2025 at Puhawai Street, verified a violation of Chapter 42 ROH, issued a violation to the property owner, and confirmed the violation was corrected during a follow-up inspection Wednesday, on August 20.
11. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:56:39]
• Representative Kila’s DHHL Townhall: Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Community Learning Center at Maili.
• Aloha Animal Outreach Spay & Neuter: Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. at Westside Pet Supply parking lot (87-728 Farrington Highway).
• Committee Meetings:
o Regular Board Meeting: Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 6:30pm at the Wai’anae Public Library (meeting room): 85-625 Farrington Hwy, Wai’anae, HI 96792
o Education, Health, and Safety Committee: Monday, September 8, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Wai’anae Assembly of God Church.
o Parks and Recreation/Ocean Safety Committee: Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Wai’anae District Park Craft Room.
o Housing/Homelessness Committee: Friday, September 5, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at HCAP Leeward District Service Center.
• Kalaeloa Partners Community Meeting: Monday, September 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom webinar.
• Representative Kila’s HDOT Townhall: Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Nānākuli Public Library with Director Sniffen.
12. ADJOURNMENT – [2:58:52]: Chair Savaiinaea adjourned the meeting at 9:32 p.m.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Jones, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Lindon Valenciano, Public Relations Assistant, NCO
Finalized by:
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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