MILILANI – WAIPI‘O – MELEMANU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 25

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2025 at 7:00 P.M.
MILILANI HIGH SCHOOL – H BUILDING
95-1200 MEHEULA PARKWAY, MILILANI, HI 96789
AND VIRTUAL VIA WEBEX

Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m369359c4e541c9a75488c5659a6601ad
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2482 424 7186
Passcode: NB25 (6225 from phones and video systems)
Join by Video System: Dial 24887188225@cchnl.webex.com
Join by Phone: +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll

Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kK0RlwlrULOHw3HFRCLnoiy8MZLoYk8D?usp=drive_link

Rules for Virtual Participation and Speaking: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to raise their hand, and when recognized by the Chair, to address comments to the Chair. Speakers are encouraged to keep their comments under three (3) minutes, and those giving reports are urged to keep their reports to less than three (3) minutes. Please silence all electronic devices.

Written Testimony: 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, 530 South King Street, Room 406, Honolulu, HI 96813. Fax: (808) 768-3711. Email: nbtestimony@honolulu.gov

I. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Danielle M. M. Bass
A. Pledge of Allegiance, Public Notice, Roll Call/Quorum

II. MONTHLY REPORTS (Limited to three (3) minutes each)
A. Honolulu Fire Department
(Monthly report; fire and emergency incident statistics for this community’s jurisdiction for July – Aug 2025, HFD safety tips reminders, and upcoming events)
B. Honolulu Police Department
(Monthly report; crime and incident statistics for this community’s jurisdiction for July – Aug 2025, HPD safety tips, reminders, and upcoming events)
C. U.S. Army – Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division
(Monthly report; updates on previous and current questions / concerns, safety tips, reminders, and upcoming events)
D. Board of Water Supply (BWS)
(Monthly report; water main break incidents and statistics for this community’s jurisdiction for July – Aug 2025; BWS tips, reminders, and upcoming events)
E. State of Hawaiʻi School Facilities Authority (HiSFA)
(Monthly report and status update of Mililani High School Workforce Housing project; updates on previous and current questions / concerns, reminders, and upcoming events)

III. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 Joint Meeting Special Meeting Minutes

IV. COMMUNITY CONCERNS (Limited to three (3) minutes each)
A. Report Of Any Events or Concerns Within the Community
Any community member can come forward and express any comment or concern within decorum.
Please, limit your comments to three (3) minutes each per issue for items not on the agenda.

V. PRESENTATIONS (Limited to seven (7) minutes each)
A. Environmental Assessment Process for the Mililani High School Teacher Workforce Housing Project – Cheri Nakamura, State School Facilities Authority
B. Brief Update on the Proposed Kamananui Gondola Agri-Tourism Project at Mt. Ka‘ala – Kathleen Pahinui, Chair, and Racquel Achiu, Vice Chair, North Shore Neighborhood Board; Gil Riviere, Keep the North Shore Country; and Maka Casson-Fisher, Waialua Hawaiian Civic Club

VI. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Resolution on the Proposed Kamananui Gondola Agri-Tourism Project at Mt. Ka‘ala
B. Rescheduling of the Neighborhood Board 25 Wednesday, November 26, 2025 meeting to Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. at Mililani High School – H Building.

VII. REPORTS OF CHAIRS AND BOARD COMMITTEES (Limited to three (3) minutes each)
A. Chair’s Report
B. Community Partnerships and Community Outreach – Kate Ozawa, Chair
C. Community Recognition and Service Awards – Josie Ka‘anehe, Chair
D. Community Maintenance and Walk Audit – Ken Inouye & Skyler Ross, Co- Chairs
1. Neighborhood Board Walk Form: https://forms.gle/3YeivtfDyT6VaAi1A
E. Planning, Zoning, Sustainable Development, and Climate Resilience – Trevor Nagamine, Chair
F. Transportation & OMPO – Ed Flores, Chair
G. Military Affairs and Emergency Management – Dennis Kim, Chair
H. Health, Houselessness, and Human Services – Darsha Lee, Chair
I. Parks and Recreation – Sabrina Gustafson, Chair
J. Education – Marilyn Lee, Chair

VIII. ELECTED OFFICIALS REPORTS (Limited to three (3) minutes each)
A. Office of Hawai‘i’s 1st Congressional District, Congressman Ed Case – Nestor Garcia
B. Office of Hawai‘i State Governor Josh Green – Toni Schwartz, Governor’s Representative
C. Office of the City & County of Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi– Mayor’s Representative
D. Office of the City & County of Honolulu Council District 8, Councilmember Val Okimoto
E. Office of the City & County of Honolulu Council District 2, Councilmember Matthew Weyer
F. Office of State Senate District 18, Senator Michelle Kidani
G. Office of State Senate District 17, Senator Donovan Dela Cruz
H. Office of State House District 38, Representative Lauren Matsumoto
I. Office of State House District 37, Representative Trish La Chica
J. Office of State House District 46, Representative Amy Perruso

IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Next Board Meeting: The next scheduled board meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 7:00 pm. Location: Mililani High School – H Building.
B. Broadcast: Videotaping of Board meetings are scheduled to be shown on ‘Ōlelo Focus 49, Every Second Thursday at 9:00 a.m., and on ‘Ōlelo Views 54, Every First and Third Saturday at 9:00 a.m.

X. ADJOURNMENT

A mailing list is maintained for interested persons and agencies to receive this board’s agenda and minutes. Additions, corrections, and deletions to the mailing list may be directed to the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) at Kapālama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160 Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96817; Telephone (808) 768-3710 Fax (808) 768-3711; or call Neighborhood Assistant Rachel Cristobal at (808) 768-3708 or e-mail nco@honolulu.gov . Agendas and minutes are also available on the internet at www.honolulu.gov/nco.

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.

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.

DRAFT INITIAL CONVENING MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2025 – 7:30 P.M.
MILILANI HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA – 95-1200 MEHEULA PKWY, MILILANI, HI 96789 AND VIA WEBEX

Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M9y22uGCRQ

Google Drive Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kK0RlwlrULOHw3HFRCLnoiy8MZLoYk8D

I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:10]

Chair Pro Tem Danielle Bass called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Chair Pro Tem Bass explained that this was the initial convening of the board for the 2025-2027 term. She noted the change of venue from H Building to the Mililani High School cafeteria due to air conditioning issues. The next meeting will return to H Building. The Board recited the Pledge of Allegiance [0:01:45].

Roll call was conducted [0:02:53] and quorum WAS established with 22 members present [0:04:15]. Note: This 23-member Board requires 12 members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Danielle Bass, Elise Carmody, Ed Flores, Ann Freed, Sabrina Gustafson, Ken Inouye, Josie Kaʻanehe (online), Kurumi Kaapana-aki, Dennis Kim, Brandon Kinard, Darsha Lee (online), Marilyn Lee, Trevor Nagamine, Alex Ozawa, Katherine Ozawa, Rodney Park (online), Rudy Rana, Skyler Ross, Martina Segura, Mary Smart, Emil Svrcina (online), Sharon Williams, and Katherine Kupukaa (joined at 7:45 p.m.).

Board Members Absent: None.

Guests: Captain Morero (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Scott Vierra (Honolulu Police Department); Sergeant Olivia Cowart (U.S. Army); Kathleen Pahinui (Board of Water Supply); Cheri Nakamura (State of Hawaiʻi School Facilities Authority); Toni Schwartz (Governor Josh Green); Aaron Wilson (Councilmember Val Okimoto); Kelly Anaya (Councilmember Matt Weyer); Charles Miller (Senator Donovan Dela Cruz); Representative Trish La Chica; Stella A. (Representative La Chica’s Office); Representative Amy Perruso; Keoni, Robin Nelson, Val Tuiloma, Daniel Gabriel, Jocelyn Roberts (Residents/Guests); Rachel Cristobal (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name not included if not legible or stated for the record. There were approximately 44 total participants.

II. ELECTION OF OFFICERS – [0:05:04]

Chair – [0:05:04]: Danielle Bass was nominated by Trevor Nagamine. No other nominations were made. Danielle Bass was elected as Chair; 22-0-0 (Bass: Bass, Carmody, Flores, Freed, Gustafson, Inouye, Kaʻanehe, Kaapana-aki, Kim, Kinard, Darsha Lee, Marilyn Lee, Nagamine, Alex Ozawa, Katherine Ozawa, Park, Rana, Ross, Segura, Smart, Svrcina, Williams. Nay: None. Abstain: None.) [0:08:39].

Vice Chair – [0:08:55]: Trevor Nagamine was nominated by Danielle Bass. Trevor Nagamine accepted the nomination. No other nominations were made. Trevor Nagamine was elected as Vice Chair; 22-0-0 (Nagamine: Bass, Carmody, Flores, Freed, Gustafson, Inouye, Kaʻanehe, Kaapana-aki, Kim, Kinard, Darsha Lee, Marilyn Lee, Nagamine, Alex Ozawa, Katherine Ozawa, Park, Rana, Ross, Segura, Smart, Svrcina, Williams. Nay: None. Abstain: None.) [0:10:41].

Secretary – [0:10:51]: Sabrina Gustafson was nominated by Ed Flores. No other nominations were made. Sabrina Gustafson was elected as Secretary; 21-0-1 (Gustafson: Bass, Carmody, Flores, Freed, Inouye, Kaʻanehe, Kaapana-aki, Kim, Kinard, Darsha Lee, Marilyn Lee, Nagamine, Alex Ozawa, Katherine Ozawa, Park, Rana, Ross, Segura, Smart, Svrcina, Williams. Nay: None. Abstain: Gustafson.) [0:15:23].

Member Kupukaa joined at 7:45 p.m.; 23 members present.

Treasurer – [0:13:04]: Josie Kaʻanehe was nominated by Sabrina Gustafson. No other nominations were made. Josie Kaʻanehe was elected as Treasurer; 23-0-0 (Ka’anehe: Bass, Carmody, Flores, Freed, Inouye, Kaʻanehe, Kaapana-aki, Kim, Kinard, Darsha Lee, Marilyn Lee, Nagamine, Gustafson, Alex Ozawa, Katherine Ozawa, Park, Rana, Ross, Segura, Smart, Svrcina, Williams, Kupukaa. Nay: None. Abstain: None.) [0:15:37].

III. MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:15:40]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:15:40]: Captain Morero from the Mililani Fire Station reported:
● Emergency statistics for June 2025: 1 structure fire, 3 brush fires, 4 nuisance alarm fires, 1 cooking fire, 3 activated alarms (not fires), 78 medical calls, 1 motor vehicle collision with pedestrian, 7 motor vehicle crashes, and 1 hazardous materials incident.
● Safety Tip: Fire safety tips focused on wildland fire awareness, prevention, and preparedness. Recommendations included maintaining yards, cleaning gutters, clearing vegetation around campfires and barbecues, and ensuring machinery has operating spark arresters.
● Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dijBhsjM1MFsWNy9gHU984PzphLqMkFc/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:17:28]
1. Member Freed: Commended the city regarding the fireworks law that seemed effective this year.
2. Member Freed: Asked how it was for the fire department to handle the fireworks changes in law over the 4th of July, noting it was quieter in her district than it had been in years.
Captain Morero: Responded that he couldn’t speak for the whole department, but their station had no alarms pertaining to fireworks, suggesting the changes were effective.
3. Member Kaʻanehe: Observed that there were still four homes in some areas shooting off fireworks

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:18:44]: Lieutenant Scott Vierra from the Wahiawā Police Station reported:
● Crime statistics for July 2025: 4 assaults, 0 robberies, 7 burglaries (5 occurred in B250 area), 6 unlawful entries into motor vehicles, and 737 total calls for service.
● Safety Tips: Tips were in regards to outdoor activities and theft prevention.
● Gun Buy Back Program: Announcement of a gun buyback program at Wahiawā Police Station, primarily targeting kupuna with unwanted firearms.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:21:19]
1. Member Kupukaa: Asked about a theft incident involving a service sticker removed from a windshield that she had encountered.
Lieutenant Vierra: Responded that he didn’t know why someone would take a service sticker.
2. Member Kupukaa: Expressed concern about red light violations at the Mililani’s Ruby Tuesday intersection.
Lieutenant Vierra: Stated he would mention the issue to officers to monitor the area and suggested calling 911 with license plate information when violations are observed.
3. Member Katherine Ozawa: Requested a “turn coming” sign on Kipapa Drive due to multiple accidents when the road is wet.
Lieutenant Vierra: Explained that changes to road design or signage come from the Department of Planning and Permitting or roadways division, which typically conduct studies based on accident patterns.
4. Member Freed: Asked about drone deployment for fireworks enforcement on July 4th.
Lieutenant Vierra: Responded that he was not aware of drone deployment in their district, noting that drones haven’t been assigned to the districts yet.
5. Member Kaapana-Aki: Asked about what happens when someone inherits a firearm from their kupuna.
Lieutenant Vierra: Clarified that the program is for people who don’t want firearms in their homes, not to take firearms from those who want to keep inherited weapons.
6. Member Kaapana-Aki: Asked about the possibility of HPD assuming the Ruby Tuesday location for a substation.
Lieutenant Vierra: Stated he hadn’t heard anything about that location, but mentioned they would eventually move to a new building across from the Wahiawā shopping center.
7. Member Lee: Reported fireworks in some areas and expressed appreciation for HPD response to calls.
Lieutenant Vierra: Thanked the member for calling and acknowledged the challenges of fireworks enforcement.
8. Member Ross: Asked about the gun buyback program schedule and whether it includes ammunition.
Lieutenant Vierra: Explained the program is ongoing and that ammunition can be turned in separately from the gun buyback program.
9. Member Ross: Asked about the fireworks buyback program and whether it would be available at individual HPD stations.
Lieutenant Vierra: Clarified that the fireworks buyback is at the stadium parking lot, but residents can call 911 to have officers recover fireworks found in homes.

Military – Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division – [0:31:12]: Sergeant Olivia Cowart reported:
● Upcoming Job Fair: Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 at Helemano Military Reservation Training Room from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
● Training Advisory for Oʻahu: includes small arms blank fire, aviation training, artillery, mortar, and demolitions training.
● Information About a Recent Wildland Fire: Located on Schofield Barracks that burned approximately 600 acres.
● Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) Training Exercise Announcement: Will be between October and November 2025. There will be an increase in traffic and noise.
● Community concern line: 808-787-1528.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:35:08]
1. Member Freed: Expressed appreciation for the presentation and mentioned that military advisories are shared on the Next Door app.
Sergeant Cowart: Acknowledged and said she would pass that information on.
2. Member Rana: Asked about traffic issues near the post and potential resolutions.
Sergeant Cowart: Agreed that traffic is backed up but was not aware of any resolution plans, offering to look into it further.
3. Member Kinard: Asked about the date range and location of the fire.
Sergeant Cowart: Responded that the fire was on Schofield Barracks, but not sure where. She believes that it was more centered towards on the north side of the training range, starting approximately around June 11.
4. Member Kinard: Asked about civilian access to Waikakalaua Stream for cleanup efforts.
Sergeant Cowart: Stated she was unfamiliar with the exact location but believed pedestrian access would not be considered trespassing if the area was accessible on foot.
5. Member Kim: Asked about increased security at bases.
Sergeant Cowart: Explained that sometimes bases increase security for various reasons, suggesting it was more related to protests around the US rather than international events.
6. Member Ross: Requested information about how the Army communicates fire incidents to the public.
Sergeant Cowart: Mentioned that information is typically shared through social media, news articles, and fire apps that report all fires on the island.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:44:18]: Kathleen Pahinui reported:
● Report: No main breaks for the month of July 2025.
● Annual Unthirsty Plant Sale at Hālawa Xeriscape Garden: Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event will include booths on invasive species and little fire ants.

State of Hawaiʻi School Facilities Authority (HiSFA) – [0:45:16]: Cheri Nakamura provided the following presentation:
● Hawaiʻi State Department of Education Employee Housing Survey Results: HiSFA has been meeting with Mililani High School Principal Fred Murphy and Department of Education (DOE) leadership to coordinate next steps for the teacher housing project at site B. She shared results from a DOE employee housing survey showing strong teacher demand for rental housing. The survey highlights: 35% of employees are cost-burdened (paying over 30% of income for housing), 41% identified as retention risks, and over 70% of non-homeowners at retention risk would consider signing a lease for rental housing. Mililani was identified as the most desirable location for teacher housing among educators on Oahu.
● Hawaiʻi State Department of Education Employee Housing Survey Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ur01tKRXt72RjdIff8fHQuwGX_4lFcDj/view?usp=drive_link
● Hawaiʻi State Department of Education – Employee Housing Survey: Retention Risks and Opportunities for Workforce Housing: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OTfR5-9DFAWaoZWQrGq-ZqX0ou__r4u5/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:50:06]
1. Member Kaapana-Aki: Asked whether preference would be given to non-tenured teachers versus tenured teachers and emergency hires.
Ms. Nakamura: Responded that those details of priority have not been decided yet, but would note the question.
2. Member Ross: Requested more transparency on the project timeline and progress.
Ms. Nakamura: Explained that it’s a complicated project with many moving parts, noting that the site change has saved some time by eliminating the need to relocate the agricultural program first.
3. Member Ross: Asked about the additional DOE project planned near the teacher housing site.
Ms. Nakamura: Mentioned that there will be an “arenasium” and described it as an outdoor athletic facility with a covering, similar to a covered play court, being developed at the tennis court area. This is mainly managed by the DOE and not the HiSFA.
4. Member Ozawa: Asked what an “arenasium” is.
Ms. Nakamura: Explained it’s an outdoor athletic event facility that could range from a simple tent to an elaborate structure with a roof.
5. Member Kaapana-Aki: Asked whether the project had gone out to bid.
Ms. Nakamura: Clarified that as a public-private partnership, the project has already been awarded to Pacific Housing Assistance Corporation, a local nonprofit with 30-40 years of experience in affordable housing.
6. Mr. Gabriel (Public): Expressed concern about safeguards to protect students from potential inappropriate interactions with faculty living on campus.
Ms. Nakamura: Acknowledged the safety concern was heard during community meetings and explained the housing would be in a separate area from the school, noting that the housing would serve teachers from across Oahu, not just Mililani High School.
7. Member Freed: Asked whether affordability concerns raised at previous meetings had been addressed.
Ms. Nakamura: Stated they understand affordability is one of the most important issues and are working to make the housing as affordable as possible for educators.

IV. BOARD BUSINESS – [1:03:50]

Meeting Date, Time, Location, and Format – [1:03:55]: Chair Bass MOVED that the Mililani-Waipio-Melemanu Neighborhood Board No. 25 continue to meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at Mililani High School with a virtual component. Member Smart seconded [1:04:30]. Member Gustafson proposed an amendment to change the meeting time to 7:00 p.m. [1:04:34]. She noted that of the 33 neighborhood boards, this was the only one meeting at 7:30 p.m., and earlier meetings could end before 10:30 p.m. Skyler Ross seconded [1:05:22]. A discussion was followed regarding school availability and the three-hour time limit for Olelo recording. The amendment to change the meeting time to 7:00 p.m. PASSED; 19-1-2 (Aye: Bass, Carmody, Flores, Freed, Gustafson, Inouye, Kaʻanehe, Kaapana-aki, Kim, Kinard, Marilyn Lee, Nagamine, Alex Ozawa, Katherine Ozawa, Park, Rana, Ross, Segura, Svrcina, and Williams. Nay: Smart. Abstain: Darsha Lee and Kinard) [1:09:41].
The amended motion to meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at Mililani High School with a virtual component was ADOPTED; 21-0-2 (Aye: Bass, Carmody, Flores, Freed, Gustafson, Inouye, Kaʻanehe, Kaapana-aki, Kim, Kupukaa, Marilyn Lee, Nagamine, Alex Ozawa, Katherine Ozawa, Park, Rana, Ross, Segura, Smart, Svrcina, and Williams. Nay: None. Abstain: Darsha Lee and Kinard) [1:11:21].

Board Recess Schedule – [1:11:28]: Chair Bass opened discussion on the three recesses allotted for the term year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026), cautioning against July recesses due to board reorganization requirements. Chair Bass MOVED and Member Gustafson SECONDED to have 3 recesses, but to exclude July for the Boardʻs reorganizing [1:11:48]. Member Gustafson requested to amend the motion to have only one recess in December instead of three recesses throughout the year, citing the importance of community access to the board [1:12:21]. Member Freed seconded [1:13:27]. There was a discussion followed regarding holiday conflicts, emergency meeting cancellations, board member absence policies and the possibility of moving the November 2025 meeting to a different Wednesday. A roll call vote was conducted [1:20:15]. The amended motion to have one recess for December 2025 was ADOPTED; 20-0-3 (Aye: Carmody, Flores, Freed, Gustafson, Inouye, Kaʻanehe, Kaapana-aki, Kim, Kinard, Kupukaa, Darsha Lee, Marilyn Lee, Nagamine, Alex Ozawa, Katherine Ozawa, Park, Rana, Ross, Segura, Svrcina, and Williams. Nay: None. Abstain: Bass, Carmody, and Smart) [1:21:29].

Adoption of Oral Testimony Rules – [1:23:52]: Chair Bass MOVED and the motion was SECONDED that public comments be limited to two minutes, with presentation time allotment made by mutual agreement between the presenter and the Chair [1:23:52]. Member Freed MOVED for an amendment to increase the time limit to 5 minutes, but there was no second [1:24:13]. The motion FAILED. Member Kinard proposed an amendment to increase the time limit from two to three minutes. The amendment was seconded by Member Smart. The amendment to increase the public comments time limit to three minutes, with presentation time allotment made by mutual agreement between the presenter and the Chair was ADOPTED; 17-2-4 (Aye: Flores, Freed, Gustafson, Inouye, Kaʻanehe, Kaapana-aki, Kim, Kinard, Kupukaa, Marilyn Lee, Nagamine, Alex Ozawa, Park, Segura, Smart, Svrcina, and Williams. Nay: Katherine Ozawa, Darsha Lee. Abstain: Rana, Carmody, Ross, Bass.) [1:26:43].

Creation of Board Committees and Chairs – [1:27:04]: Chair Bass MOVED and Member Gustafson SECONDED to establish the following committees [1:28:02]:
1. Community Partnerships and Community Outreach
2. Community Recognition and Service Awards
3. Community Maintenance and Walk Audit
4. Planning, Zoning, Sustainable Development, and Climate Resilience
5. Transportation and Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization
6. Military Affairs and Emergency Management
7. Health, Houselessness, and Human Services
8. Parks and Recreation & Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park
9. Education

Member Gustafson proposed an amendment to remove “Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park” from the Parks and Recreation committee name, noting it was redundant [1:28:13]. Chair Bass accepted the amendment as a friendly amendment. The motion to establish the committees as amended was ADOPTED; 23-0-0 (Aye: Bass, Carmody, Flores, Freed, Inouye, Kaʻanehe, Kaapana-aki, Kim, Kinard, Darsha Lee, Marilyn Lee, Nagamine, Gustafson, Alex Ozawa, Katherine Ozawa, Park, Rana, Ross, Segura, Smart, Svrcina, Williams, Kupukaa. Nay: None. Abstain: None.) [1:29:44].

V. Approval of Meeting Minutes – [1:30:00]
Approval of Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes – [1:30:18]: Member Gustafson MOVED to approve the Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes as written. The motion was SECONDED. The motion was ADOPTED; 23-0-0 (Aye: Bass, Carmody, Flores, Freed, Inouye, Kaʻanehe, Kaapana-aki, Kim, Kinard, Darsha Lee, Marilyn Lee, Nagamine, Gustafson, Alex Ozawa, Katherine Ozawa, Park, Rana, Ross, Segura, Smart, Svrcina, Williams, Kupukaa. Nay: None. Abstain: None.) [1:30:40].

VI. COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [1:30:52]: None.

ELECTED OFFICIALS’ REPORTS – [1:31:10]

Office of Hawai‘i’s 1st Congressional District, Congressman Ed – [1:31:13]: No representative present.

Office of Hawaiʻi State Governor Josh Green – [1:31:28]: Toni Schwartz reported:
● New Fire Marshal: Announcement of the new Fire Marshal who started in June 2025.
● Hawaii Department of Human Services’ 2025 SunBucks program providing $177 in nutritional support for eligible children during summer months. The program has served over 79,000 children ($13.9 million spent so far). The application deadline is August 3rd, 2025; website: sunbucks.dhs.hawaii.gov or call 888-975-7328.

Office of the City & County of Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi – [1:33:54]: No representative present. Chair Bass noted the Mayor’s report was uploaded to the neighborhood board’s Google Drive.
● Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WtCU6e7btGwRLmcBmK3YV55M-6FK0H9p/view?usp=drive_link
● Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PzX_rvaoZ_1GItFciIP7IGgVsETfjT5A/view?usp=drive_link

Office of the City & County of Honolulu Council District 8, Councilmember Val Okimoto – [1:34:18]: Aaron Wilson reported:
● Introduction of Bills 49 and 50 on June 27th, 2025 to amend real property tax exemptions.
○ Bill 49 would increase exemption for taxpayers 65 and older from $160,000 to $180,000.
○ Bill 50 would increase exemption for all homeowners from $120,000 to $140,000.
● Amendments proposed to increase exemptions to $300,000 for seniors and $250,000 for all homeowners.
● Update on crosswalk repainting.
● Follow-up on Transit Center Elevator: Damage was caused by arson, requiring replacement of the entire elevator shaft at an estimated cost of $250,000.
● Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iF5iWFKS7yjkaqwp6T8LW4ZZGmjKAltl/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:36:56]
1. Member Carmody: Asked about insurance reimbursement for the elevator damage.
Aaron Wilson: Stated he had not heard about any insurance claims but agreed that if insurance funds were allocated to the general fund, they should be reallocated to fix the elevator.
2. Member Katherine Ozawa: Asked about repairing potholes at Mililani Cemetery.
Aaron Wilson: Explained that the roads are privately owned by two different owners, so the city likely wouldn’t allocate resources to fix those roads.

Office of the City & County of Honolulu Council District 2, Councilmember Matthew Weyer – [1:39:42]: Kelly Anaya reported:
● The approved budget includes $4 million for Waipio ambulance unit facility, $900,000 for a multi-purpose playing field and parking lot at Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park, and $800,000 for tree farm improvements.
● Councilmember co-introduced measures for real property tax relief (Bills 49 and 50).
● Councilmember shared the city’s role in renewable energy goals at the 11th annual bioenergy sources forum.
● Update on addressing homeless situation near Waikalani Drive in coordination with HPD and the Army.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:42:49]
1. Member Smart: Asked about the homeless encampment near Waikalani Drive and whether anyone was working with private property owners in the area.
Kelly Anaya: Clarified that when they visited, there were no individuals on the private property, only on military property, and they didn’t observe any encampments on the private property.

Office of State Senate District 18, Senator Michelle Kidani – [1:44:12]: Trevor Nagamine reported he did not have the monthly newsletter but offered to take questions back to Senator Kidani.

Office of State Senate District 17, Senator Donovan Dela Cruz – [0:1:44:46]: Charles Miller reported:
● Governor Green signed the biosecurity bill renaming the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, establishing a deputy chair position, allocating $26.6 million for 44 new biosecurity positions, and allowing the governor to declare biosecurity emergencies.
● Senate Bill (SB) 933 allocates $50 million to nonprofits to combat federal funding cuts.
● SB222 extends the illegal fireworks task force to Sunday, June 30, 2030.
● Update on H2 Metal Plate Repair Going Northbound: Joint materials are being shipped from Missouri and should arrive by the end of July 2025, with project completion expected by mid-August 2025.

Office of State House District 38, Representative Lauren Matsumoto – [1:46:37]: No representative present.

Office of State House District 37, Representative Trish La Chica – [1:46:57]: Representative La Chica and intern Stella A. reported:
● Governor signed HB550 (Act 244) allowing drones to record over public property for fireworks enforcement.
● Update on the “arenasium” project at Mililani High School.
● Information on Mililani Cemetery Road maintenance issues.
● Governor signed House Bill (HB) 1231 (Safe Routes to Schools/Act 212) establishing the largest dedicated funding source for safe routes to school program.
● Invitation to the joint neighborhood board meeting on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 regarding the Kamananui Gondola project.
● Reminder that Preschool Open Doors is accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year, with expanded eligibility under HB692 (Act 203).

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:54:11]
1. Member Kaʻanehe: Asked for clarification on drone enforcement of illegal fireworks on private property.
Representative La Chica: Explained that the law (HB550) only allows drones to record over public property, not private property, due to privacy concerns.
2. Member Freed: Asked why illegal fireworks on private property couldn’t be prosecuted using drone evidence.
Representative La Chica: Clarified that the current law only allows drones to record over public property, though illegal fireworks remain illegal.
3. Member Flores: Asked about SB933 and concerns about its constitutionality due to procedural issues.
Representative La Chica: Acknowledged that amendments to the bill didn’t receive the required three hearings and floor readings, but noted the governor signed it into law and they’re proceeding with implementation.
4. Member Flores: Asked for clarification on whether nonprofits affected by federal funding cuts would be eligible for funds under SB933.
Representative La Chica: Confirmed that such nonprofits would be eligible.

Office of State House District 46, Representative Amy Perruso – [1:59:44]: Representative Perruso reported:
● Details on the Wednesday, July 30, 2025 joint meeting at Leilehua High School from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
● Announcement of a sign-waving event on Sunday, July 27, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the Waimea side of the Haleiwa Bypass to raise awareness about the gondola project.
● The Good Government Caucus will be having a meeting at the Capitol to discuss open government, public access, transparency, campaign finance reform, ethics, and elections.
● Updates on interim work including review of passed legislation, implementation effectiveness, and preparation for the upcoming session.
● Concerns about impacts of the OBBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) even though it won’t take effect until December 2026.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:03:36]
1. Mr. Gabriel (Public): Asked for clarification on the start time of the July 30th meeting.
Chiar Bass: Confirmed the meeting would start at 6:30 p.m.

VII. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:04:13]
Special Joint Meeting: Special joint meeting with North Shore Neighborhood Board #27, Wahiawa Neighborhood Board #26, and Mililani Mauka/Launani Valley Neighborhood Board #35 on Wednesday, July 30th at 6:30 p.m. at Leilehua High School cafeteria. The meeting will be hybrid format and will not count against board members’ attendance records. The Department of Planning and Permitting and the developer declined invitations to present. The meeting will include presentations on the Kamananui project and potential legislation prohibiting passenger ropeways on mountain land. North Shore Neighborhood Board will introduce a resolution on the project.

Next Board Meeting: The next scheduled regular board meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 7:00 pm. at Mililani High School – H Building.

Broadcast: Videotaping of Board meetings are scheduled to be shown on ‘Ōlelo Focus 49, Every Second Thursday at 9:00 a.m., and on ‘Ōlelo Views 54, Every First and Third Saturday at 9:00 a.m.

ADJOURNMENT – [2:10:06]

The meeting adjourned at 9:39 p.m.

Submitted by: Rachel Cristobal, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy. NCO
Finalized by: Sabrina Gustafson

NORTH SHORE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 27
WAHIAWĀ – WHITMORE VILLAGE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 26
MILILANI – WAIPI’O – MELEMANU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 25
MILILANI MAUKA – LAUNANI VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 35
DRAFT SPECIAL MULTI-BOARD MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2025
LEILEHUA HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA
6:30 P.M. TO 9:30 P.M.
Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjqJecFHMqk
CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:14]: 6:30 p.m.
Chair Kathleen Pahinui called the North Shore Neighborhood Board No. 27 meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
OLI AND PULE – [0:00:32]: Moki Labra offered the oli and pule.
INTRODUCTION OF BOARDS AND BOARD CHAIRS – [0:02:39]
Chair Pahinui introduced herself as the chair of the North Shore Neighborhood Board and thanked the Wahiawā-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board for hosting the joint meeting. She acknowledged the presence of Mililani Mauka and Mililani-Waipiʻo-Melemanu Neighborhood Boards.
ROLL CALL – [0:03:02]
Chair Pahinui conducted roll call for the boards.
Mililani-Waipiʻo-Melemanu Neighborhood Board No. 25:
Chair Danielle Bass conducted roll call. Present: Elise Carmody (online), Sabrina Gustafson (online), Dennis Kim, Brandon Kinard, Kurimi, Kaʻapana-Aki, Marilyn Lee (online), Rodney Park (online), Darsha Lee (online), Ed Flores, Katherine Ozawa, Mary Smart, and Chair Danielle Bass. A quorum was established.
North Shore Neighborhood Board No. 27:
Chair Pahinui conducted roll call. Present: Racquel Achiu, Leif Anderson, Denise Antolini, Dave Burlew, Amy Denzer, Deborah Aldrich, SharLyn Foo, Bob Leinau, George Atkins, Sharryl Matsumoto, Kristina “Zaz” Zazueta, and Chair Kathleen Pahinui. A quorum was established.
Wahiawā-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board No. 26:
Chair Jeanne Ishikawa conducted roll call. Present: Joe Francher, Ethan Roesler, Sylvia Manley-Koch, Erin Mendelson, Yvonne Yoro, Michelle Umaki, Jyun Yamamoto, Chair Jeanne Ishikawa. Absent: TJ Cuaresma. (Note: TJ, participated in the meeting as a member of the community.) A quorum was established
Mililani Mauka-Launani Valley Neighborhood Board No. 35:
Board member Alice Rogers conducted roll call in the absence of the chair and vice chair. Present: Alice Rogers, Dave Fields, Teresa Kuehu (online), and Steve Melendrez (online). No quorum was established.
DECLARATION OF ANY CONFLICTS BY BOARD MEMBERS – [0:09:14]
Chair Pahinui asked if there were any conflicts with anything on the agenda from any board member. No conflicts were declared.
BOARD BUSINESS
1. Kamananui Project Presentation – [0:09:36]
Former Senator Gil Riviere, Vice Chair Raquel Achiu, and Maka Casson-Fisher presented information about the Kamananui project.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Racquel Achiu explained that the developer, Joey Houssian, first came to the North Shore Neighborhood Board in March 2018 without specific plans, then submitted a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) minor application to DPP in October 2018 without returning to the board for input.
2. The CUP minor was approved in May 2019 with agricultural conditions, and DPP modified conditions in October 2019 based on Army concerns.
3. In December 2024, Kamananui Agribusiness submitted an application to modify the conditional use permit minor, and DPP requested additional information in February 2025.
4. Gil Riviere detailed that the project is known as “Kamananui Agribusiness” and is being developed by Kaukonahua Ranch LLC. The primary condition requires 50% of the acreage to be dedicated to active and viable agriculture.
5. Riviere explained that the developer has not met the conditions of their initial CUP minor approval after six years and has modified the design, including changes to the gondola route, consolidating upper stations, adding more trails and viewing platforms, and requesting relief from lighting restrictions.
6. The original plan included 900 acres of forestry, but the developer has only completed 55 acres and wants to be relieved of the remaining 850 acres, proposing to put more cattle on the land instead.
7. Maka Casson-Fisher emphasized the cultural significance of Mount Kaʻala, noting it is the highest peak on the island and sacred to Native Hawaiians.
8. Casson-Fisher concluded by asking the boards to approve a resolution requesting DPP to deny the modification application and revoke the conditional use permit minor.
2. State House Legislation Prohibiting Passenger Ropeways on Mountain Lands – [0:36:15]
Representative Sean Quinlan presented information about his proposed bill to ban chairlifts, gondolas, and other motorized transportation systems on mountain lands.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Representative Quinlan expressed anger at the disrespect shown to Mount Kaʻala, the community, and Hawaiian culture by the developers.
2. He recalled meeting developer Joey Houssian seven years ago and asking if he was only there to profit off of the community, to which Houssian said no, which Quinlan believed was a lie.
3. Quinlan explained that he had drafted a bill to ban chairlifts, gondolas, cog wheels, funiculars, and anything with a motor and tension line that takes people up mountains.
4. He stated the bill would be introduced in January 2026 and hopefully signed into law by June 2026, with retroactive application.
5. Quinlan expressed confidence that the community would fight and win against the development, as they had previously stopped the landfill proposal.
3. Public Questions and Comments – [0:43:17]
Chair Pahinui opened the floor for questions and comments from board members and the public.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. George Atkins (North Shore NB) noted that companies often falsely claim their projects won’t be visible in the view plane, citing examples of windmills and power lines that ended up being highly visible.
2. A community member read a poem about cultural loss and urged the developer to return to America where gondolas are more appropriate.
3. Board member Achiu emphasized that the developer has only engaged in private, controlled tours rather than public meetings, and has falsely claimed partnerships with organizations that have not supported the project.
4. Giovanni Kaʻanehe (online) expressed concern about endangered Hawaiian plants in the area, noting that the gondola would follow a ridge with high density of endangered species.
5. Teresa Kuehu (Mililani Mauka NB, online) emphasized the need to hold DPP accountable and questioned why no DPP representatives were present at the meeting.
6. Commissioner Steve Melendrez cautioned about the use of the word “revoke” in the resolution, suggesting it might exceed the scope of neighborhood boards’ authority.
7. Chair Ishikawa (Wahiawā-Whitmore Village NB) noted the emotional nature of the testimony but emphasized the need to maintain aloha while addressing the issue. She also commented on how the residents of Wahiawa and Whitmore Village can see Mount Ka’ala every day, it is a part of our community and our lives.
8. Joe Francher (Wahiawā NB) questioned whether the proposed Bill might be overly broad, potentially affecting other areas beyond Mount Kaʻala.
9. Ken Inouye (Mililani NB) raised concerns about traffic impacts, noting that approximately 1,650 visitors and 700 cars are expected daily at the site.
10. Kurumi Kaʻapana-Aki (Mililani NB) shared her personal connection to the land, having had to buy back her ancestral parcel in Haleiwa.
11. Evelyn Lane (Kahuku resident) related the project to wildfire concerns and noted that Kahuku Community Association voted to support opposition to the project.
12. Ernie Foster criticized DPP for approving permits without proper environmental impact statements.
13. Melissa Meek suggested condemning the property to return it to Hawaiian hands, similar to what was done with Waimea Valley.
14. Resident TJ Cuaresma called for a cease-and-desist order, stating that the developer was already cutting into the mountain.
15. A resident emphasized the importance of protecting the watershed that feeds the Kaukonahua River, Lake Wilson, and the Wahiawā irrigation system.
16. McKenna Woodward from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs expressed strong support for the resolution, stating the proposal does not align with the intent of agricultural zoning.
17. Council Member Matt Weyer noted the importance of the resolutions in the process and explained that the city council could consider condemning the parcel.
18. A 19-year-old community member pledged to continue the fight for future generations.
19. Marigold Zoll from the State of Hawaii Dept of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife noted that the developer has a forest stewardship plan and she expressed concern about changes to the conditional use permit.
4. Introduction of a Resolution on the Kamananui Project – [1:46:56]
Chair Pahinui introduced a resolution requesting that DPP deny the request for modifications and revoke the original conditional use permit minor. Chair Pahinui read the action paragraph of the resolution, which requested that DPP deny the modifications and revoke the original conditional use permit minor.
[1:58:50] – Board member Achiu moved to support the resolution as presented by Chair Pahinui, specifically for the North Shore Neighborhood Board. The motion was seconded by Denise Antolini and George Atkins. The North Shore Neighborhood Board voted unanimously to approve the resolution; 12-0-0 (Aye: Achiu, Aldrich, Andersen, Antolini, Burlew, Denzer, Foo, Leinau, Matsumoto, Atkins, Zazueta, Pahinui; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [2:01:01].

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Chair Ishikawa of the Wahiawā-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board requested two corrections to the resolution: correcting the board name to include “Whitmore Village” and correcting the spelling of her name.
2. Board member Jyun Yamamoto proposed a friendly amendment to change “whereas Mount Kaʻala is sacred” to “whereas parts of Mount Kaʻala are sacred” based on input from their previous Native Hawaiian Affairs chair.
3. After discussion, the Wahiawā-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board voted to defer voting on the resolution until their August meeting to allow for further consultation.
4. Chair Bass of the Mililani-Waipiʻo-Melemanu Neighborhood Board stated they would take up the resolution at their August 27th meeting to allow board members to submit proposed amendments.
ADJOURNMENT – [2:23:14]
Chair Pahinui thanked everyone for attending and adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:38 p.m.

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.