NORTH SHORE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 27

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2026
WAIALUA ELEMENTARY CAFETERIA
67-020 WAIALUA BEACH ROAD
7:00 P.M.

Meeting Materials: Find an archive of handouts and referenced materials concerning to North Shore Neighborhood Board No. 27 at:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IHC_YHAUoI_2hPauiSJ1nbvIiMu5giyt.

Rules of 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 two (2) minutes, and those giving reports are urged to keep their reports less than three (3) minutes. Please silence all electronic devices.

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 (2/3) vote (10) of this 15-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.

I. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Kathleen Pahinui

II. 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.

III. RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS: (Limited to two (2) Minutes Each)

IV. BOARD BUSINESS (Limited to maximum 10 Minute Presentation)
A. Kona Low 2 Update from City – Mayor Rick Blangiardi and Team (1-hour will be allotted to presentation and questions and answers)
B. Haleʻiwa Beach Park Mauka Canoe Halau Update – Jason Woll, District 2 Supervisor, Department of Parks and Recreation
C. Special Management Area Permit for 61-759 Papaʻiloa Roadd – Planning Solutions, Inc.

V. FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEAT: There is one (1) vacancy in Sub District 4 (Kawailoa). Residents interested in filling the vacant board seat must bring current proof of residency and present themselves to the Neighborhood Assistant BEFORE the Board meeting starting at 7 pm. Term commencing May 26, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027. Proof of residency will consist of a current Driver’s License or State ID with a current address or a utility bill in resident’s name with current address

VI. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS (Limited to three (3) Minutes Each) – WRITTEN REPORTS ONLY FOR MAY MEETING
A. Honolulu Fire Department
B. Honolulu Police Department
C. Honolulu Ocean Safety
D. Board of Water Supply

VII. CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS (Limited to three (3) Minutes Each)
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi Representative – Dr. Kealoha Fox
B. Council Member Matt Weyer

VIII. STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS: (Limited to three (3) Minutes Each)
A. State Senator Brenton Awa
B. State Representatives: Sean Quinlan and Amy Perruso

IX. U.S. ARMY 8TH MILITARY POLICE BRIGADE and 25TH COMBAT AVIATION BRIGADE

X. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. March 24, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes

XI. COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Water and Land Committee – Chair Racquel Achiu
B. Cesspool Committee – Chair Kathleen Pahinui
C. Parks Committee – Chair Denise Antolini
D. Health and Emergency Prep Committee – Chair Kathleen Pahinui
E. Transportation Committee – Chair Carol Philips

XII. BOARD MEMBER ATTENDANCE AT COMMUNITY MEETINGS / PUBLIC HEARINGS

XIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Chair’s Correspondence – correspondence is emailed to board members.
B. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
C. Board Member Announcements

XIV. 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, by telephone on (808) 768-3710, fax (808) 768-3711, or e-mailing nco@honolulu.gov. Agenda documents and minutes are also available online at http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards.html

All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours of the meeting, 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, HI 96817, fax (808) 768-3711, or https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/board-testimony/.

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 as soon as possible, preferably at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. If a request is received with fewer that three (3) business days remaining before the meeting, we will try to obtain the auxiliary aid/service or accommodation, but it may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.

NORTH SHORE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 27
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING
WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.
WAIALUA ELEMENTARY CAFETERIA
67-020 WAIALUA BEACH ROAD

Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2pUri_F4h4&t=8117s

Reports and other meeting materials can be found at:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IHC_YHAUoI_2hPauiSJ1nbvIiMu5giyt

CALL TO ORDER – [0:01:37]: Chair Kathleen Pahinui called the North Shore Neighborhood Board No. 27 meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Due to a special request from Mayor Rick Blangiardi and his team to address the recent flood event affecting the North Shore community. [0:02:06] – Chair Pahinui asked for board approval to set aside the regular agenda and open the floor for community dialogue with the Mayor and city representatives. Hearing no objections, the meeting proceeded accordingly; 13-0-0 [Aye: Denzer, Matsumoto, Zazueta, Foo, Leinau, Philips, Andersen, Achiu, Atkins, Wycklendt, McElheny, Antolini, Pahinui; Nay: None; Abstain: None]. Quorum was established with 13 members present. Note: This 15-member Board requires eight (8) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action. Tyler opened the meeting with a prayer.

Members Present: Amy Denzer, Sharryl Matsumoto, Kristina Zazueta, SharLyn Foo, Bob Leinau, Kathleen Pahinui, Carol Philips, Leif Andersen, Racquel Achiu, George Atkins, Andrew Wycklendt, Blake McElheny, and Denise Antolini

Members Absent: Dave Burlew

Guests: Mayor Rick Blangiardi; Andy Sugg (Mayor’s Chief of Staff); Scott Humber (Mayor’s Communications Director); Krishna Jayaram (Deputy Managing Director); Dr. Kealoha Fox (Director, Office of Climate Change Sustainability and Resiliency); Dr. Roger Babcock (Director, Department of Environmental Services); Warren Mamizuka (Deputy Director, Department of Facility Maintenance – DFM); Brian Gallagher (Deputy Director, DPP); Interim Chief Rade Vanic (Honolulu Police Department – HPD); Commander Cliff Ramson (HPD Major Events/Emergency Management); Dr. James Ireland (Director, Emergency Medical Services); Kurt Lager (Chief, Honolulu Ocean Safety); Ernie Lau (Board of Water Supply – BWS); Levi, TJ Cuaresma, Stacey (Shello’s), Jim Mart, Derek Gamiao, Lis Sweat, Dennis Park, Lisa, Christina, Newbutel, Nicole Kahalei, Kanani, Courtney Southwick, Michael Walker, Janelle O’Sullivan, Sean, Milton, Hinana Nahina, Sophia King, Rex Dubiel-Shanahan, Editha Ramiscal, David Robichsux, Jacqueline Leinau, Josh Leinau, Kalay Herrod-Isomura, Karen Gallagher, Milton Nahizu, Hinano Nahizu, Nash Witten, Moly Schmidt, Pat Ferraris, Erendira Aldana, Evelyn Kaneshige, Cy Yamanoha, Terry Yamanoha, Jenn Holmberg, kalei Gamiao, Marcello Del Zotto, John Salanor, Michelle Midro, Lynell Da Mate, Elisa Hammer, Debora Driscoll, Sydnee Kekina, Wayne Kekina, Kyle Kekina, Crystal Dambrow, Char Barit, Andrea Woods, Alan Lennard, Barb Luke Boe, Sandra Park, Denis Park, Ben Angarone, Trudy Rego, Kyle Ryan, Clint Ethimk, Jill Laurence, Andrew Cole, Gina McKinley, Wendy Gady, Mark Takemoto, Janice Lee, and Kori Oros. Note: The names of any attendees who were illegible were not included. There were approximately 200 participants in total.

MAYOR’S SPECIAL PRESENTATION: NORTH SHORE FLOOD RESPONSE – [0:04:13]: Chair Pahinui, with the board’s consent, ceded the floor to Mayor Rick Blangiardi to address the community regarding the recent catastrophic flood events on the North Shore. The Mayor expressed that his team came primarily to listen and learn from the community. He provided a chronological overview of the events, noting that the city received advance warning of a kona low system approximately three weeks prior, spent the first four to five days cleaning out streams in preparation, and went on television two weeks prior to warn the public. He noted that the first storm produced over 50 inches of rain in parts of O’ahu—far exceeding the 15 to 30 inches originally projected—and that the second storm, though expected to be weaker, produced a rain bomb of 10 inches in 3 hours on the Thursday night that caused the most destruction. The Mayor acknowledged that the city did not have a debris disposal plan adequate for this scale of damage and that landfill access was compromised. He noted that 233 rescues were performed by first responders with no fatalities, praised the community for much of the rescue effort, and stated that the National Guard (200 soldiers), mainland debris separation experts, and all available city resources have been deployed. He emphasized that the city’s focus is on the North Shore and committed to working with the community going forward.

City Team Introductions – [0:56:40]: The Mayor invited each member of the city team present to introduce themselves and offer brief remarks to the community.

RESIDENTS’ / COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [0:20:02]
1. Stream and Waterway Mismanagement as a Contributing Factor: A community member raised concerns that the mismanagement of waterways—including silted river mouths, lack of dredging, land sales by Dole, and resulting loss of vegetation and topsoil—contributed directly to the flooding. She stated the river mouth was not dredged or opened until Thursday at 6:00 a.m. despite weeks of prior requests, and identified approximately 24 ditches with a single outlet at Kukea Circle/Kiapoko as a critical chokepoint. Mayor Blangiardi and City team acknowledged the need to address waterway maintenance systematically and noted DFM would begin dredging streams the following morning.
2. Inadequate Emergency Alert and Warning System: Multiple community members expressed frustration that the first emergency alerts were not received until 1:57 a.m.—nearly five hours after heavy rain began—and that alerts were confusing or contradictory, particularly regarding the status of Lake Wilson Dam. Mayor Blangiardi acknowledged the communication failures and expressed regret, and his Communications Director Scott Humber directed residents to www.honolulu.gov for resources and announced a community resource center opening Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at Waialua District Park.
3. Delayed Emergency Response and Community Self-Rescue: Multiple speakers described that from approximately 1:00 a.m. until daylight, community members with their own heavy equipment—front loaders, excavators, and trucks—performed the vast majority of rescues, including pulling people from rooftops and flooded homes, while city and state resources were largely absent. The community requested official recognition of these local heroes. HPD Interim Chief Vanic, the Ocean Safety Chief Lager, and the Mayor acknowledged the community’s heroic efforts and praised their actions; the HPD commander Ramson noted officers were deployed and did respond but acknowledged information transfer delays.
4. Compensation and Support for Community Rescuers: Community member Courtney Southwick and others asked whether there would be a compensation plan for community members who used their personal equipment—at significant wear, tear, and fuel expense—to perform rescues and recovery work. The Mayor and team noted they are taking the concern seriously and committed to follow up, though no specific plan was announced at the meeting.
5. Status of Lake Wilson Dam Transfer and Safety: Multiple community members raised concerns about the dam’s age (built in 1924–1925), its structural integrity, the confusing alerts about it potentially ‘failing,’ and the delay in transferring it from Dole to the state. A community member noted that the Board of Land and Natural Resources has the dam transfer on its agenda for that Friday. A local community expert clarified to attendees that the dam was built to 88 feet and Dole later added 2 feet (to 90 feet); overflow rather than structural failure is the risk; and residents can monitor the dam level themselves at waterdata.USGS.gov. The Mayor offered to connect residents with DLNR contacts who have deeper expertise.
6. Displaced Residents and Housing Needs: Community members including a young speaker from the Long Bridge area and Lis Sweat raised the issue of residents—particularly at Otake Camp—who are now displaced with nowhere to go given the area’s high rental costs. Suggestions included the City reaching out to absentee property owners to provide temporary housing with property tax incentives. The Mayor and team acknowledged the concern and committed to looking into housing resources.
7. Mold Remediation for Flood-Damaged Homes: Community member Sean and others asked whether the State or City could provide support for mold remediation for residents who have no choice but to remain in flood-damaged homes. Courtney Southwick listed immediate supply needs including N95 masks, PPE suits, respirators, Miller’s hydrogen peroxide cleaner, pressure washers, pumps, and propane. The EMS Director noted that a free community clinic is operating at Ali’i Beach Park from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily, staffed by CORE, JABSOM medical students, and faculty physicians, providing wound care, prescription refills, and general medical assistance.
8. Permitting and Rebuilding Process: Resident Lisa asked directly about the permitting process for homeowners wishing to begin repairs. Mayor Blangiardi responded that DPP has waived the requirement to obtain a permit before beginning repairs—homeowners may start immediately and file after—and that DPP permit fees and landfill tipping fees have also been waived.
9. Road Access and Evacuation Routes: Community member Lis Sweat and Dennis Park raised concerns that with Waimea Bay closed, only Kamehameha Highway and Farrington Highway remain as evacuation routes, creating a dangerous chokepoint. Dennis Park suggested exploring whether the old Hauula Bridge near Waialua High School could provide an additional emergency egress route. The Mayor and City team acknowledged the bottleneck issue and committed to addressing evacuation planning.
10. Need for Hydrological Survey and Updated Flood Maps: A community speaker asked for a comprehensive hydrological survey to identify all fail points in the watershed from Kaiaka Bay to Waialua, and creation of a waterway maintenance task force with enforcement capability. Another speaker noted he has been working on updated flood maps and has been working with an expert on the effort, and requested a seat at the table with city officials to present findings.
11. Siren Functionality and Coverage: A community member asked for clarity on how many emergency sirens are actively functioning and noted that sirens were not heard in the Long Bridge and Kaiaka area during the event, with some residents reporting they did not hear sirens until 7:00 a.m. The city team acknowledged the concern and committed to a review.
12. Accountability for Illegal Structures and Filled Easements: Courtney Southwick and other community members noted that some property owners have filled drainage easements with concrete and that illegal structures have redirected waterways. They called on DPPP to investigate and issue fines, and require restoration. DPP Deputy Director Brian Gallagher acknowledged the issue and noted it is a national problem as communities grow, and committed to take the concerns back.
13. Water Quality Testing and Publication of Results: BWS Director Ernie Lau announced that the boil water notice had been lifted from Turtle Bay to Pūpūkea Road and that results for the remainder of the community were expected by the following afternoon. A community member also called for PFAS (PFOA/AFFF) testing given suspected landsides on nearby agricultural land. BWS committed to communicating test results as soon as available.
14. Otake Bridge Structural Safety and Replacement Status: Resident Janelle O’Sullivan asked about the status of the Otake Bridge, which had been closed previously and was given temporary repairs pending a new bridge permit. Chair Pahinui confirmed that the DPP replacement project is scheduled to begin in spring 2026 and committed to follow up to ensure it proceeds on schedule.
15. Accountability for Large Landowners and the Gondola Project: Several community members raised concerns about a large Canadian developer (referred to as ‘Gondola Boy’) who purchased approximately 2,500 acres of former Dole land and is allegedly not farming it, has no vegetation on steep slopes, and where aerial photos suggest as many as 11 landslides occurred during the storm. Speakers called for holding large landowners accountable for stream and land management, and for the state to exercise its authority to require compliance or acquire the land in the public interest. The Mayor and DPP team took note of the concerns.
16. Community Collaborative Emergency Response Plan: Multiple speakers called for the City to formalize a collaborative emergency response plan with the North Shore community, identifying and authorizing known local leaders to lead initial response operations, providing resources and fuel pre-positioned before storms, and ensuring community leaders have direct lines of communication to city emergency management. Dr. Kealoha Fox formally requested to be included in any community collaborative planning effort and committed her office’s participation. The Mayor echoed support for this collaborative approach.

ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:31:15]:
Mayor Blangiardi, on behalf of the entire City team, closed by thanking the community for their resilience, love for one another, and the strength shown during the crisis. He committed to follow up on all items raised and stated that the city’s focus and resources are concentrated on the North Shore community’s recovery. Communications Director Scott Humber reminded attendees that www.honolulu.gov is the one-stop resource for city assistance, that flyers with health services and post-disaster resource information are available at the front of the room, and that residents should report home damage at www.honolulu.gov/homedamage. A community resource center will open Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Waialua District Park, open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting: Tuesday, May 26, 2026

ADJOURNMENT – [2:31:26]: Chair Pahinui thanked Mayor Blangiardi and the entire city team for attending and adjourned the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Submitted by: Zhoydell Magaoay, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy
Finalized By: Chair Kathleen Pahinui