When
Where
54-010 Kukuna Road, Hauʻula, Hawaiʻi, 96717
Events
KO‘OLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 28
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2026 AT 6:30 P.M.
HAUʻULA COMMUNITY CENTER
54-10 KUKUNA ROAD, HAUʻULA, HI 96717
IN-PERSON & VIRTUALLY VIA WEBEX
Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=mdbab93e0e74f260274925bd613627d23
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2494 047 5431
Password: NB28 (6228 from phones and video systems)
Join by Phone: 1-408-418-9388 United States Toll
Meeting Materials: Find a monthly archive of handouts and referenced materials concerning to the Ko`olauloa Neighborhood Board No. 28 at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/135-VFpB_IUlcPhYjRfW60vbUJhRvSyrB
Recordings of Board Meetings can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice
Rules of Speaking: To ensure the maximum opportunity for all attendees to be heard, the following guidelines apply: Those joining the meeting are reminded to mute their microphone. Anyone wishing to speak is asked to type their question in the chat box or raise their hand using the “raise hand” function in the online meeting platform – which is indicated by a hand or unmute yourself at the appropriate time as indicated by the chair. If accessing the meeting using your phone and you have a comment, indicate this by pressing the symbols *9 – this will show the moderator that the person calling from that number wishes to speak. To mute/unmute your phone, press *6. Please wait until recognized by the chair to begin. All comments, concerns, or questions shall be two (2) minutes or less.
Please Kōkua: To help all attendees the opportunity to hear presentations & comments, please place your device on mute until you would like to speak. When you are recognized, unmute yourself and make your comments.
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 (6) of this 11-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 Michael Epp
II. CITY/STATE MONTHLY REPORTS
a. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD)
b. Honolulu Police Department (HPD)
c. United States Army
III. GOVERNMENT REPORTS (Three (3) minute limit per speaker).
a. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – Cat Taschner https://www8honolulu.gov/mayor
b. Councilmember Matt Weyer or Staffer mweyer@honolulu.gov
c. US House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jill Tokuda or Staffer www.tokuda.house.gov
d. Governor Josh Green’s Representative, Director of Communications and Engagement, Office of Wellness and Resilience – Erica Yamauchi erica.k.yamauchi@hawaii.gov
e. State Senator – Senator Brenton Awa or Staffer sennawa@capitol.hawaii.gov
f. State House Representative – Representative Sean Quinlan or Staffer repquilan@capitol.hawaii.gov
IV. PRESENTATIONS – (five (5) minute limit per presentation).
a. Yabusame Event, Kualoa Ranch, Sunday, June 14th, 2pm to 4pm (Yabusame: “Ancient and Sacred Japanese ritual, where horse-mounted archers, dressed in historically correct costumes, gallop along a 900 Ft. course while shooting a series of three targets. The ritual is intended to ensure peace and prosperity across the land.”)
i. Bob Dewitz, Executive Committee Chair, Yabusame Hawaii 2026
b. Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Presentation on 2026 Legislative Package
i. Micah Kahiwa, Office of Hawaiian Affairs
c. Special Management Area permit application, 57-321 Pahipahialua Street, Kahuku, TMK 5-7-003:057
i. Jim Hayes, Planning Solutions, Inc.
d. Follow up Discussion: Progress on Setting 2026 Priorities for Ko’olauloa Neighborhood Board
i. Michael Epp, NB28 Chair and fellow board members (discussion)
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Charter Commission Working Committee: Epp, Kelly Paddock, Shafer, Weiss, Miller and Lund
b. Crime & Neighborhood Watch: None
c. Community Resilience/Emergency Preparedness: Chair Kelly-Paddock; Carol, Lund, and Weiss
d. Food Security: Lund
e. Planning and Permitting: Epp, Carol, and Shafer
f. Health, Human Service, and Housing: Chair Pasi and Vendiola,
g. Cultural and Arts: Chair Miller; Epp, Pasi, and Shafer
h. Parks and Recreation: Chair Unga; Pasi, and Miller
i. Transportation Committee: Chair Shafer; Carol, and Weiss
VI. PUBLIC INPUT/COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS (Two (2) Minute Limit per Speaker)
a. Hau’ula Ho’olaulea and Emergency Preparedness Faire, Saturday, March 28th, 2026 from 10am to 2pm, at 54-256 Hau’ula Homestead Road, entrance on Hanaimoa Street.
VII. APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MINUTES
a. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes
i. Thursday, September 11th, 2025 Drafted Meeting Minutes.
ii. Thursday, January 8th, 2026 Drafted Meeting Minutes.
VIII. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Hauʻula Community Center, 54-10 Kukuna Road, Hauʻula, HI 96717 in-person & virtually via webex.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Ko’olauloa Neighborhood Board
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 Kapalama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160 Honolulu, Hawaii 96817; Telephone (808) 768-3710 Fax (808) 768-3711; or call (808) 768-3710 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, Hawaii 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 as soon as possible, preferably at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. If a request is received with fewer than 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.
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026 at 6:30 P.M.
HAUʻULA COMMUNITY CENTER 54-10 KUKUNA ROAD, HAUʻULA, HI 96717
AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING
Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv-1QVnuUho
Reports and other meeting materials can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/135-VFpB_IUlcPhYjRfW60vbUJhRvSyrB
I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:32]: Chair Michael Epp called the Ko’olauloa Neighborhood Board No. 28 meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.
Quorum WAS established, with 7 members present. This eleven-member Board requires 6 members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.
Members present: Michael Epp, Carol Feinga, Johnny Feinga, Dotty Kelly-Paddock, Allegra Lund, Benjamin Shafer, Margaret Weiss, Sunny Unga (6:32 p.m.) and Atalina Pasi (6:33 p.m.).
Members absent: Kela Miller and ʻUilafotu Vendiola.
Guests: Captain A. Mau (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Villaflor and Sergeant Vincent (Honolulu Police Department); Deputy Director Catherine Taschner (Mayor Rick Blangiardi); Chelsea Gonzales (Councilmember Matt Weyer); David Kim (Congresswoman Jill Tokuda); Erica Yamauchi (Governor); Mark Talaeai (Senator Brenton Awa); Lucy Griego (Representative Sean Quinlan); Toa Sailusi, Katia Learned, Aziza Perser, and Luca Cuniberti (Windward Community College and Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi); Ginny Alatasi, Tusi Avegalio, Linda Avegalio, Ella Siroskey, Raine, Mark Talaeai, Andrea Anixt, K. Heath, and Craig Kapu (Resident); and Anson Wu (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. Total Participants: 55.
II. CITY/STATE MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:00:35]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:00:44]: Captain A. Mau provided statistics for December 2025 and safety tips January 2026.
• December 2025 Statistics: There was 1 structure fire, 0 wildland or brush fires, 2 nuisance fires, 0 cooking fires, 2 activated alarms with no fires, 48 medical emergencies, 0 motor vehicle collisions with pedestrians, 5 motor vehicle crash/collisions, 0 mountain rescues, 1 ocean rescue, and 0 hazardous materials incidents.
• January 2026 Safety Tips: Captain Mau shared fire safety tips regarding electrical safety in the home, including: plug one heat-producing appliance into a wall receptacle at a time; major appliances should be plugged directly into wall receptacles; extension cords and power strips should not be used for major appliances; check electrical cords to ensure they are not running across doorways or under carpets; extension cords are for temporary use; have a licensed electrician install additional receptacle outlets; and ensure electrical work is performed by a licensed electrician.
Sunny arrived to the meeting at (6:32 p.m.); 8 members present.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:03:38]: Lieutenant Villaflor and Sergeant Vincent provided crime statistics for November and December 2025.
• November 2025 Statistics: There were 6 motor vehicle thefts, 2 burglaries, 6 thefts, 7 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV), and 0 robberies.
• December 2025 Statistics: There were 7 motor vehicle thefts, 3 burglaries, 7 thefts, 4 UEMV, and 0 robberies.
Pasi arrived to the meeting at (6:33 p.m.); 9 member present.
Questions, comments, and concerns – [0:04:40]:
1. Crime Statistics Trends: Member Kelly-Paddock asked about the crime statistics, noting they appear to show increases. Lieutenant Villa Floor clarified that there was a small uptick of one incident in most categories (auto theft, burglary, and theft), while UMV decreased. He noted that crime levels are relatively low in Ko’olauloa compared to other districts. Member Kelly-Paddock inquired whether economic hardships might be driving increased crime and if problems are concentrated in specific communities. Sergeant Vincent cannot confirm whether economic hardship is related to the increase in crime.
2. New Year’s Eve Fireworks Enforcement: Resident Linda Avegalio asked about fireworks enforcement on New Year’s Eve, specifically whether there were citations issued and if drones were deployed. Lieutenant Villaflor stated enforcement statistics would be provided at the next meeting.
3. Illegal Fireworks: Resident Heath expressed concern about illegally made fireworks devices being thrown on the street causing large vibrations. Chair Epp shared that a large aerial showered his house with burning embers on New Year’s Eve, requiring him to get a fire extinguisher. Lieutenant Villaflor explained it’s difficult to determine a trajectory but encouraged residents to call 911 immediately and provide specific addresses or locations to assist enforcement.
4. Minor Alcohol Purchases: Member Pasi asked via online question whether police are monitoring minors purchasing alcoholic beverages at liquor stores in Hauʻula and Kahuku, and whether enforcement addresses minors asking adults to purchase for them. Lieutenant Villaflor noted HPD has to be informed which liquor stories are having the activity.
United States Army – [0:14:49]: No representative present.
III. GOVERNMENT REPORTS – [0:14:55]
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [0:15:24]: Deputy Director Cat Taschner provided the report and highlighted the following: Kurt Lager was sworn in as chief of ocean safety; new flood risk maps take effect Wednesday, June 10, 2026; the restroom near Kapiʻolani Community College was finalized; construction begins at the Waiʻanae police station; and transit-oriented housing coming to Kapolei and Kalihi. She announced the city launched a new and improved HNL311 system on Monday, December 1, 2025, making it easier for residents to report issues via mobile app or website at HNL311.com. The system provides better tracking and status updates for service requests.
Councilmember Matt Weyer’s Office – [0:17:20]: Chelsea provided updates and highlighted the following: The January 2026 newsletter has been distributed; public hearing details for the Gondola project are scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.; Councilmember Weyer introduced Resolution 25-228 CD1 which would add agritourism to the list of activities that trigger public notice and allow for public hearings for minor conditional use permits, helping to add neighborhood boards to the conversation for such applications. The resolution is not currently moving, and Chelsea urged community members to contact Zoning Committee Chair Esther Kiaʻāina to schedule the resolution for a hearing.
US House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jill Tokuda – [0:19:20]: David Kim provided updates and highlighted the following: Congresswoman Tokuda voted in favor of legislation to extend the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits for three years, which would prevent massive insurance premium hikes; the measure passed the House by a vote of 230 to 196. She introduced the Restoring Trust of Public Safety Act to equip police departments with resources to fully and safely destroy seized or surrendered firearms and prevent untraceable weapons from re-entering communities. She led a bipartisan letter urging the Secretary of the Interior to ensure adequate staffing levels at the National Park Service and suspend plans for additional staffing cuts.
Office of the Governor — Erica Yamauchi — [0:20:40]: Erica Yamauchi provided a response asked in the previous meeting regarding wind turbine safety. She connected with the state energy office and is meeting with them in a few weeks. She also plans to send an invitation to speak to the board and community directly about safety issues and relevant updates at an upcoming meeting. Mel Chung from Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) provided responses to questions asked in the previous meeting: For the speed hump request at 7-Eleven near Kukuna Road in Hauʻula, she shared a link in the chat for community members to submit requests. There is an ongoing design project to provide a shared-use route from the existing Mālaekahana path to Palalea Street in Kahuku, anticipated to be advertised later this year. HDOT is working with the field office and public affairs office regarding the blessing request for the new bridge. The Walk Wise Hawaii program provides reflective items only in conjunction with presentations. Regarding community feedback after project completion, Erica Yamauchi noted there is not currently a departmentwide policy, but the department will take this into consideration. She also needed more information regarding a rumble strip removal.
Questions, comments, and concerns – [0:23:47]:
1. Rumble Strip Removal – [0:24:02]: Resident Heath clarified it’s not rumble strips, but the issue is a series of transverse cuts/patches across the new Hauʻula bridge and noted that it had worsened due to utility work and construction.
State Senate – Office of Senator Brenton Awa – [0:26:25]: Mark Talaeai provided updates: The 2026 legislative session will officially convene on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, marking opening day at the state capitol. Wednesday, January 28, 2026, is the final day for bill introductions, a critical milestone in the legislative process. The legislature is currently accepting Grants-in-Aid (GIA) applications with a deadline of Friday, January 23, 2026. Senator Awa’s office remains committed to supporting communities and assisting organizations through the legislative process.
State House Representative – Representative Sean Quinlan – [0:27:48]: Lucy Griego provided updates: Representative Quinlan’s office is aware of concerns regarding Kamehameha Highway near the bridge by ʻŌkaiʻ Beach and has formally contacted HDOT to request evaluation and repairs. The office has not yet received a response but Representative Quinlan is scheduling a meeting with Deputy Director Shashido to discuss this issue. Representative Quinlan is proud to have helped connect Nurture Collective Incorporated with Spectrum, which made a substantial donation to support the program and a community event in Ko’olauloa in October 2025. After speaking with medical professionals, community stakeholders, and conducting research, Representative Quinlan plans to introduce a measure this session to ban the use of Telone in Hawaii to protect public health, reduce harmful chemical exposure, and support safer agricultural practices.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:29:58]
1. Hawaiʻi Relief Program: Member Pasi asked for a follow-up on the Hawaiʻi relief program being implemented through Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi. A number of community members applied for rental, utility, and mortgage assistance last year during the government shutdown and have not progressed beyond the initial application phase.
2. Wind Turbine Safety: Member Unga expressed concern about wind turbine safety for the Kahuku community, noting the community pushed for increased setbacks and does not want developers to request variance exemptions that would allow existing projects to not adhere to the 1.2:1 setback ratio. Erica Yamauchi offered to coordinate having someone from the state energy office come to present to the board and community
3. 12-foot Fence Areas on New Bridge: Resident Heath asked about the purpose of the 12-foot fence enclosed areas on the edge of the new bridge in Hauʻula.
4. Neighborhood Board Authority: Member Shafer noted that the zoning committee and mayor’s office are responsible for what happened in Kahuku regarding wind turbines, and he would like to eventually make a motion that the neighborhood board support moving the turbines closest to the community and schools
5. Pesticide Information: Member Carol Feinga asked about the chemical Telone and whether Representative Quinlan is exploring regulation of other pesticides including aerial pesticides and crop dusting. Griego explained the office is currently focusing on Telone because it is the most used pesticide on crops in Hawaiʻi according to the Department of Health and other health officials. She offered to bring concerns about other chemicals to Representative Quinlan for further research.
6. First-Time Home Buyer Assistance: Member Pasi asked if there are any first-time home buyer assistance programs for community members.
7. Panel Format Discussion: Chair Epp asked whether the board should continue with the panel format for government reports. The consensus was to continue but with a reminder that government representatives should stay online for the entire duration to answer questions at the end.
IV. PRESENTATIONS – [0:42:32]
[0:42:34] – Hearing no objections Chair Epp moved the Proposal for a Hauʻula Foot Path presentation up the agenda.
Proposal for a Hauʻula Foot Path – Windward Community College and Brigham Young University (BYU) – Hawaiʻi Students – [0:43:06]: Toa Sailusi, Katia Learned, Aziza Perser, and Luca Cuniberti presented a proposal for a footpath in Hauʻula. The students explained that Hauʻula currently has no complete sidewalks, creating unsafe conditions for pedestrians walking along the highway. The proposal includes a 3.5-mile footpath from Haleʻaha Road to Kokoloio Beach Park, 4-6 feet wide with 2 feet buffer for native Hawaiian plants. The path would serve 17 businesses, 2 schools, 32 bus stops, and beach parks. They presented data showing pedestrians are involved in 36% of fatal collisions in Hawaiʻi, with a 13% increase in pedestrian collisions from 2023 to 2024. The estimated budget is approximately $9 million.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:54:11]
1. Funding Sources: Member Lund suggested contacting Turtle Bay Resort as a potential funding source. Sailusi noted the students had compared costs with similar government projects on Lāʻie footpath and the North Shore, and the budget reflects current inflation and interest rates.
2. Path Extension: Member Johnny Feinga suggested extending the path from Kokolilio slightly further to connect with the bike path, which would allow students without cars to access the shopping center.
3. Partnerships and Cost Reduction: Member Carol Feinga suggested collaborating with Lāʻie Community Association (LCA), which was instrumental in building the bike path, and with organizations like North Shore Land Trust that helped with the erosion project along the coast. These partnerships could help reduce the budget through donated plants and materials.
4. Community Support: Member Shafer noted the community will help support the path.
5. HDOT Partnership: Member Unga suggested exploring HDOT partnership. Luca Cuniberti confirmed that Director Sniffen is working on traffic calming measures for the North Shore and would likely support connecting paths. Luca emphasized subsidizing the project with donations from larger stakeholders like Turtle Bay.
6. Safe Routes to School: Member Pasi mentioned the Department of Education’s “Safer Routes to Schools” initiative and noted that this path would provide safe routes for Hauʻula keiki to get to Hauʻula Elementary and for BYU students to get to classes and work.
7. Path Location: Member Pasi questioned which side will the walk path be installed no Kamehameha Highway. Cuniberti confirmed the path would primarily be on the mauka side to avoid erosion issues, though there may be a few areas where it crosses to makai side due to the checkerboard nature of state, city, and county land.
8. Maintenance: Member Carol Feinga noted the importance of considering ongoing maintenance and community buy-in, suggesting that when community members help build the path, they are more likely to take care of it.
9. Sustainable Community Plan: Resident Heath suggested reviewing language in the Sustainable Community Plan, which contains language about keeping the country feel and avoiding sidewalks and curbing. She also suggested contacting the Outdoor Circle as a good resource. Cuniberti agreed that keeping the country feel is important while making the community more livable and safer.
10. Life-Changing Impact: Member Shafer shared that in Merced County on the mainland, bike paths all over the county eliminated the need for driving and changed people’s way of life.
[1:06:00] – Shafer MOVED and Lund SECONDED to support the proposal for a Hauʻula footpath. Hearing no further discussion and no objections. The board conducted a voice vote, the motion WAS ADOPTED; 9-0-0 (AYE: Epp, Carol Feinga, Johnny Feinga, Kelly-Paddock, Lund, Pasi, Shafer, Unga, and Weiss; NAY: none; ABSTAIN: none) – [1:06:13]
Recommendations to the Green Fee Advisory Council by the Hau’ula Community Association and Hui O Hauʻula [1:07:01]: Member Kelly-Paddock presented recommendations on wastewater, infrastructure, and neighborhood board authority. She explained that Hauʻula is the second worst polluted community in the state and Ko’olauloa communities need Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU) upgrades, resilience hubs since 85% of homes cannot survive a Category 1 hurricane, comprehensive infrastructure planning for the one-road-in-out system, faster bridge and road replacement with better materials, and the Neighborhood Board need the power to approve or disapprove permitting request for new development.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:14:19]
1. ATU Configuration and Grants: Member Lund asked if ATUs can be individual or clustered. Kelly Paddock said both configurations of ATUs are viable. Lund also asked if there is an existing grant for the ATU. Kelly-Paddock believes that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the best option to receive funding and the city is required to update the sewer system.
2. International Best Practices: Member Shafer urged looking internationally for effective, lower cost wastewater systems.
3. Long Life Roads and Budget Efficacy: Member Feinga questioned whether HDOT vet longer lasting road tech given rising budgets. Kelly Paddock agreed that up front investment and proper methods matter.
4. Resource Equity and Growth: Member Atalina raised concerns about developments drawing water and straining limited services, paralleling Lahaina/Kāʻanapali disparities, and asked for protections for schools, health care, and food security. Kelly Paddock emphasized coordinated planning and stronger board authority to address cumulative impacts.
5. Next Steps and Advocacy: Chair Epp asked what actions the board should take. Kelly Paddock urged organized testimony for the Legislature’s opening. The Chair tasked Resilience and Transportation leads to co draft a resolution and scheduled a special mid January priorities meeting.
Discussion: Process for Developing 2026 Priorities for Ko‘olauloa Neighborhood Board — [1:25:14]: The Chair requested each committee confer with members and submit proposed priorities for a special meeting before Wednesday, January 21, 2026, aligning with opportunities to influence the Charter Commission, Neighborhood Plan, Legislature, and City Council. Committee Chairs will gather 1‑to‑1 to provide input and prepare summaries for public review prior to the special meeting.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:14:19]
1. Pre meeting Committee Reports: Member Shafer recommended that committees submit reports to the Board in advance so members can review and arrive prepared for action.
2. Legislature Opening Day: Member Kelly-Paddock believes that the opening day if the legislature is the Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS – [1:29:21]
Charter Commission Working Committee – [1:29:24]: Chair Epp suggested to have the committee be incorporated into the special priorities meeting agenda.
Food Security – [1:29:58]: Member Lund proposed establishing a localized farmers market emphasizing local produce and makers, exploring venues in Kahuku or district parks, and enabling Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/ Women, Infants and Children (WIC) access. Past Hauʻula farmers market experience highlighted challenges with demand, vendor time, and product movement; suggestions included collaboration with park sites and leveraging state efforts to expand food processing capacity island‑wide.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:31:36]
1. Prior Farmers Market Lessons: Member Kelly Paddock shared Hauʻula’s COVID era market experience: farmers lacked time to vend; Hauʻula purchased produce to resell but demand for fresh vegetables was low, leading to post market giveaways; the model proved costly without sufficient sales.
2. Venue Options and Collaboration: Member Unga suggested using Kahuku District Park and noted past markets at the Sugar Mill; the Food Security chair welcomed the idea and said several venue conversations are underway, aiming to prioritize fresh produce and local makers.
3. Statewide Food Processing Capacity: Resident Kelly Paddock described new state investments in food processing facilities to support producers with certified kitchens and distribution, and noted Hauʻula free commercial kitchen helps startups avoid monthly kitchen fees; encouraged pursuing a facility to match local farm growth.
4. SNAP/WIC Acceptance: Member Pasi asked that the market accept SNAP and explore WIC fruit/vegetable purchases for expectant mothers, suggesting coordination with WIC staff at Hauʻula Community Center.
Parks and Recreation – [1:39:11]: Member Unga announced a community pool meeting on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Kahuku Elementary School cafeteria. The meeting will feature the latest design for the district park and an environmental assessment presentation from G70 and Department of Parks and Recreation.
Transportation – [1:40:01]: Member Shafer reported that the governor’s office representative brought up many issues he had previously raised. He will follow up on transportation matters discussed.
VI. PUBLIC INPUT/COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS – [1:40:34]
Corazon Hawaii Family Transition Center at Homestead Road – [1:40:42]: Member Lund relayed anonymous concerns: residents’ vehicles were allegedly prohibited from parking inside unless registrations are current, leading to on street parking along a curve on Homestead Road; questions about pet policies and a report of a dog living in a car; observations of only staff cars in interior lots, and reported that families are being encouraged to relocate to the West Side. Chair Epp suggested Member Lund have the concern written down and email it to him. Member Kelly-Paddock heard similar accounts regarding vehicles and noted the number of vehicles parked on the lot.
Island Burial Council Updates – [1:46:09]: Member Shafer announced progress at Mōkapu burial site and Kawaiahaʻo Church recent installation of an iwi kūpuna burial.
Hauʻula Bridge Dip Concern – [1:47:12]: Resident Alatasi raised urgent safety concerns about a worsening dip at the bridge near the Hauʻula beach area, warning of rear‑end crashes and potential collapse risk impacting adjacent homes and monk seal habitat. Shafer had forwarded the concern to Samantha and will forward the information to Yamauchi
Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Citizens Advisory Committee resource – [1:49:51]: Resident Anixt shared a presentation reference, “Reimagining Our Streets: Five Decades of Livable Streets,” by Dr. Appleyard, recommending it to the Transportation Committee. Cuniberti expressed enthusiasm for the support and offered to help any youth interested in pursuing similar projects. Chair Epp questioned that non-board members can be part of the committee. The Neighborhood Assistant provided clarification non-board members are able to join committees and Cuniberti is willing to join the Transportation Committee.
Castles Beach Parking – [1:53:10]: Member Carol Feinga Concerns were raised about motorists parking on the bike path across the highway when the beach lot is full, risking conflicts with speed humps and pedestrians. The issue was referred to the Transportation Committee to explore signage or other measures. Member Lund questioned the timeline of the prolonged closure of the private Castles campground parking as the parking.
Kayaking Tour Parking Impact – [1:55:40]: Resident Alatasi raised concerns of a potential kayaking tour operation’s at Castles Beach which will impact the parking.
VII. APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MINUTES – [1:58:01]
Approval of Thursday, November 13, 2025 drafted meeting minutes – [1:58:04]: [1:58:06] – Shafer MOVED and Carol Feinga SECONDED to approve the Thursday, November 13, 2025 meeting minutes as written. The board conducted a voice vote, the motion WAS ADOPTED; 9-0-0 (AYE: Epp, Carol Feinga, Johnny Feinga, Kelly-Paddock, Lund, Pasi, Shafer, Unga, and Weiss; NAY: none; ABSTAIN: none) – [1:58:13].
VIII. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS – [1:58:15]
Next Meeting – [1:58:16]: The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 6:30 p.m., Hauʻula Community Center, 54-10 Kukuna Road, Hauʻula, HI 96717, in-person and virtually via Webex.
IX. ADJOURNMENT – [1:58:19]: The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:29 p.m.
Submitted by: Anson Wu, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relation Specialist, 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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