When
Where
54-010 Kukuna Road, Hauʻula, Hawaiʻi, 96717
Events
KO‘OLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 28
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2025 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. 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. Lahui ‘o Ko’olauloa Canoe Club – Consideration and Approval to Adopt the Letter of KNB Support from building a Hālau Wa’a in the Moku at Kahana Bay Beach Park
i. Chris Saseen, Lahui ‘o Ko’olauloa Canoe Club
b. Hawaii Youth Transportation Council (HYTC) seeks feedback on the HDOT Energy Security and Waste Reduction Proposal (ESWRP)
i. Luca Cuniberti, North Shore Representative, Hawaii Youth Transportation Council. Links: HYTC: https://highways.hidot.hawaii.gov/stories/s/Hawai-i-Youth-Transportation-Council/mggy-wa96#meetings-council-bios-1. ESWRP: https://highways.hidot.hawaii.gov/stories/s/h9gp-xxmt
c. Climate Future Forum – Consideration and Approval to Adopt the Resolution Advocating for Stronger Regulation of Pesticides
i. Ella Alexander, Intern for the Office of Rep Amy Perruso on behalf of Climate Future Forum
d. State of Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission – Seeking public comment on draft Climate Action Pathways Report
i. Bill Unruh, Climate Outreach Leader, Hawaii State Climate Commission
e. Draft Environmental Assessment – Di Meo Property, 51-055 Olohu Road, Ka’a’awa, Single Family Dwelling
i. Mark Howland, Presenter
f. Special Management Area Major Application – Gallant Property, 54-122 Kamehameha Highway, Hauʻula
i. Mark Howland, Presenter
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Crime & Neighborhood Watch: None
b. Community Resilience/Emergency Preparedness: Chair Kelly-Paddock; Carol, Lund, and Weiss
c. Food Security: Lund
d. Planning and Permitting: Epp, Carol, and Shafer
e. Health, Human Service, and Housing: Chair Pasi and Vendiola,
f. Cultural and Arts: Chair Miller; Epp, Pasi, and Shafer
g. Parks and Recreation: Chair Unga; Pasi, and Miller
h. Transportation Committee: Chair Shafer; Carol, and Weiss
VI. PUBLIC INPUT/COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS (Two (2) Minute Limit per Speaker)
a. Honolulu Charter Commission – Requesting KNB input and participation in once-in-a-decade review of Revised Charter of the City & Council of Honolulu (input deadline November 7, 2025).
VII. APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MINUTES
a. Approval of Thursday, August 14, 2025 drafted meeting minutes.
VIII. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025 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 Kapālama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160 Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 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, 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 REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2025 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=lwlemH9xfVE
Meeting Materials can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/135-VFpB_IUlcPhYjRfW60vbUJhRvSyrB
I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:01]: Vice Chair ‘Uilafotu Vendiola called the Ko’olauloa Neighborhood Board No. 28 meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
Quorum WAS NOT established with five (5) members present. Note – This 11-member Board requires six members to establish a quorum and take official Board action.
Members Present: ʻUilafotu Vendiola, Johnny Feinga, Dotty Kelly-Paddock, Ben Schafer, Margaret Kawi Weiss, Allegra Lund (7:02 p.m.), and Atalina Pasi (7:03 p.m.).
Members Absent: Michael Epp, Carol Feinga, Sunny Unga, and Kela Miller.
Guests: Colonel Mike Woodall and Chaplain Pool (US Army); Lieutenant Sanford C. Yue (Honolulu Police Department); Cat Taschner (Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative); Chelsea (Councilmember Matt Weyer’s Office); Erica Yamauchi (Director of Communications and Engagement, Office of Wellness and Resilience); Makana (Senator Brenton Awa’s Office); Representative Sean Quinlan; Kūʻikeokalani “Kū’ike” Kamakea-ʻŌhelo (Office of Hawaiian Affairs); Scott Wagner (Punahou School); Lillie Makaila and Makena Kaaialii (8th Annual Rope for Wishes Rodeo); Tony Lang (Bicycle Race); Deborah King, Evelyn Lane, Ronnie, Brigham Blevins, Andrea Anixt, Mahealani, Yvonne Alexander, Pilialoha Callahan, Olivia Wallace, Ella Siroskey, Melissa Villa, Cynthia, Leimomij, Kc. Connors, Mahealani, Zena Grecni, and Lorraine Matagi; and Anson Wu (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. Total Participants: 38.
II. CITY/STATE MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:01:01]
Honolulu Fire Department – [0:01:06]: No representative present.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jXmf3azI_eWI36ZuPrO-JpfUT2LowLAd/view?usp=drive_link
Honolulu Police Department – [0:01:24]: No representative present at this time, was revisited at later.
United States Army – [0:02:00]: Colonel Mike Woodall, Sustainment Brigade Commander at Schofield Barracks, provided updates:
• The Army will host a job fair on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at Helemano Military Reservation (HMR) training area from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., open to the public. More details at www.himwr.com
• Artillery, mortar, and demo training will take place from Friday, August 15, 2025 to Friday, August 22, 2025 and Monday, August 25, 2025 to Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Schofield Barracks.
• Wounded Warrior Canoe Regatta will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Fort DeRussy Beach Park from 7:40 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event was created to assist recovering troops through the healing power of Hawaiian waters.
• Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) training event will be hosted between October and November 2025, with increased traffic and noise expected due to multinational partners and joint forces.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:05:22]
Tsunami Response: Member Shafer asked about the Army’s response during the recent tsunami watch. Colonel Woodall reported they were able to move approximately 480 vehicles from the west side through the pass until they had to close due to lighting concerns. Information was coordinated through local communities. Member Paddock asked how the information was pushed. Woodall stated the information was pushed through Facebook, Instagram, and news media.
Honolulu Police Department – [0:07:53]: Lieutenant Sanford C. Yue provided the crime statistics for July 2025.
July 2025 Statistics: There were 10 thefts compared to 8 the prior month. There were no burglaries for July compared to one burglary the prior month.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:08:18]
1. Theft Clarification: A community member asked about the types of thefts. Lieutenant Yue clarified these were basic petty thefts, such as stolen rubbish cans or bicycles, not motor vehicle break-ins.
2. Homeless at Pounders: Resident Connors asked about a planned homeless sweep at Pounders. Lieutenant Yue had no information but advised calling 911 if people needed to be addressed.
3. Homeless Calls: Resident Connors asked how many calls were related to homeless people. Lieutenant Yue responded that there were very few calls, either because there are few issues or people are not reporting them.
4. Park Sleeping Laws: Member Kelly-Paddock asked about laws against people sleeping in parks. Lieutenant Yue explained that if there’s a park closure, they can enforce it. If someone is sleeping in a park without a tent, it’s allowed, but camping with tents requires a permit in parks that allow camping. Member Kelly-Paddock asked about sleeping on the beach. Lieutenant Yue responded no.
5. Illegal Beach Camping: A community member reported prevalent illegal camping on Punalu’u Beach. Lieutenant Yue advised calling police to report these incidents.
6. Wheelies Recording: A resident asked can video recordings of a kid popping wheelies without a helmet can be used to issue a citation. Lieutenant Yue stated that they need to be present to issue a citation.
7. Homeless Woman at Bus Stop: Resident Lane reported a homeless woman who has been sleeping at a bus stop near the hospital close to the Kahuku Highschool. Lieutenant Yue promised to send someone to check on her.
III. GOVERNMENT REPORTS – [0:14:57]
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [0:15:07]: Deputy Director Cat Taschner provided updates from the Mayor’s newsletter:
• The city made a major land acquisition on South Beretania to support future Honolulu Police Department operations.
• Mayor Blangiardi announced additions to the city leadership team, including a new assistant zoo director.\
• Demolition has begun at 1615 Ala Wai Boulevard for a new affordable housing complex.
• A new solar canopy is coming to the Ala Wai Golf Course parking lot.
• Members of the Honolulu Youth Commission met with the mayor in July.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gaQNrk6JF1JevNgIahnRTSL6DCzLsYGA/view?usp=drive_link
Ms. Taschner also addressed two questions from the previous month:
• Illegal Vacation Rentals: The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) reports approximately 1,900 illegal short-term rental units operating on Oahu. This data comes from Granicus, the software company contracted by DPP to monitor STR activity. The city is working on expanding investigations to identify more potential illegal STRs.
• Tsunami Occurrences: The Department of Emergency Management’s local hazard mitigation plan includes tsunami information in Chapter 17. A map captures tsunami runup activity on Oahu from 1946 to 2011. Kahuku experienced a 27-foot wave runup during the 1946 Aleutian Island tsunami.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:18:59]
1. Tsunami Evacuation Site: Member Kelly-Paddock reported that Hauʻula Community Center served over 480 people during the recent tsunami alert but is not on the city’s evacuation list. She requested updated signage for the site.
2. Kahuku Golf Course Fire Hazard: Resident Lane asked for help removing decommissioned buildings at the Kahuku Golf Course that pose a fire hazard.
3. Illegal Vacation Rental Numbers and Collections: Resident Connors questioned the accuracy of the 1,900 figures for illegal vacation rentals, citing a news report where Mayor Blangiardi indicated there were many more. She also asked about fine collection, noting that of $3 million in fines issued in April, only $1 million had been collected.
4. Tsunami Development Concerns: Resident Connors asked if the head of the Department of Emergency Management was familiar with tsunami expert Barbara Keating’s report recommending against development in Kahuku
Councilmember Matt Weyer – [0:23:57]: Chelsea from Councilmember Weyer’s office provided updates:
• The rezoning Bill 37 related to Haleiwa that would reclassify 7.3 acres from State Land Agricultural to State Land Urban district use has been deferred and recommitted to the zoning and planning committee for further review. Councilmember Weyer has always opposed this bill.
• Councilmember Weyer introduced amendments to Bills 49 and 50 to increase homeowner exemptions. His proposal would increase the standard exemption to $250,000 and the kupuna exemption to $300,000, resulting in additional savings of $555 for non-kupuna homeowners and $490 for kupuna homeowners. The bill is scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
• Property Owner Deadlines:
o Wednesday, August 20, 2025: First half-year payments due
o Monday, September 1, 2025: Deadline for filing dedication petitions
o Tuesday, September 30, 2025: Deadline for filing exemption claims and tax credit applications
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:27:27]
1. Bill 37 Land Flip: Resident King commented that Bill 37 was considered a land flip, which is a fraudulent real estate transaction. She has emailed officials warning that proceeding could open them to a class action lawsuit.
2. Fire Risk Assessment: Resident Lane thanked the office for agreeing to visit Kahuku to evaluate fire risks, particularly related to an ironwood grove across from her residence that poses a significant fire hazard.
Lund arrived to the meeting at (7:02 p.m.); Quorum was established, 6 members present.
Pasi arrived to the meeting at (7:03 p.m.); 7 members present.
3. Kahuku Golf Course Buildings: Member Shafer asked about the timeline for removing hazardous buildings at the Kahuku Golf Course.
4. Bus Fare Increase: Member Connors expressed concern about a proposed bus fare increase, noting that buses are essential in rural areas where walking is not an option. She also mentioned that the resilience Department’s Transportation proposals don’t seem suitable for rural communities.
5. Kamehameha Highway Carrying Capacity: Member Connors requested a carrying capacity study for Kamehameha Highway to determine traffic impacts, especially when illegal vacation rentals host events.
US House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jill Tokuda – [0:34:09]: No representative present.
Director of Communications and Engagement, Office of Wellness and Resilience – [0:34:36]: Erica Yamauchi provided the report and offered to take questions back to the Governor’s office.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:35:25]
1. Transportation Timeline: Member Schafer requested a timeline for transportation projects from the North Shore to Koʻolauloa, including budget information, completion dates, and status updates, particularly for the Kaipāpaʻu bridge project. He also mentioned road repair needs in Hauʻula.
2. Hawaii Tourism Authority Board: Resident Connors expressed disappointment that the North Shore Neighborhood Board Chair, Kathleen Pahinui, was not selected for the Board of Directorʻs Hawaii Tourism Authority board. She asked if the Governor would consider economic studies on tourism, including carrying capacity studies and hidden costs of over-tourism, and whether he was looking into economic diversification beyond tourism.
State Senator – Senator Brenton Awa – [0:39:24]: Makana reported that their Genki project at Kahaluʻu pond has begun with four neighborhood schools: Waiāhole, Ahuimanu, Heʻeia, and Kahaluʻu. It’s a six-month pilot project they hope to expand to more of the district.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:40:11]
1. Kahaluʻu Bridge Pollution: Member Schafer raised concerns about pollution at the Kahaluʻu bridge area, which is consistently rated as one of the most polluted areas on the island. He suggested involving the Army Corps of Engineers to address sewage flowing into the river.
2. Hauʻula Bridge Timeline: Resident King asked about the completion timeline for the Hauula Bridge project, noting it has been ongoing for several years while other bridge projects are starting.
3. Road Work Timing: Vice Chair Vendiola mentioned poor timing of tree trimming that coincided with the first day of school, causing significant traffic delays.
4. Night Road Work: Member Kelly-Paddock suggested conducting road work at night, as is done in California, to minimize traffic disruption on the one-way-in, one-way-out Kamehameha Highway.
5. Kaipapaʻu Bridge Website: Vice Chair Vendiola shared that information about the Kaipapaʻu Stream Bridge project is available at www.kaipapabridge.com, and there is a 24/7 hotline for Department of Transportation questions: 808-268-1119.
6. Tsunami Evacuation Challenges: Resident Lane described difficulties evacuating seniors with wheelchairs, walkers, or dementia from Kahuku senior housing during the tsunami alert, emphasizing the need for clear roads during emergencies.
7. Fallen Trees on Beaches: Resident Ronnie asked about responsibility for removing trees that fall on beaches due to high tides, specifically mentioning a large tree across Kahana Beach that poses a hazard to swimmers and surfers. Makana responded it depends on the jurisdiction.
8. Beach Erosion Concerns: Resident Ronnie also expressed concern about beach erosion at various Beach Park, and asked about plans to address this issue. Makana responded it depends on the jurisdiction and will take her concerns back to the office.
9. Kaʻaʻawa Traffic: Resident Ronnie mentioned traffic problems at Kaʻaʻawa Elementary School caused by beach park visitors and tourists parking in the area. Makana will share her cocerns with the office.
10. Various Concerns: Resident Connors asked if there was now a permanent Agriculture teacher at Kahuku. She also inquired about strengthening the pipeline Kahukuʻs aquaponics program, and updates on film/TV jobs and illegal vacation rentals. Makana will take her concerns back to the office.
State House Representative – Representative Sean Quinlan – [0:54:38]: Representative Quinlan provided updates and addressed several community concerns:
• Representative Quinlan explained that if a tree is in the water or below the high tide mark, it falls under Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) jurisdiction. Representative Quinlan promised to contact DLNR and state parks on Monday to address the tree at Kahana Bay.
• Representative Quinlan acknowledged the high bacteria counts in Kahaluu are primarily from cesspools upstream. Representative Quinlan mentioned plans over the next 3-4 years to help people connect to sewer laterals or convert to septic systems, noting that the scope of the problem and limited contractors makes this a lengthy process.
• Representative Quinlan reported calling the deputy director of highways after noticing eight different road projects happening simultaneously in a 15-mile stretch. Representative Quinlan requested better coordination between Department of Transportation (DOT) and HECO, particularly for tree trimming.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:59:37]
1. Night Road Work: Member Kelly-Paddock and Weiss both emphasized the need for night road work to reduce traffic impacts, noting that commuters sometimes need two hours to reach town due to unpredictable road conditions. Senator Quinlan will request again for night work. He explained that night work faces still faces complications such as the need for permission from nearby residents and restrictions during turtle nesting season.
2. Abandoned Lay Nets: Resident Ronnie reported finding abandoned lay nets in the ocean that endanger marine life, including turtles. Representative Quinlan offered to help connect her with resources to address this issue.
3. Laie Bridge Construction: Resident Jacob asked how mistakes from the Hauʻula Bridge project could be prevented in the upcoming Laie Bridge construction. Representative Quinlan acknowledged issues with contractors and the state procurement process.
4. Displacement: Resident King asked are the construction companies be responsible for displacing residents. Senator Quinlan clarified that the county can take over property through eminent domain.
5. Hawaiian Monk Seal Safety: Resident Siroskey reported Hawaiian monk seals hauling out onto Kamehameha Highway due to beach erosion, creating safety hazards. She requested to have barriers to deter the Monk Seal. Representative Quinlan requested the exact location to arrange for barriers.
6. Kahuku Fire Risk: Resident Lane discussed a draft letter designating Kahuku as a high fire risk area, with the Latter-day Saints chapel and golf course identified as causes. She requested legislation to help communities better prepare for disasters, noting that government resources are insufficient. Representative Quinlan mentioned a new tax on the visitor industry that will fund wildfire mitigation and climate change adaptation starting in January 2026.
IV. PRESENTATIONS – [1:18:38]
Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Presentation – [1:19:24]: Kūʻikeokalani “Kū’ike” Kamakea-ʻŌhelo, Director of ʻŌiwi Wellbeing and ʻĀina at OHA, presented on OHA’s updates and role in protecting iwi kupūna and community investment across Hawaii.
Key points of the presentation included:
• OHA advocates for preserving culturally significant sites, especially areas with burials and traditional cultural properties
• OHA reviewed 178 Oahu projects in 2025 for compliance with various statutes
• OHA is participating in consultation processes for Oahu military leases at Makua, Kahuku, and the Ala Wai Pedestrian bridge project
• OHA has increased investment in charter schools to $6.78 million for FY26-27, benefiting nearly 4,000 Native Hawaiian students
• OHA funds various educational and economic development programs, including emergency financial assistance
• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NQUXApEWM5NpwkHw9LnZHNtLLKGD1Xvg/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:26:14]
1. Native Hawaiian Programs in Hauʻula: Member Kelly-Paddock noted that Hauʻula has 53% Native Hawaiians per capita and requested more programs and services for Native Hawaiians in the area.
2. Iwi Kupūna Education: Resident King commented on the need to educate communities about what to do when iwi kupūna are found during construction projects.
3. City Resources: Member Schafer mentioned that the city doesn’t have enough staff at the Department of Planning and Permitting DPP to review culturally sensitive areas properly.
4. Native Hawaiian Population Statistics: Resident Connors asked about statistics on the Native Hawaiian population in the area and asked about data on how illegal vacation rentals affect Native Hawaiians. Kūʻikeokalani “Kū’ike” Kamakea-ʻŌhelo will take her question back and provide a report in a future meeting.
Cross-Country Race at Kualoa Ranch – [1:31:45]: Athletic Director Scott Wagner from Punahou School presented plans for a cross-country race at Kualoa Ranch on Saturday, October 4, 2025:
• The event will be limited to 500 people (students, coaches, and event workers)
• Participants will arrive between 6:30 a.m.- 8:00 a.m., with gates locking at 8:00 a.m.
• A sheriff will be present throughout the event to manage traffic
• All parking will be within the valley with no street parking
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:33:16]
1. Race Location: Member Lund asked if the race will use the road or would it be all in the valley. Wagner confirmed the race would be entirely within the valley, not on public roads.
2. Traffic Management: Member Lund wanted clarification that the purpose of the presentation is to make aware the traffic management. Wagner explained that gates would lock at 8:00 a.m., and departures would be staggered after the event, with the sheriff monitoring traffic.
3. Ending Time: Vice Chair Vendiola asked for the event’s end time. Wagner estimated the last race will end at 11:00 a.m. and leave at 12:00 p.m.
4. Motion to Approve: Member Shafer wants to know if the board have to approve the event. Vice Chair Vendiola stated the presentation is for informational and no action is required.
8th Annual Rope for Wishes Rodeo at Kualoa Ranch – [1:35:58]: Lily presented information about the Rope for Wishes Rodeo scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025 to Sunday, October 19, 2025 at Kualoa Ranch:
• Saturday’s performance will be 4:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m., Sundays from noon to approximately 5:00 p.m.
• Funds raised directly support the Wishes Forever Endowment Fund through Make-A-Wish Hawaiʻi
• Attendance will be capped at 500 per day (1,000 total)
• The rodeo features local contestants, particularly youth from various rodeo associations
• Safety measures include EMTs, security, parking control, and HPD special duty officers
• Two entry points for parking. One for contestants and one for spectators with designated attendants
• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oY1T2pzSL0BE1zda7iUcCv9hNl50PG_C/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:42:59]
1. Vendor Information: A resident asked on how to become a vendor. Lily directed them to the Rope for Wishes Hawaii website and Instagram for information.
Bicycle Race from Kualoa up coast – [1:44:30]: Tony Lang presented plans for a bicycle race on Sunday, September 14, 2025:
• The race will run from 8:00 a.m.to 10:00 a.m.
• Starting at Kualoa Regional Beach Park, going north for 12.5 miles to just before the Laie shopping center, then returning to Kualoa Ranch
• 40 participants total (10 teams of 4 riders)
• Riders will go off at one-minute intervals, riding single file to the right of the white line
• HPD special duty officers will be at the turnaround and start points
• A sweep wagon will serve as EMT support
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:46:47]
1. Alternative Locations: A resident suggested holding the event elsewhere due to traffic concerns in the area.
2. Wheelies: A resident asked if they plan on having a wheelie contest. Lang responded no.
3. Safety Concerns: Member Weiss and Kelly-Paddock expressed concerns about bicycle safety on Kamehameha Highway, noting the lack of shoulder space, road erosion, and history of accidents.
4. Race Location Rationale: Member Lund asked about the choice of location. Lang explained that the scenic route and lack of traffic lights between Kualoa Ranch and Laie shopping center make it attractive for cycling events.
5. Road Conditions: Member Schafer expressed concern about gravel and debris on the roadside creating hazards for cyclists. Lang explained that the course will be swept the day before the event.
6. Number of Cyclist: Resident King asked the number of cyclists that will attend the event. Lang clarified that there will be 40 cyclists.
7. Community Impact: Member Pasi reminded event organizers that while Koʻolauloa welcomes events, visitors should help care for the community and learn about its history.
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS – [1:59:03]
Transportation Committee – [2:00:03]: Member Schafer reported the committee hasn’t met yet, but plans to examine the entire highway through their district, including bus stops, bridges, roads, and speed humps. They aim to gather feedback from each community about their issues and desired improvements. They also want monthly reports from Department of Transporation (DOT) on project progress, timelines, and costs.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:00:40]
1. Meeting Information: Vice Chair Vendiola asked the meeting will be open to the public or with the community association. Member Shafer clarified that the committee members will attend other community meetings and will report back to the Neighborhood Board.
Community Resilience/Emergency Preparedness – [2:02:07]: Member Kelly-Paddock reported:
• The Hauʻula Civic Center food pantry will expand hours in September to 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every Wednesday, offering fresh produce, canned, and dried foods.
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 and Saturday, September 27, 2025 at the civic center, with a field trip to Diamond Head on Saturday, October 11, 2025. The free training includes lunch and already has 40 people enrolled.
VI. PUBLIC INPUT/COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:05:30]
Flooding Workshop – [2:06:00]: Resident Grecni announced a workshop on flooding in Koʻolaupoko and Koʻolauloa focused on areas from Kaneohe through Kahuku on Thursday evening at Key Project in Waihee. The workshop will present a flood app and maps developed with community input to help residents deal with flooding along roadways.
Kahuku School Bazaar – 2:08:00]: Resident Anixt announced the Kahuku School Bazaar on Saturday, November 15, 2025 and invited those interested in having booths to email kahukuschoolpto@gmail.com.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:00:40]
1. Booth Cost: Vice Chair Vendiola asked if there is a cost for having a booth. Anixt responded that there will be a fee.
Firewise Presentation – [2:09:10]: Resident Lane announced a Firewise presentation at the Kahuku Community Association general membership meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 to encourage the community to become a Firewise community to prevent wildfires.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:10:06]
1. Land Ownership: Member Lund asked who owns the land where the trees are near the Latter-Day Saints Chapel. Resident Lane clarified the land is owned by the chapel.
Health Education – [2:13:42]: Resident Blevins suggested having classes to educate community members about proper nutrition and medications, expressing concern about pharmaceutical companies.
Healthy Living Class – [2:16:32]: Member Kelly-Paddock mentioned a healthy living class at Hauʻula Community Center on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.
Alzheimer’s Talk Story – [2:17:20]: Member Pasi announced an Alzheimer’s and caregiving talk story on Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Kahuku Village Association.
Ko’olauloa La Ohana Event: [2:18:43]: Member Pasi also announced a Koʻolauloa Lā Ohana health and resource fair on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, location to be announced.
VII. APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MINUTES – [2:19:28]
Kelly-Paddock MOVED and Lund SECONDED to approve the minutes from July 10, 2025 as written. Hearing no objections, the motion WAS ADOPTED; 7-0-0 (AYE: Vendiola, Johnny Feinga, Kelly-Paddock, Schafer, Weiss, Lund, and Pasi; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None) – [2:20:04]
VIII. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:20:20]
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Hauʻula Community Center.
IX. ADJOURNMENT – [2:20:44] The meeting was adjourned at 8:54 p.m.
Submitted by: Anson Wu, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy, NCO
Final Review 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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