KO‘OLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 28

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 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. Oʻahu Exceptional Tree Program: Requesting Nominations for Exceptional Trees,
i. Navin Tagore, Community Forester, City Division of Urban Forestry and Arborist Advisory Committee
b. The Mediation Center of the Pacific: Early Eviction Mediation Program
i. Roberta Hickey-Gomez, Special Programs Innovator, The Mediation Center of the Pacific
c. Motion to Send KNB Representative(s) to the Joint Neighborhood Boards Meeting on Hurricane Preparedness
i. Kioni Dudley (via email), Vice Chair, Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board
d. Honolulu Charter Commission – Motion to send KNB representative(s) to participate in once-in-a-decade review of Revised Charter of the City & Council of Honolulu (input deadline for proposed charter changes is Friday, November 7, 2025).
i. Kaleopa’a Vares (via letter), Communications & Outreach Specialist, Honolulu Charter Commission
e. Dog Friendly Park Initiative, Department of Parks and Recreation: Seeking input from KNB on having legal Dog-Friendly parks in the Ko’olauloa Area.
i. Laura Thielen (via letter), Director Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR)

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)

VII. APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MINUTES
a. Approval of Thursday, September 11, 2025 drafted meeting minutes.

VIII. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. Kamehameha Highway, Waimea Bay Rockfall Mitigation Project
b. Honolulu Charter Commission Community Information Sessions: Sunset Beach Elementary School: Friday, October 17, 2025, 7:00 p.m.; Zoom/Virtual (Island Wide): Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
c. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 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, SEPTEMBER 11, 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=SGszt8Dr7vY

Reports & other meeting materials can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/135-VFpB_IUlcPhYjRfW60vbUJhRvSyrB

I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:14]: Chair Michael Epp called the Ko’olauloa Neighborhood Board No. 28 meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

Quorum was established with SIX (6) members present. Note: This eleven-member Board requires six (6) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present: Michael Epp, Johnny Feinga, Dotty Kelly-Paddock, Benjamin Shafer, Margaret Weiss, ʻUilafotu Vendiola, Sunny Unga (7:22 p.m.), and Allegra Lund (7:36 p.m.).

Members Absent: Carol Feinga, Atalina Pasi, and Kela Miller.

Guests: Captain A. Mau (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant D. Akagai and Sergeant Douglas Lee (Honolulu Police Department); Deputy Director Cat Taschner (Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative); Chelsea (Councilmember Matt Weyer’s Office); Director Erica Yamauchi (Office of Wellness and Resilience); Senator Brenton Awa and Makana (Senator Brenton Awa’s Office); Jonathan Lance (Hawaiʻi State Climate Commission); Mark Howland (Presenter); Chris Saseen (Lahui ‘o Ko’olauloa Canoe Club); Luca Cuniberti (Hawaiʻi Youth Transportation Council); Yvonne Y. (Climate Future Forum); Olivia Wallace, Keith Maris, Evelyn Lane, Elgin Onaga, Christopher Cesine, Deborah King, David Stant, Andrea Anixt, Katherine Heath, David Kim Kalo, Ella Siroskey, and Jacob (Resident); and Anson Wu (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. Total Participants: 34.

II. CITY/STATE MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:01:18]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:01:38]: Captain A. Mau provided the incident statistics for August 2025.
• August 2025 Statistics: There were 2 structure fires, 2 wildland or brush fires, 0 nuisance fires, 0 cooking fires, 2 activated alarms with no fires, 40 medical emergencies, 1 motor vehicle collision with a pedestrian, 4 motor vehicle crash/collisions, 2 mountain rescues, 1 ocean rescue, and 0 hazardous materials incidents.
• September 2025 Safety Tips: Captain Mau shared fire safety tips regarding lithium-ion batteries, emphasizing the importance of using only listed products with safety certification mark, using proper charging cords, charging devices on hard surfaces, not overcharging, and recycling batteries responsibly. Captain Mau also announced that HFD is hosting a Fire Prevention Family Day event on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Honolulu Zoo from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ydDXeP_fMPYnL7IGm8Qu6xk6b35ov9dp/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:04:45]
1. Battery Safety: Member Shafer thanked Captain Mau for the printed materials and emphasized the importance of battery safety information.
2. Brush Fires: Resident Maris asked about 2 brush fires that occurred in Kahuku during Labor Day weekend, specifically whether the fires occurred in Kahuku behind the Senior Housing, was there an after-action report, and was there an arson investigation regarding homeless camps. Captain Mau indicated he would follow up on this information for the next meeting.

Honolulu Police Department – [0:07:04]: Lieutenant D. Akagai and Sergeant Douglas Lee. Sergeant Lee provided the crime statistics for August 2025.
• August 2025 Statistics: There was 1 motor vehicle theft, 2 burglaries,10 thefts,1 unauthorized entry into motor vehicle, and 0 robberies. Lieutenant Akagai reported increased traffic enforcement efforts to address rising traffic fatalities across the island. Regarding the brush fires mentioned earlier, Lieutenant Akagai stated they were cooking fires that had spread, and the area had been cleaned up.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:09:20]
1. Seatbelt Usage: Member Shafer noted that many young people are not using seatbelts and suggested increased education efforts in schools.
2. Various Concerns: Resident Lane hopes an arson investigation be completed regarding the homeless encampment fires and reported a severely mentally ill person on the golf course who is loud, threatening, and using a machete. Lieutenant Akagai said he would alert patrol officers to be more aware of the situation. Resident Maris noted the officers had already identified the individual but had difficulty locating him when responding to calls.
3. E-Bikes Concerns: Resident Onaga asked about plans to educate children about helmet use and safe riding practices. Lieutenant Akagai mentioned he would bring this up with the Community Policing Unit and noted that Hawaiʻi doesn’t have a helmet law, and many e-bikes are being operated illegally on roadways. Member Weiss suggested parents should be held accountable when minors ride bicycles unsafely without helmets. Sergeant Lee explained that when trying to stop e-bike riders, they often flee, creating safety concerns. HPD has changed tactics to use plainclothes officers to follow riders and approach them when safely stopped. When juveniles are found, parents are contacted immediately, and citations are issued for equipment violations. Criminal cases have been made against parents who have been warned multiple times. Resident Heath reported seeing fathers carrying infants on bikes without protection and asked if additional charges could be brought in such cases.
4. Minimum Age: Resident Lane asked about the minimum age for riding motorized vehicles. Lieutenant Akagai stated the minimum age is 15 and a half years old, as a permit is required.

United States Army – [0:16:04]: No representative present.

III. GOVERNMENT REPORTS – [0:16:22]
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [0:16:25]: Deputy Director Cat Taschner provided updates from the September 2025 Mayor’s newsletter and highlighted the following: The City honored Oʻahu’s Purple Heart recipients during a ceremony at Honolulu Hale; HART broke ground on new guideways and rail stations across the third segment of the rail project from Kalihi to Kakaʻako; The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Region IX Administrator visited Honolulu Hale to discuss housing and homelessness with Hawaiʻi’s mayors; New members of the Honolulu Youth Commission were sworn in; and Oʻahu’s junior lifeguards returned from the state championship event on Maui with a historic victory. Deputy Director Taschner announced that the Charter Commission is conducting its once-a-decade review of the City Charter. Community members are invited to submit proposals by Friday, November 7, 2025. The Commission will hold community meetings in October.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QLe6dk0m12_rMGzmzJLbEOKVu0UIjeHB/view?usp=drive_link

August 2025 Responses: In response to Resident Connors’ inquiry, Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) reported approximately 1,900 illegal short-term rental units operating for less than 30 days on Oahu. DPP is working to improve collections of fines, placing liens on properties, and notifying mortgage lenders of violations. The Kahuku Golf Course has begun the process to decommission and demolish the abandoned clubhouse building. Department of Enterprise Services (DES) has obtained necessary permits and is working on securing funds for demolition. Department of Emergency Management (DEM) reported that the Hauʻula Community Center is in the red tsunami evacuation zone and therefore not appropriate as a tsunami assembly area. DEM has been working on projects at the 54-256 Hauʻula Homestead Road location, which is in the yellow tsunami evacuation zone. The Asia-Pacific International School is in the green zone and appropriate for designation as a tsunami assembly site.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:21:17]
1. Asia-Pacific International School Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Member Kelly-Paddock clarified that she had only mentioned the Asia-Pacific International School as a tsunami evacuation site used in Hauʻula. She suggested DEM contact Liz Fischer, who had the signed MOU with the school.
2. DPP Follow-up: Resident Lane mentioned sending letters to DPP in August 2025 requesting inspections but only received one response. Resident Lane asked if Deputy Director Taschner could help with follow-up, and Deputy Director Taschner agreed to assist.

Councilmember Matt Weyer’s Office – [0:24:14]: Chelsea from Councilmember Weyer’s office provided the updates and highlighted the following: Chelsea thanked Member Kelly-Paddock for hosting their office at the Hauʻula Community Center; reported that 2 resolutions passed at the September 2025 full Council meeting: Resolution 25-234 (strengthening emergency response in rural communities by installing monitoring devices including traffic cameras in coastal inundation zones) and Resolution 25-185 (developing a residential relocation assistance program); Tuesday, September 30, 2025 deadline for real property tax exemptions, dedications, and credits; and noted that the real property tax credit caps property tax at 3% of homeowner’s income for households making $80,000 or less annually, and must be applied for every year.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:27:35]
1. Community Meeting: Member Kelly-Paddock thanked Chelsea for bringing the team to the community meeting, which had great turnout. Chelsea confirmed it would not be their last visit to the area.

US House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jill Tokuda – [0:28:18]: No representative present.

Office of Wellness and Resilience – [0:28:40]: Director Erica Yamauchi provided updates and highlighted the following: recognized September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Month and highlighted the 988-crisis line, which anyone can call or text 24/7 for mental health support.

August 2025 Responses: Regarding Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Advisory Board, Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) reported upcoming community input meetings on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 for Central O’ahu and Thursday, September 25, 2025 in town from 6:00p.m. to 8:00 p.m. DBEDT is focused on creating more opportunities in rural communities by building up diverse industries beyond tourism, including agriculture, aquaculture, value-added product development, and creative industries. Director Yamauchi shared that Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) will be trimming vegetation along power lines from Monday, September 15, 2025 through Friday, October 10, 2025, affecting traffic. She also provided updates on the Kaipapaʻu Bridge project (expected to be fully open by the end of October) and the Kaʻaʻawa Revetment project (on track to finish by the end of October 2025).

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:35:45]
1. Hawaiʻi Deparement of Transportation (HDOT) Documentation: Member Shafer expressed appreciation for HDOT’s work on addressing issues.
2. Tourism Announcements: Resident Lane requested that DBEDT’s public meeting announcements look more official so people recognize them as government meetings rather than promotional materials. Director Yamauchi said she would look into this.
3. Tree Trimming: Resident Sasseen asked if there was a standard for how far back from power lines trees should be trimmed. Director Yamauchi said she would look into this. Member Weiss asked if tree trimming could be done during non-business hours to reduce traffic impacts. Director Yamauchi said she would inquire about this possibility.

State Senate (District 13) – Senator Brenton Awa – [0:38:05]: Makana from Senator Awa’s office provided updates and highlighted the following: The Kahana Bay root ball hazard has been noted and is on the calendar for Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to address; boat ramp recently received a $500,000 allocation for wash stations; several meetings are scheduled this month for government agencies and community members to connect and establish evacuation preparedness safety procedures. proposals for developing campgrounds at Mālaekahana State Recreation Area are up for bid on the DLNR website; and the Genki Ball project in Kahaluʻu has been operating for about one month with positive outcomes.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:40:05]
1. Clarification: Resident Anixt wanted clarification on what is occuring at Mālaekahana State Recreation Area. Makana clarified proposals for developing campgrounds at Mālaekahana State Recreation Area are up.

Senator Awa joined later and added the following: Senator Awa requested community assistance with providing flowers (approximately 10,000 needed) for a memorial honoring Fiji at the Waikīkī Shell; successfully addressed a challenge to Kamehameha Schools’ admissions policy; and The Genki Ball project is moving to the next phase of putting microbes directly into toilets and cesspools.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed (Continued) – [0:43:14]
1. Genki Ball: Member Shafer thinks that the Genki Ball is a good idea.
2. Genki Ball Effectiveness: Resident Lane mentioned a negative report on Hawaiʻi Public Radio about Genki Balls not showing results. Senator Awa explained that the HPU study referenced used only 100 Genki Balls in each of two deployments, which was insufficient. The Ala Wai project used over 250,000 Genki Balls over five years with visible improvements.
3. Long-term Solutions: Member Kelly-Paddock shared that she had spoken with Corey Nago about the Genki Ball project and noted that while it raises awareness, it’s not a long-term solution to wastewater issues. She explained that according to Nago, the project is primarily a way to raise community awareness and get kids involved, but eventually cesspools will need to be removed and replaced with septic systems or ATUs. Senator Awa agreed but noted visible improvements in the Ala Wai Canal, including returning wildlife.
4. Multi-tiered Approach: Member Vendiola commented that while the Genki Balls help address immediate pollution issues, they don’t solve the root cause. Member Vendiola emphasized the need for a multi-tiered approach that addresses both immediate pollution and long-term infrastructure needs.
5. Immediate Action: Member Shafer emphasized the need to do something now rather than waiting, suggesting that long-term problems can be addressed while taking immediate action with Genki Balls.
6. Rural Infrastructure Needs: Member Kelly-Paddock stressed that rural communities face wastewater infrastructure challenges those urban areas don’t have and emphasized that residents don’t have the money to convert cesspools and that government needs to step up to fund rural infrastructure as they have done for urban areas. Senator Awa acknowledged that even with subsidies, most residents cannot afford to convert cesspools. He noted that when the mandate goes into effect, many people may face fines they cannot pay.
7. Price Controls: Resident Saseen observed that contractor prices increased when subsidies were offered and suggested the state consider mandating reasonable pricing for cesspool conversions. Senator Awa agreed this was a good point and said he would follow up through the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee.
8. Data Collection: Member Kelly-Paddock emphasized the importance of collecting data on water quality, noting that Castle Foundation and the University of Hawaiʻi had funded six months of water testing in Hauʻula with concerning results. Member Kelly-Paddock suggested targeting the worst areas in Hauʻula with Genki Balls to test their effectiveness. Senator Awa mentioned that the Surfrider Foundation has been collecting water quality data for years and continues to monitor fecal bacteria levels.
9. Mitigation: Mark Howland, representing the International Erosion Control Association, agreed with member Kelly-Paddock that Genki Balls are a mitigation effort but not a solution to the underlying problem.

Unga arrived to the meeting at (7:22 p.m.). 7 members present.

State House (District 28) – Representative Sean Quinlan – [0:57:13]: No representative present.

IV. PRESENTATIONS – [0:57:22]
Lahui ‘o Ko’olauloa Canoe Club – Consideration and Approval to Adopt the Letter of KNB Support for building a Hālau Wa’a in the Moku at Kahana Bay Beach Park – [0:57:41]: Chris Saseen requested a letter of support for building a Hālau Wa’a teaching shelter and a shelter for their canoes at Kahana Bay. The club has had nearly 30,000 hours of paddling and instruction in fiscal year 2025, serving a community of 20,000 people. The club has acquired four new canoes and six refurbished canoes, serving nearly 400 participants (150 keiki and dozens of kupuna). The shelter would protect community assets and provide safety during inclement weather.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:59:30]
1. Community Support: Member Shafer stated that Kahana supports the project as an ideal location for a canoe club. Member Kelly-Paddock mentioned Hui O Hauʻula and Hauʻula Community Association has completed a letter of support. Member Unga also mentioned that Kahuku Community Association is in support of the project.
2. Facility Details: Member Vendiola questions how the facility would look. Saseen explained the shelter would be limited to 2,000 square feet to avoid requiring an environmental impact study. G70 is doing initial design work to make it look like the Hau’ula Pavillion structure that would blend with the state park environment.
3. Petitions: Saseen mentioned that 2 petitions were being circulated—one for community leaders and one for the general public. Saseen noted they had already collected a couple hundred signatures from the general public.
4. Location and Parking: Member Weiss asked about the exact location. Saseen explained it would be on the makai side somewhere between the bridge and parking lot. Member Weiss also had concerns regarding the parking situation and suggested requesting additional parking from the state on the makua side of the highway. Saseen acknowledged parking limitations and noted they’ve been restricted from holding multi-club events due to insufficient parking.
5. Community Outreach: Resident Wallace about which specific representatives of the Kahana Community Association had been contacted and was outreach done to the Kahana community members. Saseen mentioned meeting 3 times with the Kahana Community Association, specifically with Lena, but agreed to conduct additional outreach.

Lund arrived to the meeting at (7:36 p.m.); 8 members present.

[1:07:30] – Shafer MOVED and Unga SECONDED to adopt the letter of support for the building of a Halau Wa’a and teaching pavilion in the Moku at Kahana Bay Beach Park. Hearing no further discussion, the board conducted a voice vote. The motion was ADOPTED; 8-0-0 (AYE: Epp, J. Feinga, Kelly-Paddock, Lund, Shafer, Unga, Vendiola, and Weiss; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None) – [1:07:45]

Hawaiʻi Youth Transportation Council (HYTC) seeks feedback on the HDOT Energy Security and Waste Reduction Proposal (ESWRP) – [1:08:09]: Luca Cuniberti, North Shore Representative for the Hawaiʻi Youth Transportation Council, explained that HYTC originated from a settlement between Navahine (an environmental group with youth plaintiffs) and HDOT. Luca serves as Chair of Policy and Legislation and acts as a liaison between HDOT and the community. He invited feedback on the Energy Security and Waste Reduction Proposal and sought to connect with youth interested in transportation or environmental work.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:10:18]
1. Public Comment Period: Member Vendiola asked if the public comment period (Friday, June 27, 2025 to Sunday, August 31, 2025) was still open. Luca explained that while the formal period had ended, he could still relay feedback to HDOT.
2. Comments: Member Shafer provided comments to Cuniberti work.
3. Regional Representation: Resident Anixt noted that the North Shore and Ko’olauloa areas are underrepresented on the youth council, with only one representative covering a large portion of the island. Cuniberti acknowledged this concern and mentioned plans to potentially split the representation in the future.
4. School Connections: Member Unga suggested connecting with Kahuku High School’s environmental club.
5. Clarification: Member Kelly-Paddock wanted clarification that one person is selected to represent North Shore and Koʻolauloa. Cuniberti explained that there is one delegate for North Shore and Ko’olauloa, but they can look into splitting North Shore and Koʻolauloa. Member Kelley-Paddock will connect with Cuniberti. Member Shafer voiced his concern of having one representative in Koʻolauloa. Chair Epp suggested HYTC to link with the schoolʻs environmental club. Cuniberti welcomes the idea and is now considering proposals. J. Feinga stated he works for the school and offered to be a point of contact for the high school.

Climate Future Forum – Consideration and Approval to Adopt the Resolution Advocating for Stronger Regulation of Pesticides – [1:17:18]: Yvonne Y. presented on behalf of the Climate Future Forum. She shared information about a pesticides education campaign focusing on Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs), which require certification and have harmful effects on the environment and human health. While Act 45, passed in 2018, requires reporting of RUPs and established 100-foot buffer zones around schools, there are exemptions for neonicotinoids and experimental field trials. The resolution calls for more detailed reporting and better enforcement.
• Drafted Letter: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aF3oDQkIvkYPnR1_H_h-Z8mZoQvF3ZVr/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=110816970952488543387&rtpof=true&sd=true

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:23:09]
1. Resolution Edits: Chair Epp made suggestions on edits to the resolution.
2. Pesticide Concerns: Ben Shafer expressed surprise that it took so long to address pesticides that are ruining the water, ruining the land, and getting people sick.
3. Bee Population: Resident Anixt emphasized that neonicotinoids are killing bees, which eliminates a large portion of food pollination.

[1:25:34] – Shafer MOVED and Kelly-Paddock SECONDED to adopt the Resolution Advocating for Stronger Regulation of Pesticides with amendments. Hearing no discussion, the board conducted a show of hands. The motion WAS ADOPTED; 8-0-0 (AYE: Epp, J. Feinga, Kelly-Paddock, Lund, Shafer, Unga, Vendiola, and Weiss; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None) – [1:25:46]

State of Hawaiʻi Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission – Seeking Public Comment on Draft Climate Action Pathways Report – [1:26:04]: Jonathan Lance from the State Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Commission explained that the commission was formed to coordinate actions across agencies to build resilience to climate change. He presented the draft Climate Action Pathways Report, which contains 23 recommendations across 8 sectors: waste, energy, buildings efficiency and resilience, ground transportation, aviation transportation, marine transportation, agriculture/forestry/land use, and circular economies. The commission is seeking public feedback through an online platform.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:31:44]
1. Community Engagement: Member Kelly-Paddock thanked Jonathan for his hard work and encouraged community members to review the report.
2. Native Hawaiian Organizations: Resident Wallace asked if the commission had been working with Native Hawaiian organizations. Jonathan mentioned efforts to engage with groups like Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) and various mālama groups, but welcomed suggestions for additional organizations to contact. Resident Wallace will contact Lance.

Draft Environmental Assessment – Di Meo Property, 51-055 Olohu Road, Ka’a’awa, Single Family Dwelling – [1:34:54]: Mark Howland presented the environmental assessment for the Di Meo property, which requires a Special Management Area (SMA) major permit due to the proposed 3 single-family dwellings on the property. The property is not a shoreline property and is not impacted by sea level rise or coastal erosion. The project involves retaining one single-family dwelling, demolishing a second, and constructing two new single-family dwellings.
• Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1VcwDEqFzsUnq5IYeXc7axnldjPE8X2hE/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=110816970952488543387&rtpof=true&sd=true

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:40:56]
1. Zoning Clarification: Member Vendiola asked is it typical to have three dwellings on the property. Howland explained that R-5 zoning allows one dwelling per 5,000 square feet, so the 23,000 square foot lot could actually accommodate 4 dwellings, but the owner is only building 3.
2. Owner’s Plans: Member Vendiola asked what is the purpose of the two new dwellings. Howland explained that the owner plans to live in one of the new dwellings and offer the others as long-term rentals. Short-term rentals are not allowed in the area.
3. Project Status: Member Shafer asked about the current status of the project, noting language suggesting it was in its last stages. Howland clarified that the environmental assessment process involves multiple stages: pre-consultation with DPP (completed), draft environmental assessment (current stage), final environmental assessment, and then the SMA permit application. Building permits cannot be obtained until the SMA permit is approved.
4. Clarification: Member Weiss wanted clarification on what’s being done on the property. Howland clarified the goal of the project is to rebuild and add a single dwelling home.
5. Board Action: Chair Epp asked if the board was expected to take formal action on the presentation. Howland explained that no formal action was required; the presentation was part of the consultation process required by DPP.
6. Neighbor Concerns: Resident Anixt, an abutting property owner, expressed concerns about construction duration (estimated at up to 24 months) and potential impacts on the private road. Mark explained that the maximum construction period is stated for DPP requirements, but actual construction might be completed more quickly. He also noted that work would not be permitted at night or on weekends.
7. Environmental Agent Role: Member Vendiola asked about Howlands connection to the property. Howland explained that he is an environmental agent who obtained 65 out of 80 SMA permits last year. Howland noted that his company sends information about SMA minor permits to the board even when not required, to keep the community informed.
8. Notice: Resident Anixt asked if other neighbors around the area would be notified. Howland explained that DPP would notify all property owners within 300 feet during the SMA stage.
9. Road Width: Resident Anixt mentioned that the private road is only 12-14 feet wide and asked if road widening would be required. Howland explained that the owner is limiting the project to 3 dwellings specifically to avoid triggering road widening requirements, which would be necessary for 4 dwellings.
10. Other Properties: Resident Anixt asked if the owner had other properties in the area. Mark confirmed that the owner mentioned having a property to this one but emphasized that the current application only addresses the subject property. Howland noted that he had advised the owner that any future development would need to go through the same SMA process.
11. Entrance: Resident Anixt asked how to you get into both of these properties using Olohu Road or Haʻahaʻa Street. Howland explaind they are dealing with this current project.
12. Construction Duration: Resident Anixt expressed concern about the estimated construction period. Howland explained that this is the maximum timeframe required to be stated for DPP, but actual construction might be completed in 6-8 months. Howland confirmed that construction would not be permitted at night or on weekends.
13. Document Access: Resident Anixt mentioned difficulty viewing the CD-ROM materials due to vision problems and requested printed materials. Howland noted that the full document is 500-600 pages, which might still be difficult to read. Member Shafer offered to drop off a copy at her house.
14. Comment Opportunities: Resident Anixt asked about the process for submitting comments. Howland explained that there would be opportunities to comment through the environmental notice (published on the 8th and 23rd of each month) and directly to DPP during the SMA stage.
15. Parking Concerns: Resident Anixt expressed concern that the project might become like Lanikai with no parking due to increased population density.

Special Management Area Major Application – Gallant Property, 54-122 Kamehameha Highway, Hauʻula – [1:51:59]: Mark Howland presented the SMA major application for the Gallant Garage in Hauʻula. The owner initially received an SMA minor permit to renovate the garage but now proposes adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) above for a caretaker, which brings the construction cost over $500,000 and requires an SMA major permit. The property is outside the shoreline setback but within the SMA. The owner wants to expand from an inspection garage to a full-service garage with the caretaker living on-site.
• Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1d5vB5dMDEzFMB1KGUeg58ShgC5sPDHi5/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=110816970952488543387&rtpof=true&sd=true

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:57:00]
1. Project Clarification: Member Weiss wants clarification that the Gallant runs the garage. Howland explained that yes the Gallant runs the garage.
2. Community Benefit: Member Weiss expressed support for having a garage in Hauʻula and asked how long it had been operating. Howland confirmed it is currently an inspection garage, and the owner wants to expand to full service with the chief employee living in the ADU (a two-bedroom, one-bath unit under 800 square feet).

V. COMMITTEE REPORTS – [1:58:35]
Parks and Recreation Committee – [1:58:46]: Member Unga announced that G70 is preparing a cultural impact assessment and Ka Pa’akai analysis for the Kahuku Community Center improvements project. The approximately 16.06-acre project area includes TMKs 5-6-006:011, 015, 021, 023, Kamehameha Highway state-owned right-of-way, and Pua Street right-of-way. The project aims to modernize and expand existing park amenities to support the health, wellness, and recreational needs of the Kahuku and Ko’olauloa communities. G70 is seeking input from cultural practitioners, Native Hawaiian organizations, and community members who may have knowledge of historic properties or cultural resources associated with the project area. For organizations interested in sharing information contact G70 at kahukucc.design or 808-523-5866

Community Resilience/Emergency Preparedness Committee – [2:01:39]: Member Kelly-Paddock announced upcoming CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training on Saturday, September 13, 2025, Saturday, September 27, 2025, and a practice day at Diamond Head. She encouraged community members to participate in this free training by calling 808-255-6944. Member Paddock also announced an upcoming presentation in October 2025 about wastewater pollution in nearshore waters. Member Kelly-Paddock noted that the Department of Health had named Hauʻula as the second most polluted community in the state, and testing conducted with funding from Castle Foundation through the University of Hawaiʻi showed concerning results. She emphasized the need to address the 700 cesspools in Hauʻula.

Transportation Committee – [2:05:14]: Member Shafer reported that the Kaʻaʻawa project by the school is expected to be finished next month, and the Kaipapaʻu Bridge will be completed before the end of the year. Member Shafer invites community members to contact him about transportation issues they are facing so he can work with HDOT to address them.

VI. PUBLIC INPUT/COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:06:24]
Hauʻula Community Meetings – [2:06:32]:Member Kelly-Paddock clarified the Hauʻula Community Meeting will be on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 regarding waste water and pollution. Friday, October 17, 2025 cesspool conversion mapping workshop at the Hauʻula Community Center 2:00 p.m.

Joint Neighborhood Board Meeting – [2:07:19]: Member Kelly-Paddock shared information about a call to action from Kioni Dudley of the Kapolei Neighborhood Board, who is organizing a joint meeting of neighborhood boards on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, to address the lack of hurricane shelters in Hawaiʻi. Member Kelly-Paddock noted that there are an estimated 200,000 people in Hawaiʻi who would need shelter during a hurricane, but no proper hurricane shelters exist. Member Kelly-Paddock volunteered to represent the Ko’olauloa Neighborhood Board at this meeting. Chair Epp suggested sending out information to board members for review before making a formal motion at the October 2025 meeting.

Honolulu Charter Commission – [2:12:26]: Chair Epp noted that the Honolulu Charter Commission is conducting its once-a-decade review of the City Charter and is requesting input from neighborhood boards. The deadline for proposals is Friday, November 7, 2025. Chair Epp will add this to the next agenda. Member Shafer requested that a Charter Commission representative be invited to the next board meeting. Chair Epp agreed to put this on the October agenda and invite a representative.

Helmet Laws – [2:14:41]: Resident King asked if the Charter Commission would be the appropriate venue to address Hawaiʻi’s lack of helmet laws. Chair Epp explained that the Charter is more like a constitution setting broader processes, while helmet laws would be addressed at the legislative level. Chair Epp suggested asking government representatives to follow up on this issue at future meetings.

VII. APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MINUTES – [2:16:06]
[2:16:22] – Kelly-Paddock MOVED and Shafer SECONDED to approve the Thursday, August 14, 2025 drafted meeting minutes as written. Hearing no discussion, the board conducted a show of hands. The motion WAS ADOPTED; 8-0-0 (AYE: Epp, J. Feinga, Kelly-Paddock, Lund, Shafer, Unga, Vendiola, and Weiss; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None) – [2:16:28]

VIII. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:16:30]
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hauʻula Community Center.

IX. ADJOURNMENT – [2:16:38]: The meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m.

Submitted by: Anson Wu, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Lindon Valenciano, Public Relations Assistant, NCO
Finalized by:

To view agenda and minutes, visit our board website.

Event shows physical location; however, other options of participation may also include WebEx and phone.  If available, instructions for WebEx and phone can be found at the top of the agenda.