KO‘OLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 28

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026 AT 6:30 P.M.
HAUʻULA COMMUNITY CENTER
54-010 KUKUNA ROAD, HAUʻULA, HI 96717
IN-PERSON & VIRTUALLY VIA WEBEX

Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m25d2d2aed693974cac14ca6f8aa8a811
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2491 959 1297
Password: NB28 (6228 from phones and video systems)
Join by Phone: 1-408-418-9388 United States Toll

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. ELECTION OF OFFICERS – To serve from July 2026 to June 30, 2027: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and any other officer the board determines it needs to conduct its business.
a. Chair
b. Vice Chair
c. Secretary
d. Treasurer

IV. GOVERNMENT REPORTS (Three (3) minute limit per speaker).
a. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – Cat Taschner https://www.honolulu.gov/mayor
b. Councilmember Matt Weyer or Staffer mweyer@honolulu.gov
c. US House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jill Tokuda or Staffer https://tokuda.house.gov
d. Governor Josh Green’s Liaison, 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 senawa@capitol.hawaii.gov
f. State House Representative – Representative Sean Quinlan or Staffer repquinlan@capitol.hawaii.gov

V. PRESENTATIONS – (five (5) minute limit per presentation).
a. Cross Country Race at Kualoa Ranch Sunday, October 4, 2026 – Scott Wagner, Athletic Director, Punahou School
b. Stream Flooding: Gauges and Other Monitoring Technology for Koʻolauloa – Quinn Campbell & Assistants, University of Hawaiʻi, Manoa
c. Honolulu G.R.O.W (Green Recycling Organic Waste) Program – Amber Unabia, Recycling Specialist, Department of Environmental Services, Refuse Division, C&C Honolulu
d. Malaekahana Beach Project – Alan Carpenter, Acting Administrator, Division of State Parks, State Department of Land and Natural Resources
e. Kaʻaʻawa Elementary School Electrical Upgrades and Long-Term Repair and Maintenance of Existing School Facilities: Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and Special Management Area (SMA) Use Permit Application – PBR Hawaiʻi, Greg Nakai/Maree Medeiros

VI. BOARD BUSINESS
a. Discussion: Draft Resolution for 2026/27 Koʻolauloa Neighborhood Board Priorities – Michael Epp, KNB Board Chair
b. Board Member Absences Notices
i. Carol Feinge
ii. John Feinge
iii. Kela Miller

VII. 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

VIII. PUBLIC INPUT/COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS (Two (2) Minute Limit per Speaker)
a. Honolulu Century Ride, Sunday, September 27, 2026, Chris Salas, Events Director, Hawaii Bicycling League

IX. APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MINUTES
a. Approval of Thursday, May 14, 2026 drafted meeting minutes.

X. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hauʻula Community Center, 54-10 Kukuna Road, Hauʻula Hawaiʻi 96717 in-person and virtually via Webex.

XI. ADJOURNMENT

Koʻolauloa 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, or complete the form on https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/board-testimony

If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability or an interpreter for a language other than English, please call the Neighborhood Commission Office at (808) 768-3710 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or send an email to nco@honolulu.gov as soon as possible, preferably at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. If a request is received with fewer 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, MAY 14, 2026 at 6:30 P.M.
HAUʻULA COMMUNITY CENTER 54-010 KUKUNA ROAD, HAUʻULA, HI 96717
AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING

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

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

I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:03]: Chair Michael Epp called the Ko’olauloa Neighborhood Board No. 28 meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

Quorum WAS NOT established, with 5 members present. This eleven-member Board requires 6 members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Members present: Michael Epp, Dotty Kelly-Paddock, Atalina Pasi, Benjamin Shafer, Margaret Weiss, Sunny Unga (6:57 p.m.), and ʻUilafotu Vendiola (6:38 p.m.).

Members absent: Carol Feinga, Johnny Feinga, Allegra Lund, and Kella Miller.

Guests: Fire Fighter 3 C. Carvalho (Honolulu Police Department); Lieutenant B. Villaflor and Sergeant J. Kaiawe (Honolulu Police Department Representatives); Deputy Director Catherine Taschner (Mayor Rick Blangiardi); Chelsea Gonzales (Councilmember Matt Weyer); Veronica Gibson (Mālama Maunalua); Natasha Keshishian, James Roberts, and Gregory Wong (WaiHome); Courtney McCormick (Oʻahu Pentathlon); Kathryn Heath, KC Connors, Andrea Anixt, Jacob, Bryce Calpito, Ella Siroskey, Raine Matagi, Jarrett Pang, Mahealani Keo, Kanani, Olivia Wallace, Briana, Kurt Tsue, Ken Aramaki, Chelsea Smith, Cynthia, Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, Evelyn Lane, Misty and John Liu, Ken Furukawa, Olell Brink, and Elgin Onaga (Resident); and Anson Wu (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name not included if not legible or stated for the record. Total Participants: 39.

II. CITY/STATE MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:00:40]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:00:59]: Fire Fighter 3 C. Carvalho provided April 2026 statistics and May 2026 safety tips.
• April 2026 Statistics: 1 brush fire, 4 nuisance fires, 1 cooking fire, 6 activated alarms, 46 medical emergencies, and 3 ocean rescues.
• May 2026 Safety Tips: Fire Fighter 3 C. Carvalho shared a wildfire prevention safety tip, noting the community is entering a period of increased wildfire risk due to dry conditions, tall grass, and shifting winds. Tips included clearing dry brush, avoiding parking on dry grass, and refraining from spark-producing activities in hot and windy conditions. For more information, visit fire.honolulu.gov.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18QT-D975V8afSjQ0M2MZOgf1–YWQNNh/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns – [0:02:52]:
1. Resilience Hub Site Exploration: Kelly-Paddock asked whether the fire station could be considered as an emergency medical support site for the Koʻolauloa Resilience Hub project. She described a Department of Energy grant she received to explore renewable energy sources for multiple emergency sites, noting that in a disaster the roads could be flooded and cut off access to medical centers. Fire Fighter 3 C. Carvalho offered to bring the question back to command for consideration.
2. Ocean Rescue Details: Lane asked about the location and background of the three ocean rescues — specifically whether those rescued were locals or tourists. Fire Fighter 3 C. Carvalho acknowledged he did not have those details and offered to report back at the next meeting with a breakdown.
3. Emergency Medical Tent Capacity: Shafer suggested ensuring all fire stations in the district — including Kaʻaʻawa and Kahuku suggesting to have tents or outdoor medical stations available for community emergencies.
4. Ladder Truck Availability: Connors asked whether Hauʻula has a ladder truck, and if not, where the nearest one is. Fire Fighter 3 C. Carvalho confirmed Hauʻula does not have one; the nearest is at the Kaneohe Fire Station (about 30 minutes’ response time), and Waiau in the opposite direction. Kelly-Paddock asked what fire is needed for a ladder truck. Fighter 3 C. Carvalho noted its for high-rise type fire.

Vendiola arrived to the meeting at 6:38 p.m.; Quorum was established, 6 members present.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:11:00]: Lieutenant B. Villaflor and Sergeant J. Kaiawe provided the crime statistcs for April 2026
• April 2026 Crime Statistics: 0 motor vehicle thefts (down from 3), 3 home burglaries (unchanged), 5 thefts (down from 7), 0 Unauthorized Entry Motor Vehicles (UEMVs) (down from 2), and 1 robbery (up from 0), with total calls for service at 613 (up from 559).

Questions, comments, and concerns – [0:12:18]:
1. Statistic Timeline: Kelly-Paddock asked if the statistics are from one month. Sergeant J. Kaiawe confirmed that the stats is within a months’ time.
2. Burglary Location Data: Kelly-Paddock asked where the three burglaries occurred and whether they were concentrated in one area. The Sergeant J. Kaiawe did not have a geographic breakdown but offered to include location-specific data going forward, and noted stats range from Kahuku to Waimanalo. The board suggested using cluster maps for better geographic analysis, which the Sergeant J. Kaiawe agreed to explore.
3. Officer Staffing Count: Kelley-Paddock asked whether the district still only has two officers, as previously understood. Lieutenant Sergeant J. Kaiawe clarified there are now five officers total, plus two sergeants — one at the station and one on patrol.
4. Calls for Service Related to Homelessness: Connors asked the department to estimate the percentage of calls related to homelessness, noting that the Kaneohe neighborhood board used a 30% estimate to successfully write a homelessness-related grant. The Sergeant J. Kaiawe agreed to look into the data and provide an estimate.
5. Homeless Encampment and Public Beach Access at Punalāʻuʻu: Heath asked about a chained-off designated public beach access point near a homeless encampment at the far end of a park in Punalāʻuʻu. The Sergeant confirmed the group holds a permit through the Read Together Foundation, but Heath clarified her concern is specifically the blocking of the public beach access easement demarcated by two poles. The Sergeant agreed to investigate whether a legal public access point is being improperly closed off.
6. Speeding Vehicles: Lieutenant B. Villaflor addressed a prior complaint about speeding vehicles, advising community members to call 911 and also submit complaints via the 311 app with the location, time, frequency, and vehicle descriptions. He noted that information routes through command to patrol officers for enforcement and asked that community members identify where riders congregate so officers can proactively cite violators or impound bikes if criminal activity is involved.

United States Army – [0:21:25]: No representative present.

Questions, comments, and concerns – [0:21:56]:
1. Army Attendance: Shafer asked if the army is still getting invitation to attend the meeting. Chair Epp will reach out to them and invite them to the next meeting.

III. GOVERNMENT REPORTS – [0:22:17]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [0:22:24]: Deputy Director Cat Taschner provided the report and highlighted the following: on Kona Low storm recovery, the city launched a recovery website at oneoahu.org with information on damage reporting, health and safety tips, available assistance, and community support; cleanup remains ongoing island-wide, particularly on the North Shore, with transfer stations and convenience centers open daily 7:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m.; and the Mayor’s town hall meetings have been indefinitely postponed while departments focus on storm response. The Board of Water Supply (BWS) water main break follow-up, BWS explained the repair took approximately 24 hours for a 30-inch pipe, with public updates provided via website, Facebook, Instagram, NextDoor, and HNL Alert; a road bump appeared post-repair and BWS placed signage and reflective strips while procuring a new paving contract, with neighborhood boards able to be added to BWS’s notification list by contacting Kathleen Pahinui. The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) conducted a site inspection on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 of a Hauʻula property suspected of operating a retreat home in a residential-AG2 zone without a conditional use permit, but was unable to access the premises; DPP will continue to investigate and may issue a notice of violation. Additionally, DPP clarified that Turtle Bay public amenities are not required until the developer applies for a building permit for the first hotel, per the unilateral agreement.

Unga arrived to the meeting at 6:57 p.m.; 7 members present.

Councilmember Matt Weyer’s Office – [0:27:15]: Chelsea Gonzales provided the report and highlighted the following: budget amendments recently accepted at the budget committee meeting on behalf of Councilmember Weyer. Accepted Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Budget CD1 and CD2 amendments included funding for the Mark Takai Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center, Wahiāwā District Park improvements, $1.5 million for a stream Army Corps of Engineers flood control study, and similar cost-share funding for Kaʻaʻawa Bay. Accepted operating budget CD2 amendments included $1 million for kūpuna feeding and social support programs and $150,000 to develop a city stream maintenance plan with a timeline for planned stream clearing. Chelsea also announced a community meeting on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at the Lāʻie Marriott at 6:00 p.m., hosted by Councilmember Weyer’s office to facilitate information sharing among community members and leaders following the Kona low storms.

US House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jill Tokuda’s Office – [0:31:42]: No representative present.

Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [0:31:48]: No representative present.

State Senate – Senator Brenton Awa’s Office – [0:31:57]: No representative present.

State House Representative Sean Quinlan’s Office – [0:32:06]: No representative present.

Questions, comments, and concerns – [0:32:17]:
1. Emergency Management Budget Concerns: Lane asked Chelsea to clarify Councilmember Weyer’s position on the emergency management budget proposed by the mayor, expressing concern that he may not be in full support. Chelsea noted the Councilmember is not a voting member of the budget committee and clarified that he actually proposed a $720,000 increase to DEM’s budget to fund dedicated district coordinator positions. Chelsea suggested Lane attend the Wednesday, May 27, 2026 community meeting to speak directly with the Councilmember.
2. City Council Salary Increases: Shafer raised concern about a proposed city council salary increase, questioning how laws could be changed so that salary increases only apply during favorable economic conditions. He emphasized that community infrastructure needs should be met first.
3. Turtle Bay / ʻAreʻete Community Benefits Package and Permits: Connors asked for clarification on whether DPP considers ʻAreʻete responsible for any portion of the community benefits package following the division of the Turtle Bay property and whether permits should be withheld until the matter is resolved. She also raised concerns about the announced Kahuku affordable housing land purchase and whether it sits in a flood or tsunami zone.
4. Anonymous Reporting of Illegal Vacation Rentals: Connors stated that she was told residents can no longer report illegal vacation rentals anonymously, which she argued is a significant deterrent to reporting. She also asked government representatives to respond to prior requests regarding tourist and illegal vacation rental occupants in emergency evacuation. Taschner acknowledged the concern and committed to following up.
5. Multiple Concerns: Jacob submitted several questions for follow-up: (1) Councilmember Weyer’s position on the Turtle Bay project, similar to his advocacy against the gondola; (2) clarification on a bill targeting vacation rentals that could allow state foreclosure on homes with more than $20,000 in fines, with concern it could inadvertently harm regular homeowners with minor permit violations; (3) the Mayor to work with media on improved emergency language, substituting “breach” with graduated terminology similar to storm watches/advisories; (4) Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) and Hawaiian Eletric Company (HECO) to be added to the HNL notice app for road work coordination; and (5) whether community civil defense volunteer programs still exist and how they could be reactivated to coordinate volunteers during emergencies.
6. Unofficial Hotel Activity at Pats at Punaluʻu: Heath reported that a condo complex at Pats at Punaluʻu is displaying a ‘Check In’ sign and using highway-side parking for guests, effectively operating as an unofficial hotel. Taschner agreed to report to DPP and the short-term rental enforcement branch. Chair Epp asked for a report on enforcement measures at both high-rise complexes in that area.
7. Illegal Vacation Rentals as Criminal Offense: Onaga reiterated the position that operating an illegal vacation rental should be a criminal Class C felony.
8. Punalāʻuʻu Beach Park Pavilion Lighting: Pasi noted that the lights at Hauʻula Beach Park Pavilion are not working.
9. Illegal Vacation Rentals and Flood Disaster Housing: Pasi reflected on how illegal vacation rentals and how it directly impacted flood disaster response — when the board tried to house displaced families, illegal units could not be used, forcing families further from their homes during cleanup and recovery. She asked what actionable steps elected officials could take to address the issue beyond repeated discussion at board meetings.

IV. PRESENTATIONS – [0:49:39]

The Green Stormwater Infrastructure Initiative – [0:50:20]: Veronica Gibson, Science and Planning Manager for Mālama Maunalua, presented the second phase of the Green Stormwater Infrastructure Initiative, an island-wide free rain barrel program. Mālama Maunalua is a community-driven nonprofit dedicated to restoring and conserving Maunalua Bay through community stewardship, science, and cultural practices. Free 55-gallon rain barrels and free installation are available to any Oʻahu resident with a standard 3” x 2” aluminum downspout; the program reduces stormwater runoff, filters pollutants, and provides an emergency water source. A total of 250 barrels are being installed island-wide, with Koʻolauloa prioritized because many residents do not receive Board of Water Supply mailers. Applications are open at rainwaterhawaii.com (account ID: “oahu”, all lowercase) through Wednesday, July 15, 2026 on a first-come, first-served basis; contact runoff@malamamaunalua.org for assistance.

Questions, comments, and concerns – [0:53:54]:
1. Flyer and Newsletter Distribution: Kelly-Paddock requested an electronic flyer for inclusion in the board’s newsletter. Gibson agreed to send one and noted she would update existing flyers to reflect the extended deadline.
2. Website Registration Issue: Macfarlane reported difficulty registering on the website, noting it asked for an account ID. Gibson clarified the account ID is “oahu” (all lowercase) and offered to troubleshoot via email.
3. Rain Barrel Sizes: Jacob asked whether barrels are available in different sizes. Gibson confirmed only 55-gallon barrels are currently offered but noted the organization is applying for additional funding and may expand sizes in the future.

WaiHome: Affordable Wastewater Systems – [0:57:04]: Natasha Keshishian and James Roberts presented WaiHome, a North Shore–based company that has developed an affordable above-ground alternative to cesspool upgrades, which typically cost $30,000–$60,000 in Hawaiʻi due to shallow bedrock, steep grades, high groundwater tables, and small property sizes. Their solid waste interceptor has a 2 ft x 4 ft footprint, sits beside a home on a raised foundation, uses an augur screen to separate solids, and thermally dehydrates and sterilizes waste to above 55°C.

Questions, comments, and concerns – [0:59:41]:
1. Intallation Cost: Kelly-Paddock asked for the cost for home installation. Roberts explained that the unit is priced at $7,500, with installation typically under $2,000 for pier-and-beam homes with accessible plumbing, and permitting quotes of $2,500–$5,000, for a total target of under $15,000 including engineering.
2. Solid Waste Handling: Jacob asked how solid waste is stored and easily for it to be removed. Keshishian explained the unit has two solid separation bins where solids are dehydrated and sterilized into compact biosolids; homeowners can safely exchange the bins themselves and dispose of the material in the green bin or use it in tree planting on agricultural land. A professional maintenance program is also available.
3. Maintenance Program Cost: Chair Epp asked about ongoing maintenance costs. Roberts stated the program is still being developed but the goal is for it to cost less than a monthly sewer bill. Chair Epp asked for the cost for installation Roberts explained that the unit is priced at $7,500, with installation typically under $2,000 for pier-and-beam homes with accessible plumbing, and permitting quotes of $2,500–$5,000, for a total target of under $15,000 including engineering.
5. State Regulatory Approval and Small Lot Compliance: Heath asked what has Wastewater Management and the state level has to say about this and whether the product could serve properties below 10,000 sq ft. Robertsc explained that the Department of Health (DOH) received the company’s third-party testing report in February 2026 and is currently reviewing it; WaiHome also passed International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) (Z1167) facility and product inspections and expects a plumbing product listing within the month. Roberts confirmed that if a variance is required for a septic system based on lot size, the same variance would apply to WaiHome’s product. Keshishian noted the company is actively working to pressure DOH on this issue for small properties.
6. Sterilization Technology: Jacob asked about the sterilization method. Roberts explained it uses a 300W heater and fan to thermally dehydrate and sterilize solids above 55°C.
7. Expansion to Other Neighborhood Boards: Shafer asked whether WaiHome would present at Kahaluʻu and other boards. The presenters confirmed they are making the rounds and Chair Epp requested a digital copy of materials for inclusion in the board’s newsletter.

Pasi left the meeting at 7:30 p.m.; 6 members present.

6th Annual Oʻahu Pentathlon – [1:09:09]: Courtney McCormick presented the 6th Annual Oʻahu Pentathlon, scheduled for Saturday–Sunday, August 8–9, 2026, begins and ends at Kailua, a multi-sport endurance race (swim, run, bike, paddle, and a 45 lb. sandbag carry around Kaʻena Point), and benefits the nonprofit 0.1 Vision (point1vision.com). Athletes paddle from Kualoaʻa Ranch up the coast to Kokololio Bay Beach Park, and this sector can expect athletes from approximately 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with 30–40 people present at a time and up to 200 throughout the day. Athletes then transition to a 31-mile bike leg to Kaʻena Point trailhead; all permits for beach, water, and roadway have been submitted, athletes follow all traffic laws, and support crews remove equipment promptly with no road closures or parking changes requested.

Questions, comments, and concerns – [1:12:58]:
1. Paddle-to-Bike Transition and Course Logistics: Kelly-Paddock asked whether the paddle segment ends at Kokololio Bay Beach Park. McCormick confirmed that athletes transition from paddling to a 31-mile bike leg at the beach park, with support crew members meeting them there with bikes and transporting equipment away promptly. She noted that because athletes are spread out over the course, congestion at the park is less than might be expected, with usually 30–40 people present at a time and support crews piling into vans or trucks to follow athletes. Athletes are expected in this sector from approximately 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
2. Community Benefit and Road Impact Concerns: Heath expressed concern about bike events on Kamehameha Highway given its poor condition and questioned what tangible benefit the local community receives. McCormick acknowledged the concern, noted the event benefits the whole island and funds a nonprofit. Chair Epp suggested the Pentathlon’s nonprofit could serve as a catalyst for a coalition of athletic event organizations to collectively advocate for improved road conditions. McCormick agreed the event could help advocate for better road infrastructure.
3. Outreach to Other Neighborhood Boards: Shafer asked whether other neighborhood boards have been consulted. McCormick confirmed the organization presents to every neighborhood board along the route and only has one remaining visit.
4. Vote Not Required: Shafer asked whether a board vote was needed. Chair Epp confirmed the item is informational only.

Discussion/Presentation of Draft Koʻolauloa Neighborhood Board (KNB) Priorities – [1:21:37]: Chair Epp presented a draft priority framework for the Koʻolauloa Neighborhood Board, drawing from a Thursday, January 29, 2026 special meeting and the April 2026 flood meeting, proposing four core areas: (1) housing, houselessness, and affordability (including illegal vacation rentals); (2) infrastructure and emergency response (wastewater, flood control, roads, power); (3) government transparency and accountability; and (4) jobs and entrepreneurship/local economic development. Two additional emerging issues from the April 2026 flood meeting were identified: increased support for kūpuna during emergencies, and tourist safety and accountability in illegal vacation rental settings. Chair Epp outlined effective board practices including relentless follow-up, issue specialization, strong public testimony culture, coalition building, media visibility, frequent resolutions, and regional coordination with other neighborhood boards. He also addressed the current committee structure, noting most committees are not sufficiently active, and proposed aligning them with the four priority areas while recruiting non-board members to play leadership roles. Next steps include drafting a resolution to be circulated to board members and potentially holding a special meeting in June 2026 or July 2026 to finalize committee structure and a year-long meeting agenda.

Questions, comments, and concerns – [1:33:58]:
1. Government Representative Attendance: Heath raised the ongoing concern about the declining attendance of government representatives at board meetings, noting it has worsened over the years despite virtual options. Chair Epp agreed to follow up with absent representatives after each meeting.
2. Community Involvement in Committees: Shafer encouraged all community members — both in-person and online — to express interest in joining board committees, noting that non-board members are welcome to participate.
3. Grant-in-Aid (GIA) Grant for Emergency Preparedness: Kelly-Paddock announced that she received a GIA grant from the state to address emergency preparedness and natural disasters, involving all six Koʻolauloa communities working together.
4. Strengthening Community Association Relationships: Chair Epp noted the importance of being more intentional in listening to and integrating input from community associations and invited suggestions from those with experience building those relationships.

V. PUBLIC INPUT/COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS – [1:39:15]

Red Cross Shelter Training: Kelly-Paddock announced a two-day Red Cross shelter management training scheduled for Friday, June 19, 2026 and Saturday, June 20, 2026. Training will equip participants to manage emergency shelters; up to 25 spots are available with a second session arranged if needed.

Rock Mitigation Road Closure: Shafer announced that an upcoming rock mitigation project will require temporary road closures, likely over a weekend. Community members were advised to check online for specific dates and times.

Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) – Renewable Energy Zones: Aramaki from Hawaiian Electric informed the board that the state has required HECO to designate two Renewable Energy Zones by the end of June 2026 from among four currently under consideration. A public input map is available online (via QR code provided at the meeting) where residents can pin locations as suitable or unsuitable for large-scale renewable development such as solar farms. Aramaki was asked to return for the July 2026 meeting to address community concerns. Henski, Kelly-Paddock, shafer, Unga, and Conners raised questions, comments, and concerns.

Charter Commission Meeting: Shafer announced the Charter Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. at the City Council chamber.

VI. COMMITTEE REPORTS – [1:55:40]: No report.

VII. APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MINUTES – [1:55:57]: Postponed to the next a genda.

VIII. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS – [1:55:59]

The Koʻolauloa Neighborhood Board will be recessing for the month of June 2026. The next regular meeting is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hauʻula Community Center, 54-010 Kukuna Road, Hauʻula, HI 96717, in-person and virtually via WebEx. A special meeting may also be scheduled in June — stay tuned.

IX. ADJOURNMENT – [1:56:08]: The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:26 p.m.

Submitted by: Anson Wu, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, NCO
Reviewed and 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.