KAHALU‘U NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 29

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024
6:00 P.M.
Via WebEx or Call-In

In Person Venue
KEY Project
47-200 Waiheʻe Road Room 105
Kāneʻohe, HI 96744

This venue has been facilitated to comply with Sunshine Law and give the public a venue to attend the meeting if personal internet connection is not available.

Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m2bad181dba8fb9cebfca7d3e2252500c
Meeting ID / Access Code: 2486 006 8469
Passcode: NB29 (6229 from phones and video systems)

Meeting Materials: Find a referenced archive of handouts and materials for Neighborhood Board No.29 at:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1T530VW69IeAahTHy9svOIVH4gGqNA4bB?usp=drive_link

Recordings of Board meetings can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1DZJTKor6TTNYiqx5U-P2w

Rules of Speaking: To ensure the maximum opportunity for all attendees to be heard, the following guidelines apply: 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 platform – which is indicated by a hand. 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. In-person, please raise your hand. Please wait until recognized by the chair to begin comments and address those comments to the chair. All official reports, comments or concerns shall be five (5) 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 (10) of this 15-member Board is needed to add an item to the agenda. Items may not be added if they are of major importance and will affect a significant number of people.

I. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Parker Spencer

II. EMERGENCY RESPONDER MONTHLY REPORTS (Limited to three (3) minutes each)
A. Honolulu Fire Department
B. Honolulu Police Department

III. FILLING OF VACANCIES ON THE BOARD (Residents must present I.D. & proof of address)
A. Election of Officers
i. Secretary
B. Board Member Vacancies
i. Sub-District 6: Two (2) Vacancies

IV. CITY / STATE / FEDERAL REPORTS
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi Representative – Regina Malepeai
B. Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina
C. Councilmember Matt Weyer
D. Board of Water Supply – Barry Usagawa
E. Governor Josh Green Representative – Katie Ducatt, Deputy to the Chairman, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
F. Senator Brenton Awa
G. Representative Lisa Kitagawa
H. Windward Community College – Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg
I. Kāneʻohe Bay Regional Council – Clifford Loo
J. U.S. Congress Representative Jill Tokuda
K. Kāneʻohe Marine Corps Base – Kristi Kaluhiwa

V. COMMUNITY TOPICS (Limited to ten (10) minutes each)
A. Residential Animal Sanctuary – Community Member
B. Community Park Concerns – Laura Thielen, Director, Department of Parks and Recreation
i. Kahaluʻu Regional Park Homeless Encampment
ii. Importance of Park Public Use

VI. RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS (Limited to two (2) minutes each)

VII. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Discuss Subject Matter Committees
B. Approval of Wednesday, August 14, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes

VIII. SUBDISTRICT REPORTS (Limited to two (2) minutes each)
Kahaluʻu Board Boundary Map: https://www.honolulu.gov/rep/site/nco/maps/29_Kahaluu.jpg

IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Hawaiian Electric Co. Pole Replacement/Installation – Chair Parker Spencer
B. Next Regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at KEY Project.

X. ADJOURNMENT

A mailing list is maintained for interested persons and agencies to receive this Board’s agenda and minutes. Additions, corrections, and deletions to the mailing list may be directed to the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) at Kapālama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96817; Telephone (808) 768-3710 Fax (808) 768-3711; or Email nco@honolulu.gov. Agendas and minutes are also available on the internet at www.honolulu.gov/nco

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.

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

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2024 AT 6:00 P.M.
KEY PROJECT ROOM 105, 47-200 WAIHEʻE, KĀNEʻOHE, HI 96744
AND VIA WEBEX

Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bw_Ej5vdBPk

Reports & other meeting materials can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1T530VW69IeAahTHy9svOIVH4gGqNA4bB

I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:07]:

Chair Spencer called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.; Quorum was established with 10 members present. Note – This fifteen member Board requires 8 members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Ken LeVasseur (virtual), Parker Spencer, Hiʻiaka Jardine, Jessie Makainai, Jarrett Machado, John Reppun, Rick Towill, Clifford Loo, Dan Bender, Ian Masterson (virtual), Edwin Ige (joined at 6:07 p.m.), and Rocky Kaluhiwa (joined at 7:18 p.m.).

Board Members Absent: Arthur Machado.

Guests: Officer Sanford Yue, Sergeant B. Noguchi (Honolulu Police Department); Kim Ryan (Councilmember Kiaʻāina’s Office); Katie Lambert (Governor Green’s Representative); Regina Malepeai (Mayor Blangiardi’s Office); Chelsea (Councilmember Weyerʻs Office); Linda Wong (World of Aloha); Marie Samudio (KKCERT); Ardis Eschenberg (Windward Community College); Kristi Kaluhiwa (Kāneʻohe Marine Corps Base); Joe Wat (KEY Project);  Alice Talbott, Elizabeth, Donald Sakamoto, Andy Keith, and Martha German (Residents & Guests); Rachel Cristobal (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 34 total participants.

II. EMERGENCY RESPONDER MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:00:21]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:00:24]: No representative present. Chair Spencer provided the report.
● Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19mGPn7QVaLa8neL4QGW2c9HZdDWPNAxh/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:02:15]

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:06:36]: Officer Yue announced that Sergeant Noguchi was also online. Officer Yue provided the monthly statistics for the month of July 2024.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:07:20]

III. FILLING OF VACANCIES ON THE BOARD – [0:16:23]

Election of Officers – Secretary – [0:16:29]: There was a brief discussion on the responsibilities of the Secretary. No nominees.
Sub-District Six (6): Two (2) Vacancies – [0:19:59]: No volunteers. Chair Spencer asked the Board on how they would feel about having the Sub-district seats changed to AT-LARGE [0:20:26]. The Board had a discussion regarding the topic and how to provide awareness to the Sub-district 6 area that there are vacancies on the Neighborhood Board for their districts.
IV. CITY / STATE / FEDERAL REPORTS – [0:27:47]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi Representative – [0:27:50]: Regina Malepeai introduced herself as the new Mayor’s Representative and shared that she is the 2nd Deputy Director of the Department of Planning and Permitting. Regina provided the Mayor’s Newsletter in the chat and provided responses to concerns that were raised from the previous meeting regarding Hōkūloa crosswalk/speed bumps request, Ahuimanu Place, and the traffic concern around Kahalu’u 7 Eleven.
● Newsletter: https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/Mayors-Highlights-July-2024-Newsletter.pdf

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:32:38]

Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina – [0:42:47]: Kim Ryan reported the following:
● The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the State of Hawaiʻi will be holding an intergovernmental renewable energy task force meeting on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Mission Memorial
Auditorium or virtually over Zoom: https://www.boem.gov/newsroom/notes-stakeholders/youre-invited-boem-hawaii-intergovernmental-renewable-energy-task-force
● Bill 64 (2023), FD1 – Amending the Land Use Ordinance on Agricultural Use – Committee on Planning and the
Economy, Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.: https://hnldoc.ehawaii.gov/hnldoc/document-download?id=19659

Councilmember Matt Weyer – [0:44:13]: This was discussed later in the meeting.

Board of Water Supply – Barry Usagawa – [0:44:25]: No representative present.

Governor Josh Green Representative – [0:44:38]: Katie Lambert shared that the Governor’s newsletter marked the one-year anniversary of the wildfires and reaffirmed the commitment to supporting the recovery of Maui. She also provided updates on the significant progress that was made towards Maui’s recovery.
● Newsletter: https://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ke-Ala-Hou-Newsletter-August-2024-FINAL-2.pdf

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:46:01]

Senator Brenton Awa – [0:51:32]: Jessie Maka’ina’i reported the following:
● Department of Transportation (DOT) Approval: A new planting project in Ahuimanu was approved.
● Adopt-a-Park Application: The office submitted an application to adopt a portion of Kahaluʻu Beach Park. They aim to collaborate with the Department of Parks and Recreation, Department of Facility and Maintenance, Department of Transportation, and the canoe club to clear the overgrown bushes and restore the park.
● Walking Path Request: Senator Awa is aware of the request for a walking path and plans to plant trees in a way that accommodates this future development, should funding become available.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:52:48]

Chair Spencer called a recess at 7:01 p.m. – [0:58:13].
Chair Spencer called the meeting back to order at 7:10 p.m. – [1:07:30].

Representative Lisa Kitagawa – [1:07:36]: No representative present. Chair Spencer provided the announcements regarding Windward drive through flu shot clinic.

Windward Community College – Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg – [1:08:44]: Ardis announced that Governor Green signed a bill supporting a mental health tech program and provided details about the bill. She also announced that the enrollment for college has been steady and the new semester will be starting soon.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:10:25]

Kāneʻohe Bay Regional Council – Clifford Loo – [1:11:30]: Clifford Loo provided a brief report regarding the Marine Base’s coral.

U.S. Congress Representative Jill Tokuda – [1:12:34]: No representative present.

Kāneʻohe Marine Corps Base – Kristi Kaluhiwa – [1:13:19]: Kristi noted that noise levels should improve, and any upcoming air training will be updated regularly. The RIMPAC event included a military race with seven partner nations, including Tonga, which won. A cross-country race for high school students will be held at the Marine Corps base on Saturday, August 31, 2024 with around 1,000 participants expected. The event will be open to the community. The Hōkūleʻa will be docked for their statewide tour, conducting community outreach events on the windward side.

V. COMMUNITY TOPICS – [1:18:30]

Kahaluʻu Fishpond Lūʻau – [1:19:04]: Linda Wong clarified that their family-owned fish pond, open for over 50 years, has been hosting private events with City permission. Despite allowing up to two large functions per month, they’ve typically held fewer to avoid traffic and noise issues. After a COVID-related closure, they resumed events in 2022 and 2023, with six large functions from year to date. Recently, they’ve been offering small, intimate dinners with a maximum of 30 guests, featuring a meal and traditional performances, ending by 7:45 PM. They ensure minimal noise and disturbance, aiming to provide a quiet, private experience rather than operating a large venue.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:24:14]

VI. RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [1:46:30]
Residentʻs Animal Sanctuary – [1:46:54]: Elizabeth expressed gratitude to the Board and announced that she has rescued animals that were brought to her from Central Oʻahu. She has feral ducks, chickens, and peacocks. She also shared that if there is an opportunity, she would like to be a part of the Neighborhood Board. Member Makainai asked her if she would be available next month if the item regarding the animal sanctuary were to be put onto the agenda.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:50:27]
Kaneohe Kahaluʻu Cert Updates – [1:51:14]: Marie Samudio from Kaneohe Kahaluʻu Cert reported that there will be a Stop the Bleed class at the Kaneohe Senior Center on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. Marie also shared that theyʻre making progress thanks to one of the initiatives thatʻs through the State and the County called Cerene. Another item that she announced was regarding the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board being interested in getting their Board along with the Waimānalo and Kahaluʻu Boards to see how they all can support each other as they have an active Resilience Preparation Committee.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:56:11]

IV.        CITY / STATE / FEDERAL REPORTS (CONTINUED) – [1:57:47]

Councilmember Matt Weyer (Continued) – [1:57:47]: Chelsea announced that she will be working with the Kahaluʻu Neighborhood Board going forward. She also provided responses to concerns that were raised at the previous meeting.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:02:00]

VI.      RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS (CONTINUED) – [2:03:52]

Article Regarding City Selling Mini Park – [2:03:52]: Rick Towill expressed concern about a recent news story about the City selling one of its mini parks. He emphasized the importance of keeping parks dedicated to public use rather than repurposing them for other uses.

VII. BOARD BUSINESS – [2:05:18]

Board Recess Schedule – [2:05:20]: MOVED by Chair Spencer and SECONDED by Member Kaluhiwa to have the Boardʻs recess months as December and June [2:05:35]. Hearing no discussion; a voice vote was conducted [2:06:18]. The motion was ADOPTED 12-0-0 (Aye: LeVasseur, Bender, Jardine, Spencer, Ige, Reppun, Towill, Jarrett Machado, Kaluhiwa, Loo, Makainai, and Masterson; Nay: None; Abstain: None) [2:06:42].

Approval of Wednesday, July 10, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes – [2:06:48]: MOVED by Member Bender and SECONDED by Member Towill to approve the Wednesday, July 10, 2024 regular meeting written summary [2:06:48]. Hearing no discussion; a voice vote was conducted [2:07:08]. The motion was ADOPTED 12-0-0 (Aye: LeVasseur, Bender, Jardine, Spencer, Ige, Reppun, Towill, Jarrett Machado, Kaluhiwa, Loo, Makainai, and Masterson; Nay: None; Abstain: None) [2:07:25].

Kahaluʻu Regional Park Homeless Encampment – Letter of Advice – [2:07:27]: Item was deferred to the next meeting, however there was a discussion about the topic. Member Reppun suggested that the Board should request to have the Mayorʻs Representative bring Director Laura Thielen along with others that can answer their questions regarding the encampment.

VIII. SUBDISTRICT REPORTS – [2:22:53]

Subdistrict One (1) – [2:22:55]: No report.
Subdistrict Two (2) – [2:22:02]: No report.
Subdistrict Three (3) – [2:22:04]: Member Kaluhiwa provided a brief report and there was brief discussion.
Subdistrict Four (4) – [2:25:13]: No report.
Subdistrict Five (5) – [2:25:22]: No report.
Subdistrict Six (6) – [2:25:25]: No report.

IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:25:28]

● Candidates Event on Tuesday, September 24, 2024
● Sunday, August 18, 2024, Pu’uhonua ‘o Waikāne is offering a Community Stewardship work day co-hosted with Ka Lei ‘Āina Aliʻi 9:00 a.m.
● Next Regular Board Meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at KEY Project.

X. ADJOURNMENT – [2:30:29]: The meeting was adjourned at 8:37 p.m.

Submitted by: Rachel Cristobal, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy, 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.