KAHALU‘U NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 29

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2026
6:00 P.M.
Via WebEx or Call-In

In Person Venue
KEY Project
47-200 Waiheʻe Road Room 105
Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʻi 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=m9b29aa6578166fd3943970e6fb8b9dc0
Meeting ID / Access Code: 2492 905 8642
Passcode: NB29 (6229 from phones and video systems)

Join by Video System: Dial 24929058642@cchnl.webex.com
Dial by your location: 1-408-418-9388

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/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice

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 – Parker Spencer, Chair Pro-Tem

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

III. FILLING OF VACANCIES ON THE BOARD Interested residents must bring current proof of residency to the board meeting or contact Neighborhood Assistant Chelsea Smith (chelsea.smith@honolulu.gov) to verify residency in advance.
A. Sub-District Six (6): One (1) Vacancy

IV. 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

V. CITY / STATE / FEDERAL REPORTS (Limited to three minutes each)
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi Representative – Warren Mamizuka, Dept. of Facility Maintenance
B. Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina – Kim Ryan
C. Councilmember Matt Weyer – Chelsea Gonzales
D. Board of Water Supply – Barry Usagawa
E. Governor Josh Green Representative – Jenna Seagle
F. Senator Brenton Awa – Elizabeth Tavake
G. Representative Lisa Kitagawa
H. Windward Community College – Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg
I. Kāneʻohe Bay Regional Council – Member Keone Machado
J. U.S. Congress Representative Jill Tokuda – Emily Natori
K. Kāneʻohe Marine Corps Base – Kristi Kaluhiwa

VI. COMMUNITY TOPICS (Limited to seven minutes each)
A. Conditional Use Permit & Wastewater Variance Update at “Lau’s Village” (47-649 Lamaula Road)

VII. RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS (Limited to three minutes and thirty seconds each)

VIII. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Meeting Date, Time, and Location: The Kahaluʻu Neighborhood Board No. 29 presently meets
on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 6:00 p.m., at the KEY Project.
B. Board Recess Schedule: The Board is allotted three (3) recesses with the term year (July 1,
2025 – June 30, 2026).
a) Wednesday, November 11, 2026 – Veteran’s Day
C. Adoption of Oral Testimony Rules: The Board is to determine the amount of allocated time for
speakers along with a designated time keeper.
1. Presentations – Ten (10) Minutes each.
2. Reports – Three (3) Minutes each
3. Community Concerns – Two (2) Minutes each
4. Question/Response – One (1) Minute each
5. Board Committees:
a) Members
b) Meeting Dates
c) Committee on Legislation – Jessie Makaʻīnaʻi | Chair
d) Committee on Budget & Finance – Daniel E. Bender | Chair
e) Committee on Hawaiian Affairs – M. Kuʻupoli Fernandez | Chair
f) Committee on Social Media – Haliʻamai Kealoha | Chair
g) Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure – Kenneth LeVasseur | Chair
h) Committee on Land & Natural Resources – Ian Masterson | Chair
D. Approval of Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Amended Regular Meeting Minutes.
E. Approval of Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Amended Regular Meeting Minutes.
F. Approval of Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes.

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

X. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Next Regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at KEY Project.

XI. 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 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.

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 http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/board-testimony.

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.
KEY PROJECT – 47-200 WAIHEʻE ROAD ROOM 103, KĀNEʻOHE, HI 96744
AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING

Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://youtu.be/wz_vazRiRNg?si=rpGMXtpi8xE-n6ng

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

I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:59]: Vice Chair Jessie Makaʻīnaʻi called the Kahaluʻu Neighborhood Board No. 29 meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Quorum NOT established with 6 members present. Note: This fifteen-member Board requires eight (8) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present: Jessie Makaʻīnaʻi, Halia Kealoha, Kenneth LeVasseur, Arthur Machado, John Reppun, Dayton Winchester, Jarrett Keone Machado (joined at 6:01 p.m.), Ian Masterson (joined at 6:02 p.m.), Parker Spencer (joined at 6:03 p.m.), and Daniel Bender (joined at 6:46 p.m.).

Members Absent: Ron Kubo, Pilialoha Miller, Rick Towill, and Kuʻupoli Fernandez.

Guests: Beau Gilliland (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Sanford Yu (Honolulu Police Department); Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina, Kim Ryan (Councilmember Esther Kiaʻaina’s Office); Chelsea Gonzales (Councilmember Matt Weyer’s Office); Jenna Seagle (Governor Josh Green’s Representative); Elizabeth Tavake (Senator Brenton Awa’s Office); Emily Natori (U.S. Congress Representative Jill Tokuda’s Office); Lieutenant O’Hara (Kāneʻohe Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi); Kona Fairbairn, Lehua Fairbairn (Manaikalani Place); Dalton Beauprez (G70); Zoe Wilks (Military and Community Relations Offce); Tammie Kurashige, Bryce Calpito, James L. Stone, Ross Isokane (Secretary NB13); Marie Samudido (KKCERT); Crysten K, Summer, Kolea, Mike Buck (C.O.R.E); Diana Masterson, Joe Watt, Jorden Splater, Vivian Carlson (Guests & Residents); Rachel Cristobal, Chelsea Smith (Neighborhood Commission Office); Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were approximately 43 total attendees

II. EMERGENCY RESPONDER MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:01:09]
Honolulu Fire Department – [0:01:13]: Technical issues occurred during this agenda item number. Gelliland gave HFD’s May report and Fire Safety tip of the month.
● Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a_zsjBnGxQ3XyTBOgq0hx9eO18cUUhEr/view?usp=sharing

Member J. Machado joined virtually at 6:01 p.m. – 7 members present.
Member Masterson joined at 6:02 p.m. – 8 members present.

Honolulu Police Department – [0:03:29]: Lieutenant Yu reported May 2026 statistics: zero motor vehicle thefts, zero robberies, unauthorized motor vehicle entries decreased from two to zero, burglaries increased from zero to two, and motor vehicle break-ins decreased from four to two.

Chair Spencer joined virtually at 6:03 p.m. – 9 members present.

Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [0:04:20]
1. Follow up on Traffic & Burnouts: A community member asked Lieutenant Yu to remain after the meeting for a one-on-one discussion about traffic and burnout activity. Lieutenant Yu confirmed he would be available.

III. FILLING OF VACANCIES ON THE BOARD – [0:04:50]
Sub-District 6 – [0:05:01]: Vice Chair Makaʻīnaʻi reported the seat for Sub-District 6 (the area behind Temple Valley Shopping Center) remains vacant. Residents of the townhomes in that area interested in joining the Board were invited to come forward; at-large seats will be revisited again in July 2026 if the vacancy remains.

IV. CITY / STATE / FEDERAL REPORTS – [0:05:22]
Mayor Rick Blangiardiʻs Representative – [0:05:25]: No representative present.
• Newsletter: https://www.honolulu.gov/mayor/june-mayors-highlights-newsletter/

Councilmember Esther Kiaʼāina – [0:05:41]: Councilmember Kiaʻāina reported the Council is wrapping up the City budget, with final passage completed. She secured $1.5M (of a requested $2M) for grants and aid, which should be sufficient to make Key Project eligible for funding, pending final passage and the Mayor’s signing into law; the Department of Community Services will notify Key Project. She also reported the Department of Emergency Management’s personnel will increase to a total of 13 additional staff across recent budget rounds (8 in the first round, 5 more secured most recently), which she said is critical for pre-disaster planning, not just disaster recovery. She noted Paepae o Heʻeia commemorated 25 years and several founders were honored at the City Council. Regarding the Council pay raise (previously raised by Member Bender), Councilmember Kiaʻāina stated she testified against the proposed 4.7% increase, believes it should be in the 2–3% range, and confirmed she will not accept the pay raise this year.

Councilmember Matt Weyer – [0:08:59]: Not seeing Councilmember Weyer’s representative Vice Chair deferred this agenda item. It was addressed later in the agenda.

Board of Water Supply – [0:09:15]: No representative present.

Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [0:09:29]: Jenna Seagle distributed the June 2026 edition of the Governor’s newsletter and highlighted that the State is now in hurricane season and is encouraging the public to prepare early, monitor forecasts, understand local risk, and act promptly. She followed up on items from the prior meeting: Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) confirmed the enforcement hotline (808-643-DLNR) and the boating violations hotline (808-692-8015) regarding a reported dumping incident, and is awaiting additional information from Chair Spencer on how that report was originally submitted. Regarding the glass-bottom boat in Kāneʻohe Bay, DLNR’s Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) confirmed the owner cannot renew the commercial permit because the vessel is not seaworthy; DLNR is working with the owner on removal, though recent weather has caused delays, and another vessel has been temporarily substituted. Lastly, Jenna reported she has not yet heard back from Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding painting the curves near Wilson Tunnel and will follow up.

Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [0:11:45]
1. Dumping Incident – Homeowner Information: Vice Chair Makaʻīnaʻi confirmed they had the information Jenna had requested from Chair Spencer regarding the dumping report (received by phone, not email) and offered to email Jenna the homeowner’s address.

Senator Brenton Awa – [0:12:20]: Elizabeth Tavake reported that, as of last month, 268 bills passed the Legislature and were transmitted to the Governor. Since then, the Governor signed 17 bills into law last Friday and 19 more this past Monday, bringing the total signed bills to 23. The newly signed bills cover public safety, healthcare, transportation, government operations, tax relief, environmental protection, and support for local families and communities. On community matters, Senator Awa’s office met with Valley of the Temples regarding resident concerns on Nukupuʻu Street about heavy traffic from commercial cesspool-pumping trucks using the residential street to access the easement; the office is working with the City to potentially connect Valley of the Temples to the City sewer system to reduce truck trips, with a further update expected soon.

The meeting went into a brief recess at approximately 6:17 p.m. due to connectivity issues and reconvened at 6:22 p.m.

Councilmember Matt Weyer – [0:23:51]: Chelsea Gonzales reported the City Council passed a budget with significant concerns, and the Mayor has been vocal in opposition, so the budget is likely to be sent back to the Council for further changes. Regarding the Kalohaka Bridge (referenced from Member Towill’s prior correspondence), Chelsea confirmed she flagged the issue and submitted photos to the relevant departments, and is awaiting a response from the deputy director’s team.

Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [0:25:22]
1. Need for a Joint Department of Transportation Services (DTS)/DOT Transportation Meeting: Member Reppun reiterated his request from a prior meeting for a joint meeting between the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) and the State Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding transportation infrastructure issues, particularly the Kalohaka Bridge. Chelsea thanked him for the follow-up. Vice Chair Makaʻīnaʻi explained that, per Chair Spencer’s preference, the Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure (Members LeVasseur, Reppun, and Towill) should first meet to gather information before bringing the topic to the full Board; the committee can publish a meeting notice with NCO at least a week in advance and would need someone to draft the minutes since NCO does not staff committee meetings.
Board of Water – [0:32:10]: No representative present.

Representative Lisa Kitagawa – [0:32:19]: No representative present.

Windward Community College – [0:32:32]: No representative present.

Kāneʻohe Bay Regional Council – [0:32:44]: Member Jarrett Keone Machado reported he has nothing new to report at this time, as he is still waiting to be sworn in. The Council continues working through the master plan to identify and prioritize items that need further attention.

U.S. Congress Representative Jill Tokuda – [0:33:22]: Emily Natori reported Congresswoman Tokuda introduced the Rural Hospital Revitalization Act, which would provide USDA-backed, interest-free loans of up to ten years to support construction and renovation of rural hospitals; introduced legislation to prohibit a proposed United States Postal Service rule allowing individuals to ship handguns through the postal service; and introduced a bipartisan resolution reaffirming long-standing U.S. policy toward Taiwan. Locally, the Congresswoman visited Poʻokela Road on the west side of Oʻahu with DOT and the Navy to discuss flood prevention, returned to ʻIolani to check in with local businesses, visited farmers in Kahuku, and met with Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association (HGEA) retirees to discuss concerns including Veteran’s Affairs (VA) disability benefits.
● Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fR3rqIid7JinFSvuvb3JfDZD_DCUVBRY/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [0:35:15]
1. Riparian Zone Management Laws: Member Reppun asked whether Congresswoman Tokuda’s office could research federal direction on riparian zone management laws (paralleling coastal zone management laws), given increasing flooding impacts on the community. Emily Natori took the request back for follow-up.
2. Military Housing Data for Empty Homes Tax Discussion: Member Reppun also asked whether the Congresswoman’s office could help obtain data on how many active-duty military members are housed on- and off-base, relevant to an exemption discussed in the proposed Empty Homes Tax resolution (Bill 46) later on the agenda. Emily Natori took notes and said she would follow up.

Kāneʻohe Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi (MBCH) – [0:38:35]: Lieutenant O’Hara reported that the RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific) exercise begins later this month, with additional exercises occurring throughout the island and at Kāneʻohe Bay; impacts are expected mostly at Bellows, potentially including beach closures that will be communicated to the community. He distributed a flyer regarding a public comment period on the base’s storm water management plan, opening Wednesday, June 24, 2026 and closing Friday, July 24, 2026. He also reported that earlier that day, MCBH and multiple state agencies celebrated the completion of a project—working with the Trust for Public Land—to place approximately 1,000 acres of land under State protection, increasing water resiliency and protecting natural forest; this was the base’s first project of this kind.

Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [0:41:22]
1. Wastewater Discharge & Storm Water Management Plan: Vice Chair Makaʻīnaʻi asked whether the storm water management plan is intended to help mitigate the kind of wastewater discharges discussed previously. Lieutenant O’Hara explained the plan focuses on increasing storm water catchment capacity and builds on the 2024 storm water management plan, with the goal of reducing the impact of back-to-back storms that currently overwhelm the system.
2. RIMPAC Dates & Community Impacts: Member Masterson asked for the dates of RIMPAC and whether there are impacts on recreational boaters or residents. Lieutenant O’Hara stated exercises generally run from mid-to-late June 2026 through the end of July 2026, with departures in early August 2026; community impacts would mainly be felt at Bellows (potential beach closures, posted in advance) and an increase in aircraft activity. He confirmed there is a sound-reporting form/contact for any noise concerns and offered to share it.
3. RIMPAC Purpose & El Niño Preparedness: Member Reppun asked Lieutenant O’Hara to outline the purpose of RIMPAC and which countries participate. Lieutenant O’Hara explained it is the largest exercise in the region, involving roughly 30 nations, and is intended to allow forces to integrate systems and operations in advance of any need for joint response, whether for regional conflict or humanitarian/disaster relief. Member Reppun followed up by asking whether disaster-response readiness for an anticipated El Niño season would be a topic of discussion among RIMPAC-participating nations; Lieutenant O’Hara said he was not certain of the schedule but would look into it and strongly encouraged that it be raised.
4. RIMPAC Experience: Marie Samudio (KKCERT) shared her experience participating in a past RIMPAC exercise involving a simulated natural disaster evacuation from Maui, describing it as a well-organized example of multi-agency coordination and encouraging community members to volunteer in similar future exercises.
5. Coral Protection Education for Marines: Member Bender asked whether MCBH could run a positive education campaign for incoming Marines and their families about avoiding reef-damaging sunscreens and protecting the fragile coral environment in Kāneʻohe Bay. Lieutenant O’Hara responded that MCBH already provides an orientation brief to new arrivals covering cultural significance, and that this messaging could be expanded through the base’s environmental program and community communications.
6. Active-Duty Military Housing Data: Member Reppun reiterated his request (also made to Rep. Tokuda’s office) for data on how many active-duty military are housed on-base versus off-base (“on the economy”), relevant to the Empty Homes Tax discussion. Lieutenant O’Hara confirmed MCBH could help provide this information.
Member Bender joined at 6:46 p.m. – 10 members present.

V. COMMUNITY TOPICS – [0:51:33]
Kualoa Ranch 2025 Impact Report – [0:51:33]: No representative present.

Evictions & Proposed Party Pavilion at “Lau’s Village” (47-649 Lamaula Road) – [0:51:46]: Kona Fairbairn, owner (with his wife) of the property formerly known as Lau’s Village—now introduced as Manaiakalani Place—and a Kahaluʻu native and graduate of Hakipuʻu and Kānehūnāmokus’ voyaging program, introduced himself and his wife to the Board. He stated the property was purchased vacant from the prior owners and that he was not directly involved in the evictions that occurred before the sale. He described intentions to restore the existing homes (without changing layouts or adding rooms), pursue agricultural use, eventually return local families—including former tenants—to housing on the property, and partner with G70 Planning Group on permitting and design. He acknowledged he was one of several prospective buyers (including John Morgan, a church group, and a Chinese investor interested in flipping the property) and said the family was chosen by the prior owners (the Laus) and intends to remain community-oriented rather than maximize profit. Dalton Beauprez (G70 Planning Group) added that G70 is in the early stages of being onboarded, understands the property will likely require a Conditional Use Permit given its location in the Special Management Area (SMA), and committed to studying the land’s history and presenting future site plans to the Board, noting Kona’s existing relationships with community members including Member Reppun.
Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [0:55:01]
1. Permits for Site Work: Vice Chair Makaʻīnaʻi asked Kona for permits related to the grading/grubbing activity she has observed on the property. Kona stated he did not have permits to provide and that the work performed to date (clearing invasive trees and California grass, addressing trash and storm debris) was not, in his understanding, work requiring a permit; he deferred to G70 on permit-related matters.
2. Trash Accumulation & Cost Burden: Vice Chair Makaʻīnaʻi asked about ongoing trash buildup near her home tied to cleanup of the property. Kona described personally funding removal of significant accumulated debris, including broken vehicles, boats, and engine blocks, and confirmed he and his wife intend to live on the property.
3. Wetland & Environmental Concerns / Conditional Use Permit Process: Vice Chair Makaʻīnaʻi raised concerns about the property’s adjacency to Heʻeia wetland (referencing a prior $2.1 million Department of Health (DOH) fine to another property owner for wetland backfilling) and emphasized the Board’s long-standing role in protecting environmental resources regardless of ownership history; she requested an update on progress toward Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) wastewater variances and the Conditional Use Permit at the next meeting. Dalton Beauprez confirmed G70 understands the requirements and will keep the Board informed.
4. Grading/Grubbing Permit Requirements (SMA): Member LeVasseur clarified, based on personal observation, that disturbing roots—even of invasive species like California grass—constitutes “grubbing,” which along with clearing and grading requires a permit within the SMA, and cautioned the owners to be prepared to address this.
5. Flood Plain, Wetlands & Historical Concerns: Member Reppun spoke at length about the property’s history within the Kahaluʻu flood plain (recalling flooding in the 1960s), the importance of careful management of wetlands and near-shore waters given the property’s proximity to the bay, and the community’s longstanding relationships with displaced former tenants, including Keahiakahoe Canoe Club’s educational programs in the bay. He encouraged the new owners to become a “cooperator” with the Soil and Water Conservation District to develop a conservation plan, noting the presence of a spring on the property, and offered ongoing support.
6. Letter from a Displaced Former Resident: Member Jarrett Keone Machado read aloud a letter from Bryce Keoni Fernandez, a former resident whose family lived on the property since 1968, describing the emotional and personal impact of the eviction on his family and neighbors and quoting lyrics by the late Jerry Santos (whose family also previously lived on the property). Member Jarrett Keone Machado emphasized this was shared not to assign blame to the new owner—who received the property vacant—but to highlight the importance of community accountability and follow-through on stated intentions. Kona Fairbarn responded that he understood and appreciated the letter being read, reiterated his goal of returning local families—including former tenants—to housing on the property as a priority, described it as a personal “full circle” given his own upbringing in the community, and apologized for the displacement that occurred under the prior owners, offering to reach out to former tenants when homes become available.
7. Accountability Going Forward: Vice Chair Makaʻīnaʻi closed the discussion by stating that, regardless of local ties or good intentions, the property is currently in violation given the lack of required permits, and requested that Dalton Beauprez/G70 work with DPP to obtain the necessary wastewater variances and Conditional Use Permit, with an update requested at the next meeting.
VI. RESIDENTSʻ/COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [1:19:08]
Neighborhood Board Informational Handouts – [1:19:20]: Marie Samudio (KKCERT) asked whether informational handouts about the Kahaluʻu Neighborhood Board (meeting times, location, purpose) could be made available for distribution at community events, having had handouts for Kailua and Koʻolaupoko boards but none for Kahaluʻu at a recent fair. Vice Chair Makaʻīnaʻi and Secretary Kealoha agreed to draft a flyer/canvas, seek NCO approval and printing assistance, and provide copies to Marie.
Military Training Lands Community Survey – [1:19:37]: Zoey, from the State’s Military and Community Relations Office (MACRO), introduced a community survey series called “Community Conversations” gathering input on military training lands, noting prior outreach to unions, business groups, Native Hawaiian groups, and nonprofits. She offered to leave a survey for the Board and community to complete and provided contact information for organizing a small-group session (5–10 people). Vice Chair Makaʻīnaʻi requested the survey questions be provided in writing so they can be circulated with the minutes for board member responses. Member Reppun responded to the military lands survey topic by raising long-term concerns about the cumulative impact of military presence on Kahaluʻu/Waiāhole, noting both areas are designated “Formerly Used Defense Sites” (FUDS) requiring Restoration Advisory Boards that have not yet been established. He offered his contact information to Zoey to discuss further after he returns to the islands on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Member Masterson added that the Board has longstanding relationships that can support related future efforts.
4G/5G Cell Tower Concern on Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) Pole (Follow-Up) – [1:26:37]: Tammie Kurashige followed up on a concern raised at a prior meeting regarding a possible 4G/5G cell equipment installation on a HECO pole near her bedroom by Spectrum, after observing crews returning to take additional measurements. She shared an article describing AT&T’s withdrawal of a similar controversial cell tower plan elsewhere after community pushback and asked for guidance on next steps. Board members advised her to compile and email the supporting articles to her elected representatives (Councilmember Matt Weyer, Senator Brenton Awa, and Representative Lisa Kitagawa or the appropriate House district representative depending on exact boundary), noting that having the concern on the record (including via this meeting’s video) strengthens the case, and that the Board, as an advisory body, cannot provide legal advice if the matter escalates. Member LeVasseur added that submitting a written follow-up email with attachments after speaking to a representative’s office helps ensure the concern is documented and actionable.
Regular Utility Updates (HECO/Spectrum/Hawaiian Telcom) – [1:31:15]: Member Reppun renewed a prior suggestion that the Board receive periodic (not necessarily monthly) updates from HECO, Spectrum, and Hawaiian Telcom given their shared use of utility poles, and suggested this topic also be added to the Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure’s agenda.
VII. BOARD BUSINESS – [2:12:43]
Adoption of a Resolution in Support of the Empty Homes Tax Bill No. 46 – [1:32:12]: Vice Chair Makaʻīnaʻi read the resolution into the record. The resolution states that Hawaiʻi residents are experiencing a longstanding affordable housing crisis contributing to out-migration, that this crisis is driven by both limited supply and high demand (including from outside investment), and that no single solution will resolve it. It notes that Honolulu City Council Bill 46 (2024)/Charter Commission Proposal P170 would establish an Empty Homes Tax on Oʻahu, that there has been broad public support for such a tax over recent years, that the City Council has made multiple attempts in the past five years to adopt one, and that the Charter Commission has advanced P170 for potential placement on the November 2026 general election ballot. The resolution outlines potential impacts of an Empty Homes Tax—discouraging speculative vacancy, incentivizing owners to rent or sell to local residents, and generating revenue for affordable housing—and notes the current draft of Bill 46 includes exemptions intended to protect residents with valid reasons for vacancy. It states that eight other Oʻahu neighborhood boards have already adopted similar resolutions. The resolution concludes that, while an Empty Homes Tax alone will not resolve the housing crisis, the Kahaluʻu Neighborhood Board stands in solidarity with other Oʻahu neighborhood boards in supporting Bill 46/P170 as one component of a multi-part solution, and directs those copies be transmitted to the Mayor, City Council members, City Clerk, and Charter Commission members and staff.

Discussion [1:38:18]
1. Lack of Implementation Analysis: Member Bender raised concerns that the resolution, while well-intentioned, lacks analysis of how the tax would be administered, who would identify which properties are vacant and for how long, and how the tax would translate into housing becoming available, noting that no comparative analysis of other jurisdictions (e.g., Vancouver) was cited. Ross Isokane, a volunteer advocate from the Downtown/Chinatown Neighborhood Board who drafted the original resolution, responded that the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services would administer the tax similar to existing property tax exemption programs, beginning with self-declarations subject to audit. He cited a study by Ernst & Young using Board of Water Supply vacancy data estimating that thousands of units are vacant, with a conservative estimate of roughly 1,000 units returning to the rental market and approximately $290 million in net revenue generated over ten years. He noted Vancouver (B.C.), Washington D.C., and Oakland, CA have implemented similar taxes with positive results.
2. Military Housing Exemption Concern: Member Reppun stated he supports the resolution but raised concern about the proposed exemption for active military, noting the Board does not yet have data on how many military households occupy housing “on the economy” that could otherwise be available to local residents, and asked Ross Isokane for his perspective. Ross Isokane responded that this concern has also been raised in Downtown/Chinatown, referencing a recently released report on “the true cost of the U.S. military” in Hawaiʻi and noting that the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) of approximately $3,700 per service member per month makes it difficult for local renters to compete; he offered to share the report and stated that addressing military housing impacts (e.g., through lease renewal stipulations) would need to be pursued separately from the Empty Homes Tax.
• Report: https://ips-dc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/report_true_cost_of_us_military_in_hawaii.pdf
3. Quantifying Vacant Military Housing: Member LeVasseur asked how many military-designated housing units sit vacant while service members live “on the economy” using BAH, requesting this data be obtained going forward.
[1:50:09] Vice Chair Makaʻīnaʻi called for a motion to adopt the resoluion, Member Bender MOVED and Member Kealoha SECONDED to ADOPT a Resolution in Support of the Empty Homes Tax (Honolulu City Council Bill No. 46/Charter Commission Proposal P170), as read into the record. The motion was ADOPTED; 10-0-0. (Aye: Bender, Kealoha, LeVasseur, Machado, J. Machado, Masterson, Makaʻīnaʻi, Reppun, Spencer, and Winchester. Nay: none. Abstain: none.) [1:50:45]
Board Committees [1:50:55]: Per Neighborhood Plan §2-14-124, Vice Chair Makaʻīnaʻi reminded committee chairs that committees must publish member lists and meeting dates with NCO at least one week in advance of any committee meeting, and that committees are responsible for keeping their own minutes since NCO does not staff committee meetings. The Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure (Chair LeVasseur, with Members Reppun and Towill) discussed plans to hold a meeting to address Kalahaka Bridge and related DTS/DOT issues, operating with LeVasseur in an administrative/non-voting capacity per Sunshine Law guidance. The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs (Chair Fernandez) and Committee on Social Media (Chair Kealoha) reported no additional members collected yet; community members interested in joining any committee were invited to email the Board. The Committee on Land & Natural Resources (Chair Masterson) reported no additional members at this time.
Approval of Wednesday February 11, 2026, Amended Regular Meeting Minutes [1:59:01]: Member LeVasseur again noted his name remains misspelled in several places throughout the February minutes and offered to send a corrected version directly to NCO. Member Reppun separately requested correction of the spelling of “Kahekili” throughout the document. The Board deferred approval of the February 2026 amended minutes pending these corrections.
Approval of Wednesday, May 13, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes – [2:00:20]: Member Reppun and other members indicated they have additional non-spelling corrections to submit. The Board deferred approval of the May 2026 minutes pending submission of corrections to NCO, to be acted on in July.
VIII. SUBDISTRICT REPORTS – [2:01:29]
Subdistrict 1 – [2:01:29]: Member Masterson had nothing additional to report beyond items already discussed. He added that the mirror at the top of Johnson Road remains loose, swinging in the wind, and dangerous for traffic entering and exiting the road, and committed to continuing efforts to get it repaired.
Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [2:02:05]
1. Clarification on “Resilience Hub” vs. First Responder Site (Coral Kingdom): Member Reppun clarified that prior references to Coral Kingdom as a potential “resilience hub” were inaccurate; the community resilience hub is Key Project. The discussion regarding Coral Kingdom instead concerns a potential site, in coordination with Dr. Ireland, for locating ambulance/first-responder services to improve emergency response coverage north of the current service area. Member LeVasseur expressed support, citing the site’s size and potential to serve as a major first-responder location.
2. Johnson Road Mirror & Speeding: Summer/Kolea reiterated concerns about the broken mirror at the top of Johnson Road (noting it gets damaged again shortly after repairs, likely due to placement too close to the road and to bus/tour vehicle traffic) and about vehicles speeding on the one-lane road, including visitors using Johnson Road to turn around to/from Kamehameha Highway in a blind-hump area with a history of approximately 90 accidents at that intersection over 30 years. Member LeVasseur committed to addressing the mirror placement through the Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. Summer/Kolea stated she would also follow up directly with DOT via email.
Subdistrict 2 – [2:08:19]: No report.

Subdistrict 3 – [2:10:38]: No report.

Subdistrict 4 – [2:10:47]: No report.

Subdistrict 5 – [2:10:47]: Member Bender reported increased police presence has been observed in the area; the Board speculated this may relate to a new Police Chief or routine patrols.
Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [2:11:31]
1. Excavation Activity Near Kahaluʻu Stream: Marie Samudio (KKCERT) asked about ongoing excavation/clearing activity at a property near Kahaluʻu Stream (described as the old “John’s property”), citing noise and dust concerns. Member LeVasseur responded that, to his knowledge, only clearing (not grubbing, which would require a permit) is occurring; he noted that if root disturbance begins, a permit would be required.
Subdistrict 6 – [2:12:44]: No report (vacant seat).

IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:12:52]
Next Regular Board Meeting: Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at KEY Project and via WebEx.

X. ADJOURNMENT – [2:12:52]
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Submitted by: Chelsea Smith, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Rachel Cristobal, Neighborhood 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.