KĀNE‘OHE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 30

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026 AT 6:30 P.M.
WINDWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE – HALE’AKOAKOA 113
45-720 KEA‘AHALA ROAD, KĀNEʻOHE, HI 96744
AND VIA WEBEX ONLINE PLATFORM

Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m289f3083da584caabf8dad1d531b1ad6
Meeting Number: 2488 928 6851
Password: NB30 (6230 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Join By Phone: +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll
Access Code: 2488 928 6851
YouTube Recordings: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1DZJTKor6TTNYiqx5U-P2w
Material: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bP-j4YYw0YCi4sBV5QEZ8TwVGavf7v_K?usp=sharing
I. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Mo Radke 6:30 – 6:31

II. FILLING OF VACANCIES ON THE BOARD 6:31 – 6:33
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 before the meeting.
Subdistrict 2 – Crown Terrace
Subdistrict 9 – Keapuka
Subdistrict 13 – Kokokahi
Subdistrict 14 – Yacht Club Terrace

III. CITY/STATE/COMMUNITY REPORTS AND DISCUSSION (3 minutes each) 6:33 – 6:52
A. Honolulu Fire Department
B. Honolulu Police Department
C. Marine Corps Base Hawaii
D. Windward Community College
E. Office of Hawaiian Affairs
F. Castle High School

IV. ELECTION OF OFFICERS TO SERVE FROM JULY 1, 2026 – JUNE 30, 2027: 6:52 – 7:05 Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and any other officer the board determines it needs to conduct its business. The neighborhood plan requires a roll call vote for each listed position.
A. Chair
B. Vice Chair
C. Secretary
D. Treasurer
V. BOARD BRIEFS & DISCUSSION (10 minutes each) 7:05 – 7:10
A. No Briefs Scheduled

VI. RESIDENT/ COMMUNITY CONCERNS (3 minutes each) 7:10 – 7:20

VII. ELECTED OFFICIALS (2 minutes each for formal comments) 7:20 – 7:50
Note: The two minutes does not to include community Q & A
A. US Representative Jill Tokuda
B. Governor Green’s Representative
C. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative
D. Council Member Esther Kia’aina
Congressional, Governor, Mayor & City and County Q&A
E. Senator Jarrett Keohokalole
F. Senator Brenton Awa
G. Representative Lisa Kitagawa
H. Representative Scot Matayoshi
I. Representative Mike Lee
State Officials: Q&A

VIII. BOARD BUSINESS 7:50 – 8:10
A. Meeting Recess
B. Approval of June 2026 Regular Meeting minutes
C. Disussion and voting
i. Board Composition
ii. Board vacancies and at-large assignments
iii. Clarification of District Boundaries and name titles
iv. Candidate Forum
v. Board Committees and Chairpersons
vi. Board Member Burbage CERENE report
vii. Comment Letter to DLNR regarding Aquarium Fishing

IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS / ASSIGNMENTS 8:10 – 8:20
A. Attended Meeting Reports
B. Community Engagement Committee – Toma, Lam
C. Emergency Preparedness Committee – Carstensen, Fleitell, Quitevis, Sakamoto
D. Education Committee – VACANT
E. Transportation – Lam, Sakamoto
F. Military Affairs – Radke, Sakamoto
G. Haiku Stairs – VACANT
H. State Legislative – VACANT
I. Environmental – VACANT
J. HPD Liaison – Carstensen, Sakamoto
K. Planning – Lam
L. Homeless/Kauhale – Burbage, Bryant, Fleitell, Hewitt

X. ANNOUNCEMENTS 8:20 – 8:25
Next Regular Board Meeting: Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at WINDWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE – HALE ʻAKOAKOA 101-105, or using the virtual login credentials listed at the top of page 1 of this document.

XI. ADJOURNMENT 8:30

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, by telephone on (808) 768-3710, fax (808) 768-3711, or e-mailing nco@honolulu.gov. Agenda documents and minutes are also available online at https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards.
All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours of the meeting, 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, HI 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, JUNE 18, 2026 at 6:30 P.M.
WINDWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE – HALE AʻKOAKOA – 101-105, 45-720 KEA‘AHALA ROAD, KĀNEʻOHE, HI 96744
AND VIA WEBEX

Video Recording of Meeting Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u6IwAvIkRk
Google Drive Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bP-j4YYw0YCi4sBV5QEZ8TwVGavf7v_K

I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:29]

Chair Radke called the Kāne’ohe Neighborhood Board No. 30 meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Quorum WAS established with 10 members present. Note: This 17-member Board requires nine (9) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present: Mo Radke, Donald Sakamoto, Greg (Maka) Quitevis, Neil Fleitell, John Hewett, Lora Burbage, Dale Carstensen, Abe Toma, Adriel Lam, David (Keoni) Shizuma, Zachary Pilien (arrived at 6:35 p.m.), and Patty Yamashiro (arrived at 7:06 p.m.).

Members Absent: Elena Bryant.

Guests: Firefighter Kubo (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Sanford Yu, Captain Campbell, Officer Casagan (Honolulu Police Department); Kristi Kaluhiwa (Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi); Andy Kawano (Mayor Blangiardi’s Representative); Councilmember Esther Kia’āina, Irene Limos (Councilmember Kia’āina’s Representative); Tate Castillo (Representative Scott Matayoshi’s Office); Representative Mike Lee; Annette Tashiro, Autumn Garst, Marie Samuido (KKCERT), Sean O’Connor, Eli Warren (CERENE), Jim Hayes, Lisa Uyesato (Windward Neighborhood Security Watch Coordinators Group); Kaleoaloha Biven, Joseph Ooi, Cameron Pierce, Rene Omori (Castle High School); Randi Jeung (Military and Community Relations Office); John Hewett, Robert Harter, Phoebe Jefcoats, Ale Rodas, Koa Rodas, Lisa Uyesato, Kealii Colburn, Tammie Kurashige (Residents & Guests); Chelsea Smith (Neighborhood Commission Office). There were approximately 40 total participants.

II. FILLING OF VACANCIES ON THE BOARD – [0:00:32]
Subdistrict 2 – Crown Terrace: No volunteers.

Subdistrict 13 – Kokokahi: No volunteers.

Subdistrict 14 – Yacht Club Terrace: No volunteers.

Discussion – [0:01:10]
1. At-Large Seat Consideration: Member Carstensen raised the question of whether the board would consider converting vacant subdistrict seats to at-large seats to increase community involvement. Chair Radke recalled that the board had established a permitted interaction group for this purpose, and that the Neighborhood Commission was open to adding more at-large seats. Chair Radke noted he would not want to make the entire board at-large, as some neighborhoods — particularly Kokokahi and Yacht Club Terrace — need direct representation, though Crown Terrace sees little engagement and could potentially be reclassified. It was noted that a vacancy remaining for more than a year could be converted to an at-large seat for the remainder of the term. The matter requires an agenda item, a vote, and board agreement. Chair Radke stated the permitted interaction group would develop a recommendation for the full board. The item will be added to the July 2026 agenda, which also includes the election of officers.

III. CITY/STATE/COMMUNITY MONTHLY REPORTS AND DISCUSSION – [0:03:36]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:03:39]: Firefigher Kubo reported the following:
● May 2026 Statistics: One structure fire, two wildland/brush fires, one nuisance fire, six activated alarms with no fire, 128 medical emergencies, three motor vehicle crash/collisions, one mountain rescue, one ocean rescue, and one hazardous materials incident.
● Fire Safety Tip – Hurricane Season: Hurricane season runs from Monday, June 1, 2026 through Monday, November 30, 2026 in Hawaiʻi. Residents were encouraged to: check emergency kits and refresh supplies; build a 14-day disaster supply kit; review insurance policies for hurricane and flood coverage; size and secure window protection in advance of storms; and sign up for storm alerts at www.hnlalert.gov. Visit honolulu.gov/dem for resources.
● Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x7cj_2PQpd9b5HpgsY7N3VoY5fohmYU6/view?usp=sharing

Member Pilien arrived at 6:35 p.m. – 11 members present.

Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [0:05:30]:
1. Pali Highway Fatal Accident: Member Sakamoto expressed condolences regarding a fatal accident on the Pali that morning involving a 16-year-old female traveling Kailua-bound, whose vehicle went off the road after the second tunnel. Firefighter Kubo confirmed that is all the information available at that time as the incident occurred on the outgoing shift.
2. Brush Fires and Trail Accessibility: Member Lam asked about the two wildland/brush fires given the recent wet weather and also raised the issue of trail/route accessibility for emergency response, referencing the Pali accident site. Firefighter Kubo stated the exact locations were not known but may have been small in scale. He offered to provide exact locations at the next meeting. Regarding trail access, Firefighter Kubo was unaware of specific trail access at the Pali accident location and would follow up.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:07:36]: Lieutenant Sanford Yu, Captain Campbell and Officer Casagan reported the following:
• May 2026 Statistics: One motor vehicle theft (compared to zero the prior month); two burglaries (compared to one); 13 thefts (compared to 11); four motor vehicle break-ins (compared to three); and one robbery (compared to zero).

Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [0:08:18]
1. H3 Speeding and Street Racing: Member Sakamoto reported ongoing speeding and street racing on the H3 near Exit 11 at Kamehameha Highway on the evenings of Sunday, June 7, 2026 and Sunday, June 14, 2026 involving large numbers of hot rods and vehicles with screeching tires. He has been working closely with Captain Campbell and appreciated HPD’s continued attention to the matter.
2. Ghost Guns: Member Sakamoto asked about ghost guns. Lieutenant Yu explained that ghost guns have no serial number, can be manufactured by whoever possesses them (including via machine), and can be ordered online. All ghost guns are illegal. Lieutenant Yu noted they are very infrequent in Hawaiʻi.
3. May 2026 Robbery Details and Follow-Up: Vice Chair Shizuma requested additional details on the reported robbery. Lieutenant Yu did not have details on hand and agreed to send a follow-up email.
4. New Police Chief: Chair Radke asked about the new police chief. Lieutenant Yu confirmed the new chief started on a voluntary basis the past week to get acclimated and will be formally sworn in next month. The board expressed that the community would be watching closely and hoped the department would continue its firm approach to addressing lawlessness. Lieutenant Yu acknowledged the board’s concerns.

Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi (MCBH) – [0:11:12]: Kaluhiwa began by recognizing HPD for stationing officers at the Marine Corps Base front gate with speed awareness signs, thanking them on behalf of the base and the community. She then shared that Colonel Beaven relinquished command on Thursday, May 21, 2026 and will remain on island at Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM). Colonel Steven DeTrenis has assumed command and will make his first public appearance at the Kailua Parade, marching with the Sergeant Major Adon Moreno and the Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC) Band. Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) training is expected to cause airfield adjustments from the end of June 2026 through July 2026, ending the first week of August 2026. On Sunday, July 12, 2026, MCBH will host the Kaupiko Canoe Regatta as an open-base event. Visitors must present a driver’s license with a gold star to enter. Camping at Bellows Beach will be closed on the following weekends for RIMPAC training: June 20–21,2026 (Friday & Saturday), July 11–12, 2026 (Saturday & Sunday), and July 25–26, 2026 (Saturday & Sunday). A Department of Health (DOH) brochure on the renewed Stormwater Management Plan was left on the table. The public comment period opens Wednesday, June 24, 2026 and closes Saturday, July 25, 2026.

Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [0:15:23]
1. 4th of July / 250th Anniversary Celebrations: Member Sakamoto asked what MCBH is doing to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Kaluhiwa reported that on Friday, July 3, 2026, the base will host a 5K race open to the public via registration on the Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) website. Marines on base will also have fireworks visible from Kāneʻohe Bay coastlines, and a concert for Marines.
2. MCCS Marine Mart Gas Pumps: Member Sakamoto asked about the status of gas pumps at Marine Mart. Kaluhiwa noted that some gas lanes near the front gate had been closed but those near the Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) were functional. She did not have full information on all lanes.

Windward Community College (WCC) – [0:17:22]: No representative present.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) – [0:17:29]: No representative present.

Castle High School (CHS) – [0:17:38]: Kaleoaloha Biven reported the following: Castle High School’s 75th anniversary is this year, with monthly events planned — some open to the public. The first event is Friday, July 31, 2026, 4:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m., featuring food vendors, live music, and alumni performers including Nā Hōku Hanohano award winner Hoku Zuttermiester, and the Castle Polynesian Dance team, held on the basketball courts and grass area.

Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [0:18:36]
1. Theater Performances: Chair Radke asked about theater shows. Rene Omori confirmed that the Encore Theater Board would be meeting the following week to finalize their season schedule and offered to share details at the next meeting.
2. Air Conditioning at Castle High School: Member Sakamoto, a 1980 Castle alumnus, asked about air conditioning progress. Omori reported that most classrooms now have AC, but an ongoing obstacle is the school’s older electrical infrastructure, which cannot easily support the added power load. Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) is working through the installation, particularly in portable classrooms. Maintenance of donated units is an additional ongoing challenge.
3. Cell Phone Policy Implementation: Member Sakamoto asked about the new cell phone policy. Omori explained that Castle had been operating a hybrid system for about two years using in-class lockable phone storage pouches, with teachers taking attendance via phones placed in lockers. At the high school level, there is some discretion; at elementary and middle school levels, phones are prohibited for the entire school day. The new policy provides teachers additional authority and community backing.

IV. BOARD BRIEFS & DISCUSSION – [0:23:01]
Chair Radke explained that the folder containing scheduled brief requests had been lost from his computer. A brief that had been previously scheduled was not on the June 2026 agenda; therefore, a two-thirds vote (12 of 17 members) was required to add it. Chair Radke reported 11 members present and messaged two additional board members to log in. The board moved to Resident/Community Concerns while awaiting the needed quorum for the vote.

V. RESIDENT/COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [0:24:27]
Noise Complaint – ʻAhuimanu Homeowners Association Clubhouse – [0:24:25]: Phoebe Jeffcoats, a resident of Hui Kelu Street, reported ongoing noise disturbances from the ʻAhuimanu Homeowners Association clubhouse at 47-332 Hui Kōloa Street. Events with amplified music occur nearly every weekend — sometimes multiple days per weekend — and have been heard as recently as Memorial Day. She stated she has filed noise complaints with HPD and the City, and the Home Owners Association board president acknowledged the problem but no action has been taken.

Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [0:25:36]
1. Jurisdictional Clarification and Documentation Advice: Chair Radke and the board noted that the clubhouse address may fall within the Kahaluʻu Neighborhood Board NB29 jurisdiction rather than Kāneʻohe NB30 and recommended she also present her concerns to the Kahaluʻu Neighborhood Board. Member Fleitell advised her to document the dates, times, and duration of events, he explained that city code specifies allowable decibel limits by time of day, and documented evidence would strengthen any future complaints.

Hawaiʻi Military and Community Relations Office (MACRO) – Community Conversations Initiative – [0:27:57]: Randi Jeung from the State of Hawaiʻi’s MACRO presented on their “Community Conversations” initiative, designed to gather input from diverse community members on the future of the Hawaiʻi-military relationship.

Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [0:30:57]
1. Format and Process: Vice Chair Shizuma asked about the format. Jeung explained that conversations are held in person in small groups of 5–7 people, though larger groups and online options are possible. Participants may choose to be attributed or anonymous; the vast majority request anonymity.
2. Scheduling: Member Burbage requested information about how to schedule a meeting. Jeung said she would be happy to schedule with her after the board meeting or that they could connect over email. Member Burbage asked where the collected information goes. The information is being compiled for the Governor’s Military Lease Lands Advisory Committee. Conversations are scheduled to conclude by end of August 2026.
3. Military Participation: Member Carstensen asked whether military representatives can attend. Jeung clarified that MACRO has intentionally kept military personnel out of these sessions to ensure community members feel free to speak openly, though military branches have expressed interest. Information is shared in aggregated, unattributed form with military partners.
4. Reporting and Transparency: Member Lam asked how findings will be reported. Jeung noted that summarized key themes are already being published on the MACRO website.

Oʻahu Resilience Hub Learning Community (HLC) / CERENE – [0:36:06]: Eli Warren presented on behalf of CERENE (Community Engagement for Resilient Neighborhoods) and the Oʻahu Hub Learning Community, a partnership with the Lahui Foundation funded by the Office of Climate Change Sustainability and Resiliency. The HLC supports resilience hubs — trusted community gathering sites that activate during disasters. Approximately 14 hubs exist in the Vibrant Hawaiʻi network across Koʻolauloa and Ko’olaupoko. The recent Oʻahu Resilience Hub Summit covered core hub components, youth leadership, community emergency action plans, HARP (Hawaiʻi Hazards Awareness and Resilience Program), Kona Low storm learnings, and hurricane readiness. A monthly gathering is scheduled for Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 3 p.m.
• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19JbgBL6ABd1cu_ufmoR9C0ZpU7RqFoIW/view?usp=sharing

Member Yamashiro arrived at 7:06 p.m. – 12 members present.

Questions, Comments & Concerns – [0:39:44]
1. Accessibility of Training for Disabled Individuals: Member Sakamoto, who is legally blind and serves on the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), asked whether HLC training accommodates disabled participants. Warren was uncertain but offered to exchange contact information and follow up. Sakamoto noted the board had recently passed a resolution including language about kūpuna and the disabled in emergency preparedness.
2. Board Attendance: Marie Samuido asked if any Kāneʻohe Neighborhood Board members attended the conference with CERENE and Resilience HUB Program. Chair Radke confirmed none of the board members attended.

Nā Mele Koʻolaupoko Original Song Competition Announcement – [0:42:05]: Auntie Rocky Kaluhiwa announced the Nā Mele Koʻolaupoko original song competition, co-sponsored by Windward Mall and Kamehameha Schools, in partnership with the Koʻolaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club and the Pacific American Foundation. The competition will be held Saturday, September 5, 2026 (Labor Day weekend) at Windward Mall Center Court. Categories include: professional, amateur, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, and a new ʻōpio category for ages 13–18 in both English and Hawaiian. The theme this year will be Koʻolaupoko Something in the nature, people, places, events, history, legends, the spirit of Koʻolau. Recording and entry deadline: Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Cash prizes available. Contact the Koʻolau Foundation at 808-226-4195 or Windward Mall for entry fees.

VI. BOARD BRIEFS & DISCUSSIONS CONTINUED – [0:44:23]
Prior to the vote, Chair Radke confirmed on the record that the presenter, Jim Hayes, had notified all neighbors that the brief would occur at tonight’s meeting. Hayes confirmed that he notified appropriate parties.

Chair Radke called for a voice vote to add the Blakey Family Residence presentation to the agenda, and the motion was ADOPTED; 12-0-0 (Aye: Sakamoto, Quitevis, Yamashiro, Fleitell, Hewett, Burbage, Carstensen, Toma, Pilien, Radke, Lam, Shizuma Nay: None. Abstain: None.) – [0:45:25]

Special Management Area (SMA) Permit Brief – 44-646 A Kāneʻohe Bay Drive (Blakey Family Residence) – [0:45:27]: Jim Hayes of Planning Solutions presented on behalf of the Blakey family regarding a SMA permit application for a new single-family dwelling at 44-646A Kāneʻohe Bay Drive. Key details:
• Site Overview: The R-7.5 zoned parcel was originally three lots consolidated and then subdivided via Condominium Property Regime (CPR) into six lots. All other CPR lots already have dwellings; this would be the last one to be developed.
• SMA Applicability: Although the parcel is on the mauka (mountain) side of Kāneʻohe Bay Drive at approximately 95–100 feet in elevation, the size of the proposed residence exceeds the SMA permit threshold. The property is outside all coastal hazard zones (tsunamis, sea level rise, coastal erosion).
• Proposed Development: A two-level single-family home, a detached four-car garage with an exercise room above, and a tram connecting the garage to the house on the steep lot. The project complies with all applicable height limits and land use ordinances.
• Next Steps: The project will go before Councilmember Kiaʻāina’s zoning committee for an SMA hearing before a building permit can be issued.
Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NwLCObJngDZSfPtEfjz1PZne2–Cc9rb/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [0:49:17]:
1. Bedroom/Bathroom Count: Member Fleitell asked about the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Hayes confirmed four bedrooms and four bathrooms — the maximum allowed under the land use ordinance for CPR lots.
2. Intended Use and Residency: Member Carstensen confirmed the dwelling will be for owner-occupancy, not short-term or vacation rental. Hayes noted the owner is a 30+ year Oʻahu/10+ year Kāneʻohe resident who intends to live there. Short-term rentals are not permitted in that neighborhood, and compliance will be a condition of the SMA permit.
3. Parking: Member Yamashiro asked about parking. Hayes stated that the land use ordinance requires one stall per 1,000 square feet, requiring seven parking spaces. The four-car garage plus driveway space meets this requirement.
4. Landslide/Erosion Concerns: Member Yamashiro raised concerns about an ongoing landslide on Kāneʻohe Bay Drive. Hayes noted that retaining walls have been built on the lot to address erosion.
5. Transient Accommodation Use: Vice Chair Shizuma asked Hayes to confirm again that the property will only be used as a single-family residence and not any kind of transient accommodation. Hayes confirmed that it will only be used as a single-family home, and that as a condition of the SMA permit the property cannot be used as a short-term rental of any kind of transient accommodation.
6. Structural Engineering: Member Sakamoto asked about structural engineering oversight. Hayes noted the property owner is himself a structural engineer, though he cannot approve his own plans — separate engineering review will be required.

VII. ELECTED OFFICIALS – [0:54:10]
U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda – [0:54:14]: No representative present.

Governor Green’s Representative – [0:54:33]: Governorʻs representative was attending another function. Chair Radke agreed to read the newsletter update on their behalf. Key items:
• State Road Maintenance Schedule (Follow-up for Member Lam): The Department of Transportation (DOT) conducts maintenance of state roadways (grass cutting, graffiti removal, trash pickup) on a rotating five-week cycle, adjusted for weather and other factors. Crews are also dispatched as needed for vegetation overgrowth, damaged guardrails/signs, debris, potholes, and other safety hazards. Contact information will be posted on the board website, including the email address complainthighway@hawaii.gov.
• Stream Clearing and Flood Priority: DOT is now clearing streams from upstream to downstream regardless of jurisdiction (state, county, federal, private) to address flood risk. Priority flood-prone streams on Oʻahu currently include: Kaukonahua, Waiahole, Waikane, Kalihi and Wahiawā.
• State Grounds and Park Vacancies: Of 98 authorized executive branch positions. Job application information will be shared on the boardʻs blog. Governers newsletter can be found at www.governer.hawaii.gov/newsletter

Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [0:57:57]:
1. Road Maintenance Progress on Kamehameha Highway: Member Lam acknowledged visible improvements on Kamehameha Highway and apologized to Kailua residents for traffic slowdowns due to maintenance but noted it is necessary and appreciated.
2. H3 On-Ramp and Kiʻonaʻole Road Update: Chair Radke asked whether Member Sakamoto had received any information from DOT regarding the Kiʻonaʻole Road or H3 on-ramp closures. Member Sakamoto reported that he has been in contact with DOT Deputy Director Robin Shishido by text and phone. Culverts on Hoʻonāuli Road are being repaired seven days a week (with time off for Motherʻs Day) following storm damage on Friday, March 13, 2026. Water and sewer line issues are also being addressed in the same area. Member Sakamoto hopes his road will reopen by end of July 2026 or early August 2026.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [1:00:19]: Andy Kawano reported that Chief Lazar has been confirmed as the new Chief of Police. He is focused on staffing, building morale, and community outreach. He stated at a recent cabinet meeting that he wants to build the department’s bench so that the next chief of police will be locally born and raised. Kawano thanked Member Sakamoto for his ongoing efforts on 311 accessibilities for the disabled, noting that two cycles of improvements have been made to the voiceover/screen reader feature. Further improvements will continue. Department of Facilitiy Maintenance (DFM) crews are marking the Punawai Street area near the fallen tree for 811 works (utility marking). Upon approvals, crews will remove the root and repair the sidewalk, with completion anticipated by end of July 2026. DFM has scheduled a crew to inspect and clear storm drains in the Ikeanani Drive area by the end of the month. The Department of Design and Construction (DDC) provided the following project updates: (a) Rehab 73A (Likeke to Haʻikū): subcontractor work continuing on concrete repairs and electrical work; (b) Rehab 73B (Haʻikū to 300 ft north of Ha stream bridge): majority of streets completed, contractor on punch-list items; (c) Phase 27 (Conway Streets off Kāmehameha Hwy): currently in design; Power Street will include concrete bus pads; estimated advertisement date December 2026, with work likely completing in 2027.

Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina – [1:04:50]: Councilmember Kiaʻāina reported the projects in the current budget include Kawa Stream and Ditch Improvement ($600,000), ʻAhuimanu Wastewater Treatment Facility ($1 million), and Heʻeia Wastewater Pump Station improvements ($5.2 million). Federal funding for the Pahia Road long-term project was not secured, but $50,000 in quick-build improvements was funded for the short term. The Department of Emergency Management (DEM) currently has 16 personnel. The budget moving forward adds 13 new positions, nearly doubling staffing to 29. A town hall is being planned for mid-August 2026. The board will be notified of the time and location. Councilmember Kiaʻāina has tentatively reserved the WCC room for a clean water and natural lands fund workshop on Monday, August 17, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., pending confirmation of participants including the City’s Clean Water and Natural Lands Fund, the State Land Legacy Program, DLNR, Trust for Public Land, Hawaiʻi Land Trust, and OHA. Before the zoning committee the following week: $14 million for land near Turtle Bay and $7 million in Wailupe. Applications are open for a Youth Commission representative, ages 18–24. Deadline is Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Information available on Councilmember Kiaʻāina’s social media platforms. Two infrastructure improvement projects totaling $85 million are underway at the Kailua Wastewater Treatment Plant, in addition to $11 million installed last December 2025 to address bacterial exceedance in Kailua Bay. Kiaʻāina noted a bacterial exceedance at MCBH Kāneʻohe Bay and suggested the City’s UV system experience be shared with MCBH as they work on their long-term $300 million project.

Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [1:09:23]:
1. DEM Expansion and Org Chart: Member Lam asked Councilmember Kiaʻāina for the updated DEM org chart given the new hires. Kiaʻāina confirmed she has a color-coded org chart but requested to finalize approval first, noting she had to fight to secure five additional positions beyond the initial eight in the budget. She emphasized that 16 personnel servicing one million residents is unacceptable and that the expansion will improve DEMʻs community interface capacity.
2. Election Ballot Processing Efficiency: Member Lam raised concerns about ballot processing efficiency, noting that if machines can process 19,000 ballots per hour, starting processing two weeks before the election creates inefficiencies for volunteers. He commended the City for making Kāneʻohe District Park available five days before the election but urged expansion to election day. Councilmember Kiaʻāina confirmed that elections fall under the city clerkʻs jurisdiction and committed to bringing a response to the next meeting.
3. Kiʻonaʻole Street Lights: Member Sakamoto asked Kawano for an update on street lights on Kiʻonaʻole Road blocked by trees. Kawano reported that the trees are on private land, not city-owned, per the DFM Director. DFM previously replaced the lights but they went down again before the warranty period. He committed to checking whether crews have returned to inspect the area and replace the lights, and to investigate whether tree obstruction was considered when the lights were originally installed.
4. Mayorʻs Committee for Disabilities: Member Sakamoto shared that he and members of the Statewide Independent Living Council met with the new Managing Director, Krishna Jer, to advocate for restoring the Mayorʻs Committee for Disabilities — a body that existed under Mayor Harris and last functioned under Mayor Carlisle (2012), disbanded when Mayor Caldwell took office. Sakamoto noted the committee provided advisory input to city departments on disability accessibility issues. He also flagged that the new Oʻahu Hazard Explorer map portal is not accessible to blind users and called for the committeeʻs restoration to address such ongoing accessibility gaps.
5. Sidewalk Construction – Both Sides Simultaneously: Councilmember Kiaʻāina acknowledged and thanked crews for sidewalk work in Kāneʻohe but noted that a constituent complaint was made about workers simultaneously tearing up both sides of the street, leaving no walkable path. She indicated crews were directed to avoid this practice going forward.
6. Kamehameha Highway Complete Streets and Rehabilitation: Member Fleitell confirmed that workers are methodically digging up sidewalks to lay new pipes and electrical infrastructure. The road rehab itself has not yet started — the underground work must be completed first. Member Sakamoto recommended inviting Renee Espiel from Complete Streets to brief the board. Councilmember Kiaʻāina agreed and offered to coordinate representatives from DTS, DDC, and DFM to provide a comprehensive update on the overlapping Kamehameha Highway projects, particularly with the Christmas Parade approaching.
7. Empty Homes Tax: Member Burbage asked about the status of the Empty Homes Tax. Councilmember Kiaʻāina explained the measure was amended to a floor draft and postponed by the council chair at the Wednesday, December 11, 2024 full council meeting. It remains in queue for final reading and will be filed on Saturday, August 1, 2026, if not passed. It must be introduced by Wednesday, July 8, 2026 to appear on the July 2026 full council meeting agenda. Kiaʻāina expressed initial concerns about the impact on local families with multiple modest properties and questioned whether the many exemptions undermine its revenue purpose. She committed to careful consideration should the measure come to a final vote.
8. 400-Acre Acquisition at Koʻolau/Pali: Chair Radke asked about the stewardship of 400 acres of preservation land recently acquired near the Pali. Councilmember Kiaʻāina confirmed the land will be stewarded by DLNRʻs Division of Forestry but with community organizations built into the stewardship framework from the outset — including the Koʻolau Foundation and Koʻolaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club. This was facilitated by Trust for Public Land with funding from the US Marine Corps. Kiaʻāina said it reinspired her to pursue collaborative land acquisition strategies island-wide and announced a tentative land preservation workshop for Monday, August 17, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Senator Jarrett Keohokalole – [1:30:18]: No representative present.

Senator Brenton Awa – [1:30:35]: No representative present.

Representative Lisa Kitagawa – [1:30:39]: No representative present.

Representative Scot Matayoshi – [1:30:47]: Tate Castillo reported that Saturday, June 20, 2026, 9:00 a.m.– 11:00 a.m. at Castle High School, co-sponsored by Representatives Matayoshi, Kitagawa, and Lee. Items accepted: electronics (TVs, computers, cell phones, laptops, printers, microwaves, refrigerators). Donations also collected: canned goods for Hawaiʻi Food Bank, diapers/wipes for Kapuna and Kiki with the Aloha Diaper Bank. Kailua Town Hall will be on Monday, June 29, 2026 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at Kailua District Park or virtually on ʻŌleo TV. Following concerns raised by Castle High School students at a previous meeting, Representative Matayoshiʻs office coordinated with government agencies to fill in the holes surrounding telephone poles in front of the school. Students were pleased to see their concerns result in action.

Representative Mike Lee – [1:31:51]: Representative Lee reported they worked to fix Kalaheoʻs electricity in building K restored. Additional funding of several million dollars was secured to repair electrical systems throughout the school over the coming years, due to widespread faulty wiring. Representative Lee invited everyone to the 4th of July parade in Kailua.

Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [1:34:10]:
1. Flood Insurance and Updated Flood Maps: Member Sakamoto raised concerns about the updated city flood maps taking effect this month or next, noting potential impacts on homeowners in lower-elevation areas near Kāneʻohe streams who may face new flood insurance requirements. He also noted the maps are not accessible to blind users. Tate (for Rep. Matayoshi) advised all residents to check the updated flood maps and consult their insurance agents regarding flood zone changes. No state funding program currently exists for private flood insurance costs. He committed to following up with relevant agencies on map accessibility for the disabled.
2. Hawaiʻi Hospital Overcrowding: Member Sakamoto cited a recent Star-Advertiser article about overcrowding at Hawaiʻi State Hospital and employees filing suit. He asked about legislative recourse. Tate noted that the State Hospital is in Representative Matayoshi’s district, that they had been meeting with hospital staff during session, and he committed to following up with the representative on the recent news.
3. Air Conditioning and School Electrical Infrastructure: Member Sakamoto asked Representative Lee about the “Cool the Schools” air conditioning initiative. Lee acknowledged the importance of electrical and plumbing infrastructure as prerequisites and noted these are the most critical deferred maintenance priorities for student safety.

VII. BOARD BUSINESS – [1:38:53]
Approval of May 2026 Meeting Minutes – [1:38:56]: Member Sakamoto MOVED and Member Carstensen SECONDED to approve the May 2026 meeting minutes as AMENDED – [1:39:10]. The motion was ADOPTED; 12-0-0. (Aye: Sakamoto, Quitevis, Yamashiro, Fleitell, Hewett, Burbage, Carstensen, Toma, Pilien, Radke, Lam, Shizuma Nay: None. Abstain: None.) – [1:39:31].

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS/ASSIGNMENTS – [1:39:33]
1. Transportation Committee – Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO): Member Lam reported that the OMPO’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) amendments included the removal of one Kāneʻohe-related project: the culvert across H-access road at Luluku Stream. Lam was told the project was removed because the culvert was washed out and the plan must be reassessed. He asked for follow-up information. The public comment deadline for the TIP amendments was the previous day; however, comments can still be emailed to the Oʻahu MPO.
2. Emergency Preparedness Committee – Oʻahu Hazard Explorer Map: Member Carstensen thanked DEM and the City Council for the launch of the Oʻahu Hazard Explorer map, which provides community access to information on flood zones, dam/levy locations, evacuation zones, tsunami zones, and wildfire risk to homes. He noted the mapping data is approximately 10 years old and that accessibility issues exist (as raised by Member Sakamoto). DEM confirmed the tool is a work in progress. Carstensen also noted the board has not yet received any formal responses from the recipients of the pre-disaster planning resolution passed at the May 2026 meeting.
3. Emergency Preparedness Committee –Community Emergency Respose Team (CERT) Training: Member Sakamoto reported attending a Kāneʻohe/Kahaluʻu CERT training the prior Tuesday at the Kāneʻohe Senior Center (6:30 p.m. –8:30 p.m.). The exercise simulated an earthquake scenario; Member Sakamoto participated as a blind survivor and reported that volunteers successfully evacuated him. He praised Marie and the other participants.
4. Emergency Preparedness Committee – CERENE Connection: Marie Samuido asked whether the boardʻs Emergency Preparedness Committee is formally connected to CERENE and whether any preparations are underway for the upcoming hurricane season. Chair Radke confirmed that Member Fleitell has been attending CERENE meetings. Carstensen noted that CERENE and Vibrant Hawaiʻi are community-activation organizations aimed at neighborhood resilience and complement the committee’s work on self-sufficiency during disasters.

IX. BOARD BUSINESS (CONTINUED) – [1:46:05]
Candidate Forum Discussion – [1:46:05]: Vice Chair Shizuma raised the question of hosting a candidate forum, referencing email discussions among board members.

Discussion – [1:46:33]
1. Primary vs. General Election: The board discussed whether a forum should be held for the primary or the general election. Member Fleitell noted that most Kāneʻohe races have no primary challengers, with the exception of the congressional District 2 race, so a general election forum was more practical.
2. Multi-Board Collaboration: Member Carstensen suggested inviting Kailua and Kahaluʻu Neighborhood Boards to co-host, given overlapping representative districts. Member Burbage and others acknowledged the idea but raised logistical complexity. Chair Radke expressed a preference for focusing the forum on Kāneʻohe’s own candidates and constituents.
3. Format and Logistics: The board discussed the need for a dedicated event (not during a regular meeting), adequate audio/visual equipment, and Facebook Live streaming. Member Sakamoto raised the question of budget for room rental. Neighborhood Assistant Chelsea Smith was asked to look into budget availability.
4. Next Steps: Chair Radke stated the matter will be formally placed on the July 2026 agenda for a vote, with further discussion at that time.

X. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [1:51:58]
Next Regular Board Meeting: Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at WINDWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE – HALE ʻAKOAKOA 101-105, or via virtual login credentials listed on the agenda.

Happy Father’s Day: Member Sakamoto thanked everyone for coming and reminded attendees that Father’s Day is on Sunday.

XI. ADJOURNMENT – [1:52:50] This meeting was adjourned at 8:23 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.