KAILUA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 31

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026, 7:00 P.M.
IN-PERSON AT THE KAILUA DISTRICT PARK MULTIPURPOSE ROOM,
21 SOUTH KAINALU DRIVE, KAILUA
AND ALSO VIA VIDEO TELECONFERENCE (WEBEX)

NOTE: The Kailua District Park closes at 10 pm and the meeting must end not later than 9:55 pm.
Remote Access Information:
Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m74d2389d04b73a4c9d2ed58fdabbb2e8
Meeting number (access code): 2498 136 9662
Meeting password: NB31 (6231 from phones and video systems)
Join by Video System: Dial 24981369662@cchnl.webex.com and enter meeting number.
Join by Phone: (408) 418-9388 (long distance call) and enter meeting number.
If anyone has any problems connecting to this WEBEX link, please contact our Neighborhood Assistant, Chelsea Smith, for assistance at: chelsea.smith@honolulu.gov
Rules of Speaking: Anyone wishing to speak remotely should click the “raise hand” icon. When recognized by the Chair, address comments to the Chair. Remarks should not exceed 3 minutes. The “chat” box can also be used to ask simple questions.
Olelo delayed Broadcasts: OLELO Channel 49 on the 3rd Saturday of the month at 6 pm and the 4th Sunday of the month at 12 noon (Subject to change).
Visit: www.honolulu.gov/nco and www.facebook.com/KailuaNeighborhoodBoard for more information from the Kailua Neighborhood Board.
Meeting Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1t7pXEx-Xn6l_ZVmmmoTvqF84EifuBbGn
Neighborhood Board Meeting Recordings: Typically posted the day after the meeting and can be found at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1DZJTKor6TTNYiqx5U-P2w

I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Chair Bill Hicks

II. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. The 4th of July. For our nation’s 250th celebration, the Kailua Chamber of Commerce will host the 77th Annual Kailua 4th of July Parade and 4th of July Fireworks. The parade will begin on North Kainalu Drive near the intersection of Uilama Street and will end on South Kainalu Drive about one mile later at Kailua Intermediate School. HPD will close down Kainalu Drive promptly at 9 am and the parade is expected to start at 10 am. The fireworks show at Kailua Beach Park is expected to begin about 8 pm; info is at kailuafireworks.com. Alexander & Baldwin will sponsor shuttles between the Kailua Town Parking Garage at Lau Hala Shops and Long’s and Kailua Beach Center between 4:30 pm and 10:30 pm at 30-minute intervals.
B. Kailua Town Hall. Monday June 29th 6:00-7:30 pm at the Kailua District Park Multipurpose Room. Come and talk story with Kailua’s elected officials.
C. Rescheduled Committee Meetings. Due to Kamehameha Day on Thursday June 11th, the Water Quality and Transportation Committees will meet on Wednesday June 10th and the Parks committee will meet on Thursday June 18th.

III. HPD, HFD, and OCEAN SAFETY REPORTS – Three (3) minutes each
A. Honolulu Police Department representative (usually Officer Jarret Atkins).
B. Honolulu Fire Department representative.
C. Honolulu Ocean Safety Department representative (usually Lieutenant Tristian Fabro).

IV. BOARD BUSINESS: COMMITTEE MOTIONS
A. Motion Requesting a Traffic Signal at Ulupi’i Street and Kalaniana’ole Highway
WHEREAS, in April 2026 the Olomana Association conducted a poll of Olomana residents, and 119 of 330 households responded. The poll included the question: “The Kailua Neighborhood Board voted to approve the installation of a light at the Ulupi’i and Kalaniana’ole intersection. Do you support installing a traffic light to provide all Olomana residents with a safe way to exit the community?”
The results were: YES 100 (84%) NO 19 (16%)
WHEREAS, at the 2026 I Love Kailua Town Party, the Kailua Neighborhood Board survey included: “The Olomana community consists of about 1,200 residents and includes Maunawili Elementary School (MES). There are three intersections between the community and Kalaniana’ole Highway; all of them provide difficult challenges leaving the neighborhood during morning rush hour. Would you support installing a traffic signal at the Ulupi’i intersection (at MES) to provide all Olomana residents with a safe way to exit the community? This initiative would also include better traffic signal timing at the Castle Hospital intersection so the flow from both Waimanalo and Kailua is better balanced (goal of one light cycle to get through) to increase efficiency.”
The results were: YES 170 (86%) NO 27 (14%)
WHEREAS, by a vote of 18-1, on 9/4/14 the Kailua Neighborhood Board adopted the following resolution:
“The Kailua Neighborhood Board requests the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) to expeditiously install an appropriate traffic signal at the intersection of Ulupi’i Street and Kalaniana’ole Highway.”
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Kailua Neighborhood Board reiterates its request that the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) expeditiously install an appropriate traffic signal at the intersection of Ulupi’i Street and Kalaniana’ole Highway in order to provide a safe egress for this community of 1,200 residents.
(Transportation and Public Works Committee motion.)

V. LOCAL AGENCY REPORTS – Three (3) minutes each
A. Board of Water Supply representative (usually Dani Ornellas).
B. Marine Corps Base Hawaii representative (usually Kristi Kaluhiwa)

VI. PRESENTATION – Ten (10) minutes
A. Lanikai Transportation Management Plan Implementation Update by Roger Morton, Director DTS

VII. RESIDENT AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS – Three (3) minutes each

VIII. MAYOR AND GOVERNOR REPORTS
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s representative (usually Jim Ireland or Shayne Enright).
B. Governor Josh Green’s representative (usually Erin Conner-Jerome).

IX. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS – Three (3) minutes each (The order is randomly selected.)
A. Councilmember Esther Kia’aina
B. Representative Lisa Marten
C. Representative Mike Lee
D. Senator Chris Lee
E. Senator Jarrett Keohokalole
F. Representative Scot Matayoshi
G. Tolua Samifua, on behalf of U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda

X. REPORTS FROM MEMBERS WHO ATTENDED OTHER MEETINGS

XI. PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED) – Ten (10) minutes each
A. Kailua Waste Water Treatment Plant 2026 Projects by Tony Jones, Bowers & Kubota
B. Hawaiian Electric’s Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) initiative by Ken Aramaki, Director of Integrated Grid Planning

XII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A. Thursday, May 7, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes.

XIII. THREE MEETING ABSENCES

XIV. COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Executive Committee – Chair, Bill Hicks
B. Public Safety, Public Health, and Civil Defense (PSPHCD) – Chair, Jeremy Treskon
C. Kailua Water Quality PHPSCD Subcommittee – Chair, Levani Lipton
D. Homelessness in Kailua PSPHCD Subcommittee — Chair: Levani Lipton
E. Disaster Preparedness PSPHCD Subcommittee – Chair: David Laeha
F. Transportation and Public Works – Chair: Jade Lau
G. Parks and Recreation – Chair, Evan Weber
H. Planning, Zoning & Environment (PZ&E) – Chair, Donna Wong
I. Community and Government Engagement – Chair, Gary Weller

XV. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP MOTIONS: Changes to committee membership.

XVI. CHAIR’S REPORT: Committee agendas for July 2026 are due to the Chair by Sunday, June 21, 2026.

XVII. 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, 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, MAY 7, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.
KAILUA DISTRICT PARK MULTIPURPOSE ROOM, 21 SOUTH KAINALU DRIVE, KAILUA
AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING

Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EK2kGfTXihg

Reports & other meeting materials can be found at:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1t7pXEx-Xn6l_ZVmmmoTvqF84EifuBbGn

I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL – [0:00:26]: Chair Bill Hicks called the Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31 regular meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Quorum was established with 12 members present.
Note: This 19-member Board requires 10 members to establish quorum and to take official board action.

Members Present: Emily Andrade, Bruce Andrews, Jennifer Barra, Bill Hicks, Anna Malia Kia, David Laeha, Levani Lipton, Max Markrich, Kate Righter, Evan Weber, Gary Weller, Donna Wong, Kelli Ann Kobayashi (7:06 p.m.), and Jon White (7:25 p.m.).

Members Absent: Jade Lau, Kalama Souza, Malie Thoemmes, Steven Trecker, and Jeremy Treskon.

Guests: Lieutenant Villaflor, Captain Michael Campbell, Sergeant Dowkins, Major Soria, Acting Captain Torres, and Sergeant Danny Cruz (Honolulu Police Department); Captain Cory Silva (Honolulu Fire Department); Peter Irwin (Honolulu Ocean Safety Department); Meagan Ostrem (Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi); Dana Harvey (Alexander & Baldwin); Shayne Enright (Mayor’s Representative); Erin Conner-Jerome (Governor’s Representative); Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina and Gloria Palma; Senator Chris Lee; Jonah McNear (Office of Representative Mike Lee); Senator Jarrett Keohokalole; Tolua Samifua (U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda); Michael Fry (Kailua Chamber of Commerce); Frank Nyross, Cynthia Nyross, Bob Latty, Claudine Tomasa, Les Haldane, Mike Buck (C.O.R.E.), Johnnie-Mae L. Perry, Rich Michelle Milner, Barbara Germann, Pohai Rojan, Randall Hew, Kahala Coila, Brian Jaffe, T. Wolfgramn, Glenn Uyeshiro (Residents and Community Members); Melissa Urubio (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were approximately 62 total participants.

II. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [0:02:56]
A. Annual Neighborhood Board Survey Results: Chair Hicks announced that the results of the Kailua Neighborhood Board’s annual survey conducted during the I Love Kailua Town Party – with 212 responses, the highest since before the pandemic – are posted on the meeting materials drive. He also noted that the deadline for mail-in submissions is on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
• Survey Results:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eKMy-DnzkWMuGXzrvOVbs4lhRlHNncwz/view?usp=drive_link
B. 77th Annual Kailua 4th of July Parade and Fireworks: Michael Fry, representing the Kailua Chamber of Commerce and the Kailua Fireworks Organization, announced the 77th Annual Kailua 4th of July Parade and Fireworks which will be held on Saturday, July 4, 2026, with Kainalu Drive closing at 9:00 a.m. and the parade running from 10:00 a.m. to approximately noon. He also shared that a shuttle service will run between Kailua Middle School and along the parade route and fireworks will begin at 8:00 p.m. with the same street closures.

III. HPD, HFD, AND OCEAN SAFETY REPORTS – [0:05:47]
A. Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:06:22]: Lieutenant Villaflor presented April 2026 statistics for District 4: four motor vehicle thefts, four burglaries, 16 thefts, two unauthorized entries into motorized vehicles, and zero robberies.

Member Kobayashi joined the meeting at 7:06 p.m. – 13 members present.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:07:14]
1. Requirement for Equipment Protruding from Trucks: Member Wong asked about the flag requirement for equipment sticking out from trucks. Captain Michael Campbell confirmed that any vehicle transporting equipment or lumber must have a flag hanging from the back end and offered to look up the exact measurement requirements and report back at the next meeting.
2. Click It or Ticket and Act 222: Captain Campbell noted that seat belt enforcement (Click It or Ticket) will run from Sunday, May 10, 2026 to Saturday, May 30, 2026 statewide, and reminded the public of Act 222, requiring helmets when riding mopeds.
3. Safer Roads Together Campaign: Major Soria from the Traffic Division presented the Safer Roads Together campaign targeting enforcement of speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and pedestrian safety violations.
4. Makapuʻu Point Burglary Update: Member Laeha asked for an update on a burglary where six individuals ganged up on two men at Makapuʻu Point. Captain Campbell stated he was not familiar with that specific case and would follow up with the zone lieutenant and the Criminal Investigations Division, though he noted disclosures may be limited depending on the nature of the crime.
5. Noise Enforcement on Kailua Road: Resident Bob Latty asked whether additional enforcement could be conducted near the intersection of Kailua Road and Wanaao Road, noting loud vehicles from approximately 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Captain Campbell explained that noise enforcement is primarily directed to the Department of Health, and that the Honolulu Police Department lacks calibrated measurement devices. Chair Hicks noted that a prior recommendation was submitted to the State Department of Transportation to extend moped noise standards to motorcycles.

B. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:19:26]: Captain Cory Silva reported April 2026 statistics: one structure fire, two nuisance fires, 12 activated fire alarms, 89 medical emergencies, and four motor vehicle collisions. He also shared a wildfire safety tip warning residents that Hawaiʻi faces increased fire risk due to dry conditions and wind, urging them to clear brush, avoid parking on dry grass, and skip spark-generating activities during hazardous weather.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZbY8wCBURWNXwBiQiukHS50iCrMJ06Ca/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:20:33]
1. Wildfire Risk Map for Kailua: Member Wong asked whether the fire station has a map identifying areas in Kailua more susceptible to fires. Captain Silva confirmed that while the station does not have a formal map, it has identified high-risk areas, particularly where wildland meets residential zones. He agreed to follow up and provide that information to the Chair for community distribution.

C. Honolulu Ocean Safety Department – [0:22:11]: Acting Lieutenant Peter Irwin reported April 2026 statistics for District 2: attendance of 185,800; 16,120 preventive actions; 1,487 first aids; 27,200 public contacts; and 62 total rescues from Sandy Beach to Kailua. He also shared notable incidents including a successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) save on the beach, two domestic violence cases, broken leg and spinal incidents, monk seal sightings requiring National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Department of Land and Natural Resources response at Sandy Beach and Blowhole, and a dead reef shark at Kailua Beach.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:24:48]
1. Ocean Safety First Responder Compensation: Member Laeha commended Ocean Safety staff for their life-saving work and asked about their compensation as first responders. Acting Lieutenant Irwin stated that the issue of first responder designation is being finalized and the expected outcome is positive.
2. Sewage Spill Notification to Lifeguards: Treasurer Weller raised concern about notifying lifeguards and beachgoers when sewage treatment plant exceedances occur, particularly on weekends when the Department of Health is closed. Acting Lieutenant Irwin agreed there is room to improve interdepartmental communication and acknowledged that Ocean Safety staff have suffered infections as a result of rescues during contaminated water conditions.
3. Beach Hazard Signage: Chair Hicks referenced a prior Board resolution requesting general hazard signs at park entrances and lifeguard stations. Acting Lieutenant Irwin confirmed Ocean Safety posts hazard notices such as Portuguese man-of-war and shark warnings at towers and agreed to pursue more visible, permanent signage in coordination with other agencies.
4. Brown Water Notices: Member Wong asked whether Ocean Safety receives brown water notices from the Department of Health. Acting Lieutenant Irwin confirmed they do receive notices and share the information with staff, though timeliness varies.

Member White joined the meeting at 7:25 p.m. – 14 members present.

IV. BOARD BUSINESS: MOTIONS – [0:30:53]
A. 60 Kaapuni Drive Special Management Area Major Application Conditions – [0:30:54]: Member Wong explained that the Department of Planning and Permitting requires Special Management Area Major Permit applicants to present to the Kailua Neighborhood Board, in this case for a project at 60 Kaapuni Drive. She noted that the motion recommends conditions to protect the environment and wildlife.

[0:32:37] Chair Hicks called for the vote. The motion was ADOPTED; 12-0-2. (Aye: Andrade, Barra, Hicks, Kia, Kobayashi, Laeha, Lipton, Righter, Weber, Weller, White, Wong; Nay: None; Abstain: Andrews, Markrich.) – [0:34:26]

B. Bill 53 – Affordable Rental Housing Notification and Parking Requirements – [0:34:35]: Member Wong introduced this motion, noting that a 60-foot affordable housing building near Kailua Elementary School was constructed without notification to the Neighborhood Board under the existing Bill 7 process. She noted that Bill 53 would require applicants to present affordable rental housing projects to the Neighborhood Board within 60 days, mandate one parking space per two units, and require an on-site resident manager unit. Discussion raised concerns that the bill’s county-wide parking mandates could drive up construction costs, reduce housing affordability, and worsen street overflow parking. Councilmember Kiaʻāina noted that Bill 53 does not appear to be moving forward in the City Council, as the current focus is on Bills 17 and 18, which address building height conflicts with community sustainability plans under the existing Bill 7 framework.

[0:57:29] Chair Hicks called for the vote. The motion WAS NOT ADOPTED; 6-5-3. (Aye: Barra, Hicks, Laeha, Lipton, Weller, Wong; Nay: Andrade, Andrews, Kia, Markrich, Weber; Abstain: Kobayashi, Righter, White.) – [0:59:07]

V. LOCAL AGENCY REPORTS – [0:59:17]
A. Board of Water Supply – [0:59:22]: No representative was present. Chair Hicks noted that a written report was provided and is available in the meeting materials.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cOuKUQHeLrD_WDcvJgOGQm5M3t6jgy5g/view?usp=drive_link
•
B. Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi – [0:59:54]: Meagan Ostrem, new Director of Government Affairs, Community Engagement and Communications, provided two updates. First, the biennial RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific) military training exercise will take place from late June through July 2026, bringing increased activity statewide. Second, she announced that Colonel Beavens’ tenure as Commanding Officer is concluding, with Colonel Steven DeTrenis incoming as the new Commanding Officer.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:01:41]
1. Bellows Beach Rim of the Pacific Impact & Weekend Access: Chair Hicks asked whether Bellows Beach would again be affected by the Rim of the Pacific activities this summer. Meagan Ostrem responded that while the Marine Corps training area is closed to the public Monday through Friday, the beach remains open on weekends, and no decision has been made to close it on weekends, though proper notice would be given through the City and County if that changes.
2. Honu Nesting Protections at Bellows During Rim of the Pacific: Member Wong recalled that past Rim of the Pacific activities at Bellows Beach had involved beach closures and potential postponements due to honu nesting. Meagan Ostrem confirmed that honu nesting is taken very seriously year-round, with the Marine Corps’ environmental department monitoring and marking nests, and while training is not halted, all required precautions and legal protections are in place to protect the endangered species regardless of whether it is a Rim of the Pacific year.
3. Marine Corps Base Sewage Spills & Wastewater Upgrade Timeline: Member Wong questioned why two sewage spills had occurred despite expectations of an ongoing wastewater plant upgrade. Meagan Ostrem clarified that the upgrades are funded but not yet underway, and that the spills resulted from heavy rain overwhelming the aging shared system. Chair Hicks noted that the base uses a shared outfall with the City, and while exceedances are based on what enters the pipe, in-bay water measurements near the outfall typically remain within standards, with the wide warning area issued by the Department of Health as a precaution. Meagan Ostrem noted she would follow up on the level of treatment during overflow events and on the construction timeline, adding that the environmental review was completed last year and contracting and construction details would be brought back to the Board.

C. Alexander & Baldwin – [1:12:42]: Dana Harvey highlighted upcoming community events including a Fourth of July shuttle service, Symphony in the Park, Emergency Preparedness Fair, and Kailua Fall Fest, along with several new business tenants joining the area. She also confirmed that Alexander & Baldwin was acquired in March 2026 through a joint venture led by Blackstone, MW Group, and DivcoWest with no changes to local management.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:17:06]
1. Pali Lanes Community Survey Results: Member Weber and Chair Hicks shared survey results on community preferences for the now-closed Pali Lanes bowling alley (a state historic register property): bowling led with 102 responses, followed by open space/park (92), restaurants (74), and retail shops (41), suggesting community interest in a combination of the top three uses.
2. Community Input on Pali Lanes Redevelopment: Member Weber asked about community input opportunities in light of the ownership transition. Dana Harvey confirmed Alexander & Baldwin remains open to engagement and committed to community consultation.
3. Chick-fil-A Planning & Zoning Presentation: Treasurer Weller asked whether Chick-fil-A representatives would present to the Planning, Zoning & Environment Committee. Dana Harvey confirmed they plan to do so once more information is available.
4. Chick-fil-A Negotiations: Member Wong asked whether Chick-fil-A negotiations were being handled by Alexander & Baldwin or Blackstone following the acquisition, and Dana Harvey confirmed that Alexander & Baldwin continues to manage those discussions.

VI. RESIDENT AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [1:27:36]
1. Water Main Break Damage on Kailua Road: Resident Frank Nyross described significant damage to his home caused by a 12-inch water main burst on Kailua Road on March 28, 2026, which flooded his property with sand and water, with both his insurance and the Board of Water Supply denying his claims. His daughter, a neighbor, and Senator Chris Lee testified in support, with Senator Lee noting legislators are exploring holding county utilities accountable in such cases, and suggesting the Board pass a resolution to aid advocacy efforts. Councilmember Kiaʻāina noted that Mr. Nyross must exhaust his Board of Water Supply appeal before pursuing legal action and recommended seeking legal counsel, while Chair Hicks noted litigation may be the likely next step. The matter was referred to the Transportation and Public Works Committee.
2. Speeding on Mokapu Boulevard, Wanaao Road, and Municipal Parking Lot Conditions: A community member raised three concerns: (1) Excessive speeding on Mokapu Boulevard, noting most speeders are coming off Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi; (2) Excessive speeding on Wanaao Road, requesting information on the process to support speed bumps; and (3) The deteriorated condition of the municipal parking lot, which presents a hazard for older residents visiting nearby medical facilities. Councilmember Kiaʻāina responded to all three: Honolulu Police Department is enforcing and studying Mokapu Boulevard and may narrow it from two lanes to one; Wanaao Road is part of the Kailua Complete Streets plan, which proposes five speed tables (details at the Kailua Complete Streets website); and archaeological trenching of the municipal parking lot is underway for significant improvements.

Member Righter left the meeting at 8:57 p.m. – 13 members present.

VII. MAYOR AND GOVERNOR REPORTS – [2:01:09]
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Report – [2:01:24]: Shayne Enright noted Director Ireland’s Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement (C.O.R.E.) outreach, which helped two individuals off the streets this evening. In follow-up to a prior Board request, Shayne Enright reported that the Department of Facility Maintenance is working with the State, Board of Water Supply and Department of Design and Construction to develop a solution to mitigate flooding on Kapaʻa Quarry Road.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_3utaUePFSacNLwqi7X6tULymWv1Ectp/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:02:37]
1. Kapaʻa Quarry Road Safety and Stream Repairs: Treasurer Weller described a recent incident where a car went off the road and into the water at Kapaʻa Quarry Road. He raised the problem of multiple road owners and called for regular grass-cutting by both State and City so that water on either side of the road is visible to drivers.
2. Kaelepulu Stream Sand Replenishment for Kailua Canoe Club: Member Lipton raised a question asking whether DFM and Parks could work with the Kailua Canoe Club to replenish sand eroded from the embankment adjacent to Kaelepulu stream, noting a steep drop-off that is a safety concern for paddlers.
3. Parking Blocked Near Kaelepulu Stream Bridge: Member Lipton also asked whether parking spaces blocked off due to bridge construction work could be opened during non-working hours for paddlers.
4. City and State Collaboration to Restore Historical Water Flows: Member Weber commended the City for its swift response to last month’s flooding emergency and asked what the City plans to do, in collaboration with the State, to restore historical water flows to prevent future flood damage and protect public safety.
5. Kailua Road Street Conditions and H-3 Tree Trimming: Member White raised community concerns about poor street conditions and potholes throughout Kailua. He also requested that trees along the H-3 approach be trimmed so residents and visitors can see Kailua as they enter.
6. Kaipiʻi Street Metal Plate: Member Barra requested a status update on the metal plate installed on Kaipiʻi Street, between Kaha Street and Kaiemi Street, asking when it will be removed or the underlying repair completed.
7. Kapaʻa Quarry Road Conditions & City Accountability: Member Barra urged the Department of Transportation Services and the Department of Facility Maintenance to address the immediate pothole problem on Kapaʻa Quarry Road and fulfill the City’s responsibility to improve the road, as required by the environmental review conducted when the industrial park expansion was approved due to the resulting increase in traffic.
8. Tree Overhang Concerns: A resident raised concerns about tree overhangs on Kailua Road and Kalanianaʻole Highway. Chair Hicks added that the tree overhang concern on Kalanianaʻole Highway applies specifically to the lower telephone and cable lines.

Member Kobayashi left the meeting at 9:08 p.m. – 12 members present.

B. Governor Josh Green’s Report – [2:13:36]: Erin Conner-Jerome presented the Governor’s May newsletter highlighting storm cleanup efforts and encouraged residents to submit comments on passed legislation at governor.hawaii.gov as the legislative session wraps up.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nbKPi13FExs6CdgC3Ob5zZqgkwxtCvv7/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:14:43]
1. Department of Health Sewage Spill Notification: Member Wong noted that the Department of Health’s clean water branch spill notification emails contain blank fields for sign-posted date, sign type, and location, leaving the public unable to confirm whether signs were posted. Erin Conner-Jerome committed to checking why those fields are not being completed.
2. Military Land Valuation and Lease Process: Member Laeha asked the Governor to obtain a broker’s opinion of value and assess the highest and best use for military lands being considered for release. Senator Keohokalole clarified that the conservation-zoned land requires congressional approval for any condemnation under the National Defense Act Authorization, and that lease negotiations with the Department of Land and Natural Resources and a valuation discussion are pending the Army’s environmental impact statement.
3. Road Conditions & Lanikai Pillbox Over-tourism: Member White called on State and County agencies to improve deteriorating road conditions affecting residents, and urged officials to address over-tourism at the Lanikai Pillbox, emphasizing that locals’ quality of life must take priority over tourist interests.
4. New Kailua Road Traffic Signals: Chair Hicks asked about the delay in activating two new traffic signals installed on Kailua Road near the 7-Eleven and the nursery. Erin Conner-Jerome explained that a vehicle collision and storm damage delayed the project past its February activation date, and committed to obtaining an updated timeline from the Department of Transportation.

VIII. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS – [2:24:19]
A. Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina – [2:24:33]: Councilmember Kiaʻāina reported securing $2 million for non-profits and $240,000 to recruit engineers to address the Department of Planning and Permitting backlog, along with park improvements and an upcoming Kailua-bound lane closure on the North Kalaheo Bridge. She also urged Board members to help establish a Community Wildfire Protection Plan for the Windward side.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:28:18]
1. Municipal Parking Lot Archaeological Survey & Pothole Repairs: Member Wong asked about the status of the archaeological survey, and Councilmember Kiaʻāina expressed frustration that while work ended in April, the survey is incomplete and won’t resume until late 2026 or early 2027, which is unacceptable as parking lot improvements cannot proceed until it is finished. She added that pothole filling can continue in the meantime and noted that no iwi kūpuna or archaeological artifacts have been discovered so far.
2. Wildfire Management Referral & Community Preparedness: Resident Claudine Tomasa requested that the Public Safety Committee take up wildfire management, citing urgent concerns about overgrowth heading into June. Member Laeha welcomed the referral as Disaster Preparedness Subcommittee Chair, inviting Councilmember Kiaʻāina.

B. Senator Chris Lee – [2:33:34]: Senator Chris Lee highlighted five key bills from the legislative session covering medical debt relief for 50,000 families, an independent energy cost analysis, community improvement district funding for neighborhoods like Kailua, penalties for vandalizing public trees, and conservation sanctuaries for native bird protection.
C. Representative Mike Lee – [2:39:29]: Jonah McNear thanked the community for their engagement and highlighted Representative Mike Lee’s key bills on Artificial Intelligence deep fake protections, e-bike safety, and in-home healthcare for seniors, while announcing upcoming community events including a sidewalk sale and I Love Hula at Kailua Town Center.
D. Senator Jarrett Keohokalole – [2:41:55]: Senator Keohokalole reported a 10% state budget reduction of $1.8 billion achieved through eliminating vacant positions, excess special funds, and tax credits, while preserving income tax cuts for joint filers earning $350,000 or less, and urged Board members to individually email the Governor to sign Senate Bill 2471, which would restrict unlimited corporate political spending and potentially make Hawaiʻi the first State to reaffirm that corporations are not people under State law.
E. Representative Lisa Marten – [2:49:26]: No representative present.
F. Representative Scot Matayoshi – [2:49:27]: No representatives present.
G. Tolua Samifua (on behalf of U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda) – [2:49:38]: Chair Hicks noted that Representative Tokuda’s office provided a written update available in the meeting materials.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H0RlOlGR0TnL9xw1Q08un8Zg9SbQcUgm/view?usp=drive_link

IX. REPORTS FROM MEMBERS WHO ATTENDED OTHER MEETINGS – [2:49:52]: No reports were given.

X. PRESENTATION – [2:49:53]
A. Oʻahu’s Exceptional Tree Program – [2:49:54]: No representative present.

XI. BOARD BUSINESS: INDIVIDUAL MOTIONS – [2:50:15]
A. Kailua 4th of July Parade Application – [2:50:22]: Member Weller MOVED and Member Wong SECONDED to apply to march in the 77th annual Kailua 4th of July Parade and request the Neighborhood Commission Office fund the $155 application fee. The motion was ADOPTED; 12-0-0. (Aye: Andrade, Andrews, Barra, Kia, Laeha, Lipton, Markrich, Trecker, Weber, Weller, White, Wong; Nay: None; Abstain: None.) – [2:52:19]
B. Kailua Emergency Preparedness Fair – [2:52:25]: Member Laeha MOVED and Member Weller SECONDED to support participating in the annual Kailua Emergency Preparedness Fair at the Kailua Town Center, 609 Kailua Road, on Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. until noon. The motion was ADOPTED unanimously; 12-0-0. (Aye: Andrade, Andrews, Barra, Kia, Laeha, Lipton, Markrich, Trecker, Weber, Weller, White, Wong; Nay: None; Abstain: None.) – [2:53:07]

XII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – [2:53:17]: Chair Hicks called for approval of the Thursday, April 2, 2026 regular meeting minutes. Hearing no corrections or objections, the minutes were APPROVED.

XIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS – [2:53:35]: No Committee Chairs offered amplifications. Chair Hicks noted that the committee reports stand as published.

XIV. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP MOTIONS – [2:53:51]: No changes to committee membership were requested.

XV. CHAIR’S REPORT – [2:54:03]: Chair Hicks announced that committee agendas for June 2026 are due to the Chair by Sunday, May 24, 2026.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT – [2:54:14]: The meeting was adjourned at 9:56 p.m.

Submitted by: Melissa Urubio, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Robert Whitsell, Deputy
Finalized by: Bill Hicks, Chairman, Kailua Neighborhood Board

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.