KAILUA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 31

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 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=m48bb4312a7cdd4ab5a22e9a7242b1fc2
Meeting number (access code): 2493 665 6544
Meeting password: NB31 (6231 from phones and video systems)
Join by Video System: Dial 24926967184@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, Melissa Urubio, for assistance at: melissa.urubio@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: Treasurer Gary Weller

II. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Mayor Blangiardi’s next Windward Town Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 6:30 pm at the Waimānalo District Park Gym.
B. The annual “I Love Kailua” town party will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 11 am until 4 pm on Kailua Road in Downtown Kailua. Come and see all your neighbors and have fun! Kailua Road from the intersection with Ku’ulei Road to the intersection with Hahani Street will be closed from 9 am until 5 pm.
C. Hawaiian Electric will be hosting a public meeting on its Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) initiative to share information on the process designed to help guide where future renewable energy projects may be sited. The meeting will be on Thursday, April 9 at Windward Community College, Hale ‘Akoakoa, Room 113, from 6:00-8:30 pm. Attendees will learn about the key criteria used to evaluate potential sites, ask questions, and provide anonymous input and comments through an interactive online map at https://hawaiipowered.com/rez/cycle2/. The presentation portion of the meeting will be streamed live on Hawaiian Electric’s Facebook page from 7 pm.
D. Kailua Beach Park Operating Hours. The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) began a pilot project in September 2025 to modify the operating hours to become 4 am until 12 midnight. This was loosely consistent with recommendations from the Kailua Neighborhood Board in 2023 and 2024. Most Oahu beach parks are currently closed from 10 pm until 5 am. DPR has worked with the community and explored the impact of nightly closures and has determined these nightly closures are effective and will remain in place. Any closed City park may be traversed at any time, particularly to access the ocean or other natural or culturally significant areas, however it is illegal to remain in a park during closure hours unless otherwise permitted by DPR.
E. Oahu Pentathlon. The 6th annual pentathlon will take place on Saturday and Sunday August 8-9, 2026. The first event is a sunrise swim from the Kailua Boat Ramp to Castles Beach. The second event is a run from Castles Beach to Kualoa Regional Park. Paddling, biking, and carrying events continue around the island with the final event being a 66-mile bike ride from Kea’au Beach Park back to the Kailua Boat Ramp. Details at https://www.oahupentathlon.com/the-race
F. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) is fixing spelling errors and adding diacriticals (ʻokina and kahakō) to ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi street names on the state highway system across the islands. The Department is asking the community, especially generational kamaʻāina and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi speakers, to review its proposed changes and give place-specific input on the street names by December 31, 2026. HDOT will then use its revised list of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Street Names to replace street signs over time as they fall into disrepair, or when there is the opportunity to do so due to another HDOT project on that street. Eventually, all street signs on the state highway network will have proper spelling, including use of ʻokina and kahakō. Details at https://highways.hidot.hawaii.gov/stories/s/Olelo-Hawaii-State-Street-Names/7tn4-jrv6?fbclid=IwY2xjawQeeJ1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIMUc1VmhrV281U0N5Vzhqc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmKRIY0BEYf65R2HpTsiYCNRndg9sXorf_Kp_38nWAwjnVsDygh1B-wv5gP9_aem_MwBURXM1Kbyp8eWWDsU1gQ
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. 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)
C. Adventist Health Castle President Chase Aalborg

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

VI. 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)

VII. 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. Representative Scot Matayoshi
E. Senator Jarrett Keohokalole
F. Senator Chris Lee
G. Tolua Samifua, on behalf of U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda

VIII. REPORTS FROM MEMBERS WHO ATTENDED OTHER MEETINGS

IX. PRESENTATIONS – Ten (10) minutes each
A. Kalaheo Hillside Soil Sample Results by David Tanoue, VP R.M. Towill Corporation
B. Food Waste Curbside Collection 6-month Pilot Program by Henry Gabriel, ENV Recycling Program Branch Chief
C. Unmarked Native Hawaiian Burial Sites in Kailua Sands by Thomas S. Dye, O’ahu Historic Preservation Commission

X. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A. Thursday, December 4, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
B. Thursday, February 19, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
C. Thursday, March 5, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes

XI. THREE MEETING ABSENCES

XII. 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

XIII. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP MOTIONS: Changes to committee membership.

XIV. CHAIR’S REPORT: Committee agendas for May 2026 are due to the Chair by Sunday, April 26, 2026.

XV. 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 email nbtestimony@honolulu.gov, 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, MARCH 5, 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=48KWyAZVYRI

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

I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL – [0:01:50]: Chair Hicks called the Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31 regular meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Quorum was established with 16 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, Ana Malia Kia, David Laeha, Jade Lau, Levani Lipton, Kate Righter, Mālie Thoemmes, Steven Trecker, Jeremy Treskon, Evan Weber, Gary Weller, Jon White, Donna Wong, Max Markrich (7:05 p.m.), Kelli Ann Kobayashi (9:04 p.m.), and Kalama Souza (9:15 p.m.).

Members Absent: None.

Guests: Lieutenant Drew Akagi, Sergeant, and Officer Jared Atkins (Honolulu Police Department); Firefighter Ken B. (Honolulu Fire Department); Tanner Williams (Honolulu Ocean Safety); Danielle Ornellas (Board of Water Supply); Colonel Jeremy Beaven (Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi); Kelly Akasaki (Department of Transportation Services); Steve Baginski and Rick Watts (Kaikor Construction); Jim Hayes (Planning Solutions, Inc.); Patrick Smith (Neighborhood Commission Chair); Shayne Enright (Mayorʼs Representative); Erin Conner-Jerome (Governorʼs Representative); Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina; Gloria Palma (Councilmember Kiaʻāinaʼs Office) Senator Chris Lee; Zach Stackhouse (Office of Rep. Scot Matayoshi); Jonah McNear (Office of Rep. Mike Lee); Tolua Samifua (U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda); Kristi Kaluhiwa (MCBH), Mike Buck (C.O.R.E.); Brian Barbata, Douglas Ernst, Rick, Kevin Hatch, Ed Kemper, Jean Benfer, Jon Benfer, Gleen Nelson, Tom Cestare, Thomas Roberts, Lois Crozer, John Poole, Bernice, Kahu Ricky, Malia Espinda, Brian Smith, Jeff Hendrix, Steven Dela Pena, Alex Gutierrez, Michael Groza, Morgan Waterman, Glenn Uyeshiro, Mark Turner, Agnes Taiteli, Shaun B., Mike Meyer, Lisa K., Ann Borinson, Sylvia Yim, Sally Winter, Claudine Tomasa, Carol Stimson, Gretchen Robinson, Harry Kallabis, Barbara Germann, Claire Broussard, Jordan, Linda Jenks, Richard Whaley, Rob P, S. Baraff, Chassity Santiago, Joe Cooper, Rick Nelson, Kalena, Kevin, Mario, Kathy, Kirra, Brandie (Residents and Community Members); Melissa Urubio (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were approximately 108 total participants.

II. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [0:04:13]: Chair Hicks read the following announcements:

A. GROW Pilot Program Workshop – [0:04:20]: The City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services will hold a public workshop on the Green Recycling Organic Waste (GROW) pilot program, scheduled to start Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The Kailua NB will receive a 10-minute briefing at the April 2, 2026 meeting. The workshop will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kailua Elementary School Cafeteria. For more information, visit honolulu.gov/env/ref/grow.

Member Maxrich joined the meeting at 7:05 pm. – 17 members present.

B. Upcoming Runs at Kailua High School – [0:05:17]: Two runs will take place starting and ending at Kailua High School: the Freedom Run for the Epilepsy Foundation on Sunday, August 2, 2026, and the Friends of Kailua High School Run on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Point of contact is Ed Kemper at edracers@aol.com.

C. Alexander & Baldwin Merger – [0:05:48]: On Monday, December 8, 2025, Alexander & Baldwin entered into a definitive merger agreement with a joint venture formed by MW Group and funds affiliated with Blackstone Real Estate and DivcoWest, acquiring all Alexander & Baldwin common shares in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $2.3 billion. Alexander & Baldwin will become a private company but will retain its name, Honolulu headquarters, and Hawaii-based leadership team. A representative is expected to present at the April or May 2026 Board meeting.

D. Hawaiʻi Foodbank Food Drive – [0:07:36]: The City and County of Honolulu and Hawaiʻi Foodbank are partnering to fight hunger. Neighborhood Assistant Melissa Urubio will collect donated canned goods at the Thursday, April 2, 2026 meeting.

E. North Kalaheo Bridge Repairs – [0:08:02]: Major repairs to the North Kalaheo Avenue Bridge near Kailua High School are expected to begin around Monday, March 30, 2026, lasting approximately six months. Additional briefing was provided during the Mayor’s Report.

Member Thoemmes left the meeting at 7:08 p.m – 16 members present.

F. Executive Committee Meeting Update – [0:08:39]: The Executive Committee meeting scheduled for March 2026 has been cancelled due to a scheduling conflict. It will return to its normal quarterly date of Thursday, April 9, 2026.

G. Motion Requesting the Department of Transportation Services Begin Implementation of the Lanikai Transportation Management Plan – [0:09:06]: Chair Hicks provided background on the Lanikai Transportation Management Plan, explaining the ongoing safety concerns including vehicles parked on unimproved sidewalks, blocked intersections, and difficulty for first responders to access the cul-de-sac community.

H. Member Announcement – In Memoriam – [0:14:32]: Member Weber acknowledged the passing of Karel Tresnak Jr., a prominent member of the Kailua waterman community and seven-time champion of the Molokai solo crossing. Member Weber requested a moment of silence and encouraged the community to check in on one another.

I. Upcoming Runs at Kailua High School – [0:17:36]: Ed Kemper explained that maps are available showing the race routes, noting that both the 5K and 10K share the same path. He encouraged everyone to sign up.

J. Free Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Resource Distribution Event – [0:18:26]: Representative Lisa Marten announced a free, state-funded event on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Enchanted Lake Elementary (9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.) distributing traps, netting, and pesticide sign-ups to help residents combat coconut rhinoceros beetles. She also added that scientists researching biocontrol will be on-site, and a second event will be held the following Saturday at Waimānalo Library during the same hours. She confirmed that coconut rhinoceros beetle is present in the area and encouraged residents to take advantage of available strategies to protect their palm trees while a biocontrol solution, expected in about two years, is in development. Note due to the Kona Low storm, this event has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, 9 to 11 am at the Waimanalo Library.

III. HPD, HFD, AND OCEAN SAFETY REPORTS – [0:19:32]

A. Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:19:44]: Lieutenant Drew Akagi and Sergeant Michael Kreckel represented the Honolulu Police Department. Officer Jared Atkins presented February 2026 statistics for Kailua: five motor vehicle thefts, five burglaries, 21 thefts, zero vehicle break-ins, and one robbery.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:20:39]
1. Noise Disturbance Enforcement: A resident reported a chronic noise disturbance from street vehicles near their home and asked whether HPD has plans to acquire objective noise-measuring equipment, and what the current enforcement process is for noise violations. Lieutenant Akagi encouraged residents to request a supervisor if not satisfied with a responding officer’s response. Chair Hicks acknowledged that noise enforcement can be inconsistent and stated that noise standards exist for mopeds and vehicle audio equipment (audible beyond 20 feet).
2. Houseless Individual at Kailua District Park: A resident raised concern about a houseless individual with open wounds living in the dugout at Kailua District Park, where youth softball has resumed. Officer Atkins stated that the Community Policing Team would visit the following day to offer outreach, assess the situation, and explore available resources and programs.

B. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:25:15]: Firefighter Ken B. reported February 2026 statistics for Kailua: one structure fire, one brush fire, 18 activated alarms with no fire, 103 medical calls, seven motor vehicle collisions, and four mountain rescues. He also shared the monthly fire safety tip focused on smoke alarms, recommending installation in every bedroom and outside each sleeping area, monthly testing, and replacement every 10 years or when unresponsive to testing.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10mXywnVg50SxYhbWcbgQX06lscCioD5C/view?usp=drive_link

C. Honolulu Ocean Safety Department – [0:26:39]: Tanner Williams reported February 2026 operations for District 2 (Sandy Beach through Kailua/Kalama area): 16 notable incidents, including two near-drownings, paddle boarders unable to return to shore near the Mokulua Islands, a seizure at Kalama Beach, and an allergic reaction at Bellows, 102,000 visitors, 13,735 preventative actions, 1,150 first aid treatments, 21,477 public safety contacts, and 101 rescues.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:27:54]
1. Facility Construction: Chair Hicks asked about the expected completion of the facility near the boat ramp. Tanner Williams stated that the projected completion timeline is September.

IV. BOARD BUSINESS: MOTIONS – [0:28:37]

A. Motion Requesting the Department of Transportation Services Begin Implementation of the Lanikai Transportation Management Plan – [0:28:44]: Chair Hicks announced that while committee motions are normally considered at this point in the meeting with individual motions addressed later, the order would be adjusted to move a particular item to the top of the agenda due to the high level of public interest. Chair Hicks shared the motion which is for the Board to request that the Department of Transportation Services install “No Parking Any Time” signage on the Lanikai loop streets (ʻAʻalapapa and Mokulua) as soon as possible using existing FY26 funds, as opposed to waiting until all major plan elements (cross street improvements, marked parking, increased bus frequency, bike racks, and loading zones) are completed together under FY27 funding around the end of 2026.

Member Kobayashi joined the meeting at 9:04 p.m. – 17 members present.

[0:31:13] Member Lau (Transportation Committee Chair) MOVED and Member Trecker SECONDED the motion. Chair Hicks announced that community input would be taken first, and given the approximately 15 people wishing to comment and the extensive testimony already received at prior meetings, he would adopt the City Council’s standard public testimony rules, limiting each speaker to one minute with a timer. Multiple community members testified in person and online, with strong representation from Lanikai residents and neighboring communities. Those in favor cited daily safety hazards to cyclists and pedestrians, fire and emergency access concerns, and the immediacy of the danger. Those opposed expressed concerns about displacement of parking to adjacent neighborhoods, the absence of the full plan’s complementary measures, and doubt that removing loop parking alone would meaningfully reduce traffic volumes.

[1:47:33] Chair Hicks turned the gavel to Vice Chair Lipton. Board members deliberated at length. Some members supported the motion, citing the severity of documented safety incidents and the Department of Transportation Services stated willingness to implement signs immediately. Other members opposed, arguing the plan should be implemented comprehensively to avoid shifting the problem to cross streets or neighboring areas. Department of Transportation Services representative Kelly Akasaki confirmed signs could be installed within the current fiscal year and that they are willing to reassess if the plan does not achieve the desired outcomes. Councilmember Kiaʻāina stressed that the City Council is deeply divided on the issue, cautioned that any creative policy workarounds would likely fail to gain council support, and urged the Board to make a decision within the framework of the existing transportation management plan.

[2:06:22] Vice Chair Lipton called for the vote. The motion WAS NOT ADOPTED; 7-10-0. (Aye: Lau, Lipton, Markrich, Righter, Trecker, Weber, Weller; Nay: Andrade, Andrews, Barra, Hicks, Kia, Kobayashi, Laeha, Treskon, White, Wong; Abstain: None) – [0:02:09:49]

B. Motion to Support City Council Resolution 25-228 – [2:10:02]: This Planning, Zoning, and Environment Committee motion supported City Council Resolution 25-228, which would require community notification and neighborhood board comment on certain Conditional Use Permit-minor applications in BMX3 zones, including transmitting antennas, meeting facilities, daycare facilities, schools, and hotels. Member Wong explained the motion’s scope and intent. Councilmember Kiaʻāina clarified that Resolution 25-228 had already failed in the City Council Zoning Committee, while companion Resolution 26-17 (requiring a major CUP for tourism projects) had passed the full council. The motion was subsequently withdrawn without objection. – [2:15:11]

Member Lau left the meeting at 9:12 p.m. – 16 members present.
Member Markrich left the meeting at 9:14 p.m. – 15 members present.
Member Souza joined the meeting at 9:15 p.m. – 16 members present.

V. LOCAL AGENCY REPORTS – [2:15:18]

A. Board of Water Supply – [2:15:19]: Danielle Ornellas reported that January 2026 saw two water main breaks in Kailua (Akamai Place and Iliana Street, both installed in 1959). February statistics were unavailable. She also announced World Water Day on Sunday, March 22, 2026, with the theme “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.”

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:16:34]
1. Non-Functioning Fire Hydrants and Water Tanks Update: Member Weller asked about non-functioning fire hydrants and the progress of the water tanks near Kalaheo High School. Danielle Ornellas stated she would follow up with that information.

B. Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi – [2:17:41]: Colonel Jeremy Beaven reported that a 15-acre invasive mangrove removal project at the Nuʻupia Pond Complex is nearing completion. He also shared that the base holds quarterly community workdays (open to the public) and monthly public 5K/10K runs, with the next run on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Additionally, he noted that as the Makahiki season came to a close, he had the opportunity to invite his Commanding Officer from Japan to the closing ceremonies, calling it a meaningful chance to introduce Hawaiian culture. Lastly, Colonel Beaven announced that his three-year command tour will end in May 2026, and he is working to ensure a smooth transition to the incoming Commanding Officer.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:21:12]
1. Hawaiiʻs Military Defense Capabilities: Member Laeha asked whether the military has the defense capabilities to intercept or stop a nuclear or other attack on Kaneʻohe Marine Base and Pearl Harbor. Colonel Beaven assured the Board that homeland defense is a core military mission in Hawaiʻi and that legislators, elected leaders, and the governor maintain regular engagement with the military on the matter.

C. Neighborhood Commission Update – [2:22:59]: Commission Chair Patrick Smith provided an overview of ongoing efforts to review the Neighborhood Plan, including a forthcoming complaints procedure.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:25:48]
1. Neighborhood Board Participation in Plan Review: Member Wong asked how Neighborhood Boards can participate in the plan review process and whether the entire plan or just sections are being reviewed. Chair Smith confirmed the full plan is being reviewed methodically, provision by provision, with public meetings and agendas posted online, and encouraged members to reach out to him or Planning Committee Chair Larry Veray with questions or specific topics of interest.

VI. RESIDENT AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [2:27:34]: Resident Malia Espinda waited to address the Board until after the Mayorʼs Report. No other concerns were brought up.

VII. MAYOR AND GOVERNOR REPORTS – [2:27:59]

A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Report – [2:28:09]: Shayne Enright reported that Director Ireland would be dispatching an outreach team to assist the houseless individual at Kailua District Park. The majority of the Mayorʼs report focused on the North Kalaheo Avenue Bridge and Kaelepulu Mini Park (Triangle Park).
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10tuTZWXql6Al-Xtj5w6kezzvrL4Vao6g/view?usp=drive_link

Keolu Drive Safety Measures Kaelepulu Mini Park (Triangle Park) Restoration – [2:30:55]: Department of Transportation Services representative Kelly Akasaki provided an update on Keolu Complete Streets project, noting that two community meetings have been held to discuss safety improvements such as raised crosswalks, bike lanes, and bulb outs, and that project proposals, public comments, and outreach sign-ups are available on the Complete Streets website. To answer the questions from resident Malia Espinda regarding Kaelepulu Mini Park, she reported the following: the mobile office is scheduled to be removed on Friday, March 27, 2026, with restoration crews starting the following week (Monday, March 30, 2026); bermuda grass and four trees selected by Department of Park and Recreation Urban Forestry group will be planted; rocks greater than 1 inch will be removed after the trailer is cleared; chain link fencing and bollards will be reinstalled after the staging area is cleared; grass and tree maintenance periods are 90 days and 3 months respectively. Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:34:19]
1. Concerns about Cleanup Progress: Resident Malia Espinda thanked the Department of Transportation Services for the written responses but raised ongoing concerns about the timeline for the mobile office and fence removal, lingering rock/shard debris, weed overgrowth, and a reported oil smell throughout the project.

North Kalaheo Avenue Bridge – [2:37:50]: Steve Baginski (President/CEO) and Rick Watts (VP of Operations) of Kaikor Construction presented the upcoming bridge repair project, outlining that work will include concrete repair, new sheet pile retaining walls, bridge railings, roadway wearing surfaces, drain pipes, and approach guard rails. Chair Hicks added that the construction will run from April 2026 to October 2026.
• North Kalaheo Avenue Bridge Project: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p6N30L8C7rYnIHQytd3F22ubntk19JM2/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:40:03]
1. Public Notification Signage: Member Weller asked whether the city could deploy portable construction notification signs to inform the public of the upcoming construction start date and timeline for this project. Steve Baginski noted that the project is tentatively scheduled from Monday, March 30, 2026 through October 2026, with one lane closed via contraflow Monday through Friday and full two-way traffic restored each Friday afternoon, on weekends, and on holidays. He also noted that variable message boards will be posted two weeks prior to the closure and that public notices will be mailed to all addresses within a one-mile radius of the project. Kelly Akasaki also shared that as part of the traffic control plan, the contractor has already been required to install two large variable message boards — one on each approach to the bridge — beginning two weeks before the closure starts.
2. Bridge Construction Closure Times: A resident asked about closure times. Steve Baginski shared that contraflow operations will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily, and that there may be periods of continuous single-lane closure from Monday morning through Friday afternoon due to safety and operational requirements, with all details to be published and included in public notifications.
3. Kaelepulu Mini Park Restoration and Kaikor Construction Project: Member White indicated that he had spoken directly with the contractor, Kiewit, regarding the Kaelepulu Mini Park restoration and expressed confidence that cleanup, new topsoil, sprinklers, and landscaping would be completed and committed to hold them accountable. He also wished the Kaikor Construction team well and acknowledged the dangerous nature of the work ahead.
4. Lane Closures and Business Access During Bridge Construction: Member Lipton asked whether both lanes of the bridge would ever be fully closed and how access to Pali Palms Plaza would be maintained during construction. Steve Baginski clarified that the Kāneʻohe-bound lane will remain open at all times to preserve access to the business, with Kailua-bound traffic rerouted via detour, and that full two-way traffic will be restored every Friday afternoon, on weekends, and on holidays, including the Fourth of July.

B. Governor Josh Green’s Report – [2:45:44]: Erin Conner-Jerome reported follow-up items from December 2025 meeting questions. State DOT maintains median grass trimming monthly, with contact numbers available for scheduling requests. The emergency lights near Olomana Fire Station are a city (DTS) responsibility; the state awaited a DTS response. Kailua Road to Old Kalanianaole Highway repaving was delayed due to traffic light pole damage, but work is expected to resume soon.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h4ccmSaqdy1x9BACtDxajBRWTd4bsphY/view?usp=drive_link

[2:47:42] Hearing no objections, Chair Hicks took the agenda out of order to hear item XI – B: Kailua Public Library Resolution. – [2:48:14]

XI. BOARD BUSINESS: INDIVIDUAL MOTIONS – [2:48:26]

B. Motion to Support a New Kailua Library – [2:48:34]: Member Weber MOVED and Member Laeha SECONDED a resolution supporting a new Kailua Library and modern community facility. Senator Chris Lee explained that the Legislature is currently in budget negotiations and that planning/design funding of $7–8 million could be secured this session for a combined new library and disaster resilience hub adjacent to the existing police and fire stations. He noted the current library has maxed out electrical capacity and aging heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and that a new modern resilience hub would provide extended emergency shelter with solar power and food storage capabilities. Several Board members expressed support but raised questions about the scope, land acquisition, and the lack of prior community process on the proposal.

[3:03:01] Chair Hicks called for the vote. The motion WAS NOT ADOPTED; 5-0-8. (Aye: Andrade, Andrews, Trecker, Treskon, Weber; Nay: None; Abstain: Barra, Hicks, Kobayashi, Laeha, Lipton, Weller, White, Wong) – [3:04:26]

[Note…at 9:15 we had 16 members present, but at 10:05 for this vote only 13 voted. Sometime between 9:15 and 10:05 Kia, Righter, and Souza left the meeting.]

VIII. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS – [3:04:29]

A. Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina – [0:03:04:42]: Councilmember Kiaʻāina announced that the archaeological survey at the Cinnamon’s parking lot will take place from Monday, April 6, 2026 through Thursday, April 30, 2026, which may cause traffic disruptions in that area. She highlighted Bill 17 (2026), which she introduced to limit building heights to underlying zoning (rather than 60 feet) for Bill 7 projects. She noted that the bill passed first reading but drew significant organized opposition. She also noted four active Bill 7 projects in Kailua (330 Kuulei Road, 528 Wailepo Street, 56 Kihapai Street, and 614 Wailepo Street). Chair Hicks proposed adding Bill 7 Kailua projects to the Planning, Zoning and Environment Committee agenda for March, hearing no objections.

B. Senator Jarrett Keohokalole – [3:09:35]: No representative present.

C. Representative Scot Matayoshi – [3:09:59]: Committee Clerk, Zach Stackhouse reported on several moving bills: House Bill 2198 (prediction market ban), House Bill 1511 (unsolicited mail/email protections), House Bill 1559 (cell phone ban on school grounds), House Bill 1673 and companion Senate Bill 2769 (landfill siting restrictions), and Senate Bill 2485 (solid waste management planning).

D. Senator Chris Lee – [3:12:22]: Senator Lee highlighted several bills moving through the Senate: Senate Bill 2982 (prohibition on foreign contributions in elections), Senate Bill 1163 (prohibition on geolocation data sales), Senate Bill 3019 (ticket scalping ban), Senate Bill 3025 (medical debt relief), and environmental bills establishing wildlife sanctuaries, increasing fines for harassing sea turtles, and funding land acquisition.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [3:13:53]
1. Library Upgrade Funding Path Forward: Member Weber asked for clarification on the path forward for library upgrades following the vote. Senator Lee responded that there are multiple financing streams for both the library and disaster resilience efforts, but without budget funding this year, the process would likely begin in the next year or two, and in the meantime, funds would potentially go to a resilience hub in another community. Hearing no objections, Chair Hicks announced that the Kailua Library matter will be added to the Public Safety, Public Health, and Civil Defense Committee agenda for March to allow further discussion in time for the legislative budget process.

E. Representative Lisa Marten – [3:16:03]: Representative Marten reported on her Human Services and Homelessness Committee work, including efforts to buffer impacts of federal budget cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and public housing. She expressed disappointment that a bill related to landfill siting protections for Kailua did not pass the House but committed to try again next session. She noted no bills that passed the House were of significant concern this year.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [3:19:16]
1. Kawainui-Hāmākua Connection Funding Update: Member Lipton asked for an update on the allocated funding to connect Kawainui and Hāmākua. Representative Marten confirmed that funding has been allocated but work has not yet begun, though the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is enthusiastic about the project’s potential to expand wetlands and habitat.

F. Representative Mike Lee – [3:20:55]: Jonah McNear reported awareness of traffic concerns at Olomana and ongoing coordination with the Olomana Community Association, Chair Hicks, and Transportation Chair Lau. He highlighted Kailua High School’s Division I football championship, the grand opening of Makapuu Elementary School on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, Windward Community College’s campus open house on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, and an upcoming $1.22 million roof renovation at the Boettcher Estate at Kalama Beach Park by Moriyama Construction.

G. Office of U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda – [3:23:44]: No representative present.

IX. REPORTS FROM MEMBERS WHO ATTENDED OTHER MEETINGS – [3:23:50]: Skipped due to time constraints.

X. PRESENTATIONS – [3:23:57]

A. Oʻahu’s Exceptional Tree Program: Presenter postponed presentation prior to the meeting.

B. 60 Kaʻapuni Drive – SMA Major Permit Application – [3:24:30]: Jim Hayes, of Planning Solutions, Inc., presented a brief overview of a proposed development at 60 Kaʻapuni Drive (TMK 4-3-013:033). He described the site as a single R-10 zoned lot exceeding 28,000 square feet, with a proposal for two single-family dwellings consistent with neighboring properties. He also noted that the site is not subject to shoreline erosion and that the project can comply with the shoreline setback ordinance. He indicated that a Special Management Area (SMA) Major Permit is required, with hearings to follow before the Department of Planning and Permitting and the City Council Zoning Committee.
• Presentation:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WRjcLd-nDeZlhdqqGMZDkl2GNmc_g8Ul/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [3:26:04]
1. Special Management Area Permitting Timeline and Cost Estimate: Member Treskon asked about the additional time and cost for Special Management Area (SMA) permitting. Jim Hayes indicated approximately 6–7 additional months and $25,000–$75,000 in permitting costs.

XI. BOARD BUSINESS: INDIVIDUAL MOTIONS – [3:27:20]

A. Motion to Participate in the 2026 Kailua Town Party – [3:27:27]: The Board considered a motion for the Kailua Neighborhood Board to participate in the annual Kailua Town Party on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

[3:27:38] Member Lipton MOVED and Member Treskon SECONDED to participate in the Kailua Town Party on Sunday, April 26, 2026, with a budget under $500. The motion was ADOPTED; hearing no objections. – [3:28:04]

XII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Not addressed due to time constraints.

XIII. THREE MEETING ABSENCES: Not addressed due to time constraints.

XIV. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Not addressed due to time constraints.

XV. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP MOTIONS: Not addressed due to time constraints.

XVI. CHAIR’S REPORT: Not addressed due to time constraints.

XVII. ADJOURNMENT – [3:28:15]: The meeting was adjourned at 10:29 p.m.

Submitted by: Melissa Urubio, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, NCO
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.