KAILUA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 31

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2026, 7:00 pm
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: Chair Bill Hicks

II. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. The City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services will be holding a public workshop to discuss the Green Recycling Organic Waste (GROW) pilot program that is set to start on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The Kailua NB will receive a 10-minute briefing on GROW at our Thursday, April 2, 2026 meeting. The purpose of this workshop is to go more into detail of the program along with the best management practices that ENV will be encouraging residents who have the curbside 3-cart system to follow. The workshop will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 7 to 8 pm at the Kailua Elementary School Cafeteria. For more information go to https://www.honolulu.gov/env/ref/grow/
B. There will be two 5 km/10 km runs this year starting and ending at Kailua High School. The Freedom Run for the Epilepsy Foundation is on Sunday, August 2, 2026 and the Friends of Kailua High School Run is on Sunday November 1, 2026. POC is Ed Kemper at edracers@aol.com
C. On Monday, December 8, 2025 it was announced that Alexander & Baldwin, which owns much of downtown Kailua, has entered into a definitive merger agreement in which a joint venture formed by MW Group and funds affiliated with Blackstone Real Estate and DivcoWest will acquire all outstanding A&B common shares for $21.20 per share in an all-cash transaction with an enterprise value of approximately $2.3 billion, including outstanding debt. As a result of this transaction, A&B will become a private company. Following the closing of the transaction, A&B will retain its name, brand, and Honolulu headquarters. A&B will continue to be led by a Hawai‘i-based team and will continue to maintain its properties. The Investor Group intends to invest over $100 million across the portfolio to enhance the properties and reinforce their essential role in the communities they serve.
D. City and County of Honolulu and Hawaiʻi Foodbank are Partnering up to Fight Against Hunger: Neighborhood Assistant Melissa Urubio will be collecting donated canned goods at the next Neighborhood Board Meeting on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

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: MOTIONS
A. Motion requesting the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) begin implementation of the Lanikai Transportation Management Plan: At the December 4, 2025 Kailua Neighborhood Board meeting Department of Transportation Services (DTS) explained their implementation plan for the Lanikai Transportation Management Plan. Using FY27 funding (starts July 1, 2026), DTS would install “No Parking Any Time” signage on ‘A’alapapa and Mokulua Drives and make all cross streets one-way with marked parking spaces on the pavement, which would also involve widening some of the streets as necessary to achieve a minimum width of 18 feet. With the cross streets prepared, DTS would also simultaneously implement “No parking 10 am until 4 pm” signs in Lanikai; DTS will not implement no parking 10 am until 4 pm signs until parking is converted from unimproved sidewalks to on pavement. DTS offered as an alternative installing “No Parking Any Time” signage on ‘A’alapapa and Mokulua Drives as soon as possible using FY26 funding (but without no parking 10 am to 4 pm), in advance of the other measures in FY27. Support for all of the other aspects of the Lanikai Transportation Management Plan (doubling TheBus #671 frequency 10 am to 4 pm, designating a few unloading/loading spaces, installing bike racks, etc.) was reiterated. DTS asked if there is a community preference between implementing all of the major measures at once (late 2026 or early 2027) or installing the no parking signs on the loop as soon as possible while waiting for the other measures. The Kailua Neighborhood Board hereby requests that DTS install the NO PARKING ANY TIME signage on the Lanikai ”loop” streets ʻAʻalapapa and Mokulua. This is currently a dangerous roadway and a continuing safety concern for residents. (Individual motion requires a second.)
B. The Kailua Neighborhood Board supports City Council Resolution 25-228 for neighborhood board and community awareness and comment on certain Conditional Use Permit-minor projects of significance to the community. The Kailua Neighborhood Board specifically concurs that this would ensure enhanced community engagement in decisions relating to the permitting of proposed projects that involve uses that are not typical in a particular Zoning District. (Planning, Zoning, and Environment 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)
C. Neighborhood Commission Update, Patrick Smith Neighborhood Commission Chair

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

VII. 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)

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

IX. REPORTS FROM MEMBERS WHO ATTENDED OTHER MEETINGS

X. PRESENTATIONS – Ten (10) minutes each
A. Oahu’s Exceptional Tree Program by Navin Tagore, Community Forester, Division of Urban Forestry
B. 60 Ka’apuni Drive TMK 4-3-013:033 SMA Major Permit Application by Jim Hayes, Planning Solutions, Inc.

XI. BOARD BUSINESS: INDIVIDUAL MOTIONS
A. The Kailua Neighborhood Board shall participate in the annual Kailua Town Party on Sunday, April 26, 2026, 11 am – 4 pm. The KNB will conduct a public survey at the event, create educational materials, and utilize outreach materials including a board banner and board shirts. The total budget will be under $500. (Individual motion requires a second.)
B. Kailua Public Library. The Kailua Neighborhood Board supports a new Kailua Library to provide expanded services and support for the community.
Whereas, the Kailua Library and its dedicated staff have served the public well for generations, however, the structure is nearly two decades beyond its timeline for a major overhaul to improve facilities and community services
Whereas, today the Kailua Library has maxed out its electrical capacity, requires replacement of aging HVAC systems, and does not have space to host modern library and community services and programming.
Whereas, limited parking has become a significant issue for those accessing the library, district park, and nearby destinations
Whereas, old community meeting spaces, such as the room the Kailua Neighborhood Board meets, do not have adequate audio, video, presentation, and online capabilities to properly support modern hybrid meetings
Whereas, Kailua also has no disaster shelter capable of protecting and sustaining a large number of people for an extended period of time
Whereas, the State of Hawaii is finally poised to replace the Kailua Library with a modern facility, so now, therefore,
Be it resolved that the Kailua Neighborhood Board supports a new Kailua Library and modern facilities capable of providing expanded services to meet the modern needs of our community
Be it further resolved that the library should be planned for to provide all the innovative services and benefits to our community that modern libraries typically provide, including adequate space that can be used for community programming such as art classes, study rooms, and meeting rooms that individuals and community groups can use
Be it further resolved that the library should provide online connectivity for all, including space for students and families to access government services, work, play, and enjoy digital media in all forms, and include a large public meeting room capable of hosting hybrid community meetings and digital presentations
Be it further resolved that the library should have outdoor space to host community events, gatherings, markets, or just provide a tranquil place for community members to relax and read
Be it further resolved that the library should have increased parking and improved pedestrian and bicycle access to enable more members of the community to visit
Be it further resolved that the library should also serve as a disaster resilience hub, with the capability of sheltering a large number of people in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane or tsunami, and be planned to have solar, batteries, and other technology commonly employed in modern resilience hubs to provide power when the surrounding grid is down, as well as to the Police and Fire stations, and contain storage for emergency supplies and food, with a commercial kitchen to feed the community in times of need
Be it further resolved that the library should provide commercial spaces for the Friends of Kailua Library to operate, and for common amenities such as a coffee shop, café, or other appropriate retail space that can benefit the local community and help generate revenue to properly fund the library, community programming, and proper maintenance and security for the site
Be it further resolved that the Library and surrounding facilities and grounds should be planned to reflect the character and history of Kailua town and its people, and fit into the community as much as possible while providing the services, functions, and benefits to the community this resolution contemplates. (Individual motion requires a second.)

XII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A. Thursday, December 4, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
B. Thursday, February 19, 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 April 2026 are due to the Chair by Sunday, March 22, 2026.

XVII. ADJOURNMENT

DRAFT RESCHEDULED REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 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=gxWi4rJBe9A

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

I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL — [0:01:41]: Chair Hicks called the Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31 rescheduled regular meeting to order at approximately 7:02 p.m. Chair Hicks also noted that the meeting was rescheduled from Thursday, February 5, 2026 due to a power outage at the park. Quorum was established with 19 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, Max Markrich, Kate Righter, Kalama Souza, Mālie Thoemmes, Steve Trecker, Jeremy Treskon, Evan Weber, Gary Weller, Jon White, and Donna Wong, and Kelli Ann Kobayashi (7:04 p.m.).

Members Absent: None.

Guests: Sergeant Sherman Dowkin and Lieutenant Drew Akagi (Honolulu Police Department); Captain Cory Silva (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Aka Tamasiro (Honolulu Ocean Safety); Danielle Ornellas (Board of Water Supply); Carah Kadota Ito and Mike Nishimura (Bowers + Kubota Consulting); Leanne Gillespie (Executive Director Hawaii Office of Youth Services) and Matelina “Mata” Aulava (Deputy Youth Facility Administrator); Brian Smith (Lanikai Association); Representative Lisa Marten; Senator Jarrett Keohokalole; Office of Rep. Mike Lee – Jonah McNear; Shayne Enright (Mayor’s Representative); Steve Davidson (Mid Pacific Road Runners Club); Jess Eballar (Department of Accounting and General Services); Raelyn Reyno, Richard Whaley, Andrea Lapham, Bob Bourke, Carol Abe, Celeste Smith, Chris Simon, Don Kobayashi, Joe Panganiban, Jordan, Ka’u Kalama-Ohelo, Kehau Johnson, Kevin Murray, Kaʻu Kalama-Ohelo, M. Espinda, S. Baraff, Shannon, Sharon, Rob P, Rossi Soane, Charlie Kumashiro, Nathaniel Jones, Kekoa Nakasone, Karen Kerosawa, Kevin Hatch, Kerri Glenn, Aj Jaeger, Heather Hewitt, Curtis and Cathy Tsuda, Kris Sills, Sydni Taylor, Lehua Kay, Nicole Mosk, Lauren Simon, Harold Inouye, Kate Lloyd, Frank Pace, Logan Yamasuki, Tom Cestare, C. Derosvor, Linda Jenks, Kelly Tomoka, Anne Cusick, Lucas Cusick, J. Martin, Ceci Fresques, Blaine Kahoonei, Courtney Deconto, Alexis Frechlan, Alex Gutierrez, Steven Proctor, Barbara Pence, Hollie Foti, Thomas Grieso, Bobby Silva, Joe Herger, John Medlock (Residents and Community Members); Melissa Urubio (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were approximately 150 total participants.

II. ANNOUNCEMENTS — [0:04:53]: Chair Hicks read the following announcements:

A. Committee Meetings — [0:04:58]: All Kailua NB Committee and Subcommittee Meetings will meet at the Kailua District Park until further notice due to roof repairs at the Boettcher Estate house at Kalama Beach Park. Meetings may take place at the District Meeting Room, Multipurpose Room, or Arts and Crafts Room, so if a meeting is not in the advertised room, please check with park staff as it may have been shifted to a different room.
B. Comments on the FAA Hawaii Airspace Modernization Project — [0:05:23]: The Federal Aviation Administration’s Hawai’i Airspace Modernization Project (HAMP) public comment period has been extended to Sunday, March 15, 2026. Comments may be submitted at https://tinyurl.com/yk35hh6h and information is available at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/community_engagement/community-engagement-hawaii.
• Letter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_dwDSVTJDn4OSyvyzBVItd68L6v4pKUG/view?usp=drive_link
C. Lanikai Transportation Management Plan and Testimonies – [0:5:51]: Chair Hicks announced that a total of 75 testimonies were received regarding Lanikai parking, with approximately 12 submitted within the normal time limit and 63 received late. He shared the Board’s motion listed on the agenda and explained the background of the Lanikai Transportation Management Plan noting implementation options, City Council Resolution 22-125, special meetings to hear comments and recommendations from residents and the proposed motion. Lastly, he noted that the testimonies can be discussed further during residents’ concerns and when the Board considers the motion.
• Testimonies: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1J09g_5CrDZ5guLNsjNwFRD_D7TVq9sGr

III. HPD, HFD, AND OCEAN SAFETY REPORTS — [0:12:37]

A. Honolulu Police Department (HPD) — [0:12:51]: Sergeant Sherman Dowkin reported January 2026 statistics: 3 motor vehicle thefts, 7 burglaries, 14 thefts, 4 vehicle break-ins, and 0 robberies.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:13:52]
1. Police Cars at Major Intersection: Member Wong asked why police cars were stationed at a major intersection. Sergeant Dakin explained there was a power outage causing issues at that location.
2. Makapu’u Point Robbery: Member Laeha asked for an update on a reported robbery at Makapu’u Point where six individuals robbed two people. Sergeant Dowkin confirmed suspects had not yet been apprehended and that increased patrols had been placed in the area while the investigation remains ongoing.
3. Kailua Beach Park Closure Enforcement: Member White asked about progress on the beach park closure at night. Sergeant Dowkin confirmed that the Honolulu Police Department has increased patrols, is issuing citations, and towing vehicles when necessary, with positive results.
4. Plain Clothes Officers and Public Safety Protocol: Representative Lisa Marten relayed a constituent concern about identifying plain clothes officers at the Target Kailua parking lot. Sergeant Dowkin clarified that plain clothes officers should be clearly identified with badges and police logos on tactical vests, and advised that anyone uncomfortable should remain in their vehicle and call 911 to request a uniformed patrol officer.
5. Overnight Camping at Kailua Beach Park: A resident asked about ongoing overnight stays and camping at the beach park despite it being closed. Sergeant Dowkin stated they will conduct checks, issuing citations or making arrests while also offering social services referrals.
6. Speeding Near Military Base on Mōkapu Road: A resident expressed concern about ongoing speeding near the back gate of the military base on Mōkapu Road, noting children cannot safely cross the street. Lieutenant Drew Akagi stated that they will initiate a traffic/speeding enforcement project to monitor and address the speeding in that area. Lieutenant Akagi also highlighted traffic enforcement efforts in District 4, noting a drop from 18 fatalities in the first 8 months of 2025 to zero over a subsequent 100-day stretch, with education and enforcement efforts continuing into 2026.
7. Unimproved Sidewalk Definition and Parking Enforcement: Member White asked how unimproved sidewalk parking is enforced. Member Lau also asked for the specific Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH) rule for parking on an unimproved sidewalk. Sergeant Dowkin noted that officers will tow vehicles blocking unimproved sidewalks if pedestrians are forced to walk into the roadway, though they will first attempt to locate the vehicle’s owner before towing. Chair Hicks also outlined that parking is only permitted on pavement in the direction of traffic, with specific distance requirements from fire hydrants and intersections. Lastly, a resident asked for a definition of an unimproved sidewalk, and Sergeant Dowkin explained that it is the area between the property line and the roadway, considered an open zone not intended for parking, trees, or boulders, and encouraged residents to call 911 if they observe illegal parking rather than approaching individuals themselves.
8. Unimproved Sidewalk Parking and Enforcement Consistency: A resident commented that parking on unimproved sidewalks is a longstanding tradition throughout Kailua, arguing that if easements were properly maintained with enough clearance for pedestrians, parking should be permitted, and expressed concern that complaint-based enforcement is being applied selectively to Lanikai rather than uniformly across the state.
9. Boulders and Trees in Public Easements: Two residents asked who to contact to remove boulders and trees illegally placed on public easements in Lanikai. Lieutenant Akagi indicated he would research the appropriate agency. Chair Hicks noted that boulders are never authorized and that plants/shrubs require a Department of Planning and Permitting variance. Member Wong also noted that anyone on Oʻahu can apply to plant a tree in the setback.
10. Accidents at HamakuaDrive/Aoloa Street Corner: Resident Raelyn Reyno reported multiple accidents near the corner of Hamakua Drive and Aoloa Street near Firestone, due to the roadway narrowing significantly. Lieutenant Akagi acknowledged the concern and stated he would check with daytime officers for accident data in that area.

Member Thoemmes left at 7:18 p.m. – 18 members present
B. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) — [0:34:03]: Captain Cory Silva reported January 2026 statistics: 0 structure fires, 2 nuisance fires, 1 cooking fire, 11 activated alarms (no fires), 96 medical emergencies, 2 motor vehicle crashes, and 5 hazardous material incidents. Captain Silva provided a public announcement noting that beginning Thursday, January 1, 2026, the Honolulu Fire Department transitioned from the legacy National Fire Incident Reporting System to the modern National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS), which may cause fluctuations in incident category numbers compared to prior reports. Captain Silva also reminded the public to always call 911 in an emergency rather than driving to a fire station, as units may be deployed elsewhere, and noted that the Honolulu Fire Department is also able to receive and field 911 text messages for situations with poor voice reception.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VF9W4Vohmrjvw8hbhoWxLYUbakAVEEgD/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:36:32]
1. Fire Hydrant Inspection Frequency: Member Wong asked how many fire hydrants are in Kailua and how often they are inspected. Captain Silva noted that fire hydrant inspection is a Board of Water Supply responsibility.
2. Lithium-Ion Battery Fires: Member White asked about Honolulu Fire Departmentʻs approach to lithium-ion battery fires. Captain Silva explained that lithium-ion battery fires are virtually impossible to extinguish, so Honolulu Fire Department applies copious amounts of water or removes the battery from exposure as the primary response.

C. Honolulu Ocean Safety Department — [0:37:57]: Lieutenant Aka Tamashiro, filling in for Lieutenant Chelsea Bizik and Lieutenant Tristian Fabro, announced that exact statistics were unavailable but described significant rescue activity due to high winds and surf. He noted that rescues occurred at Makapu’u, Sandy Beach, and Kalama Beach Park, and reported a notable rise in medical incidents at the Kailua Boat Ramp and Kalama shower area, including a 75-year-old male who slipped and hit his head. He also announced an influx of box jellyfish, a rise in children caught in rip currents, particularly at Kalama Beach Park and few shoulder dislocations and vandalism cases. Lastly, he shared that Ocean Safety is short-staffed and actively hiring.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:40:21]
1. Kayak Companies and Rough Ocean Conditions: Member Lipton asked whether Ocean Safety works with kayak tour companies during hazardous conditions. Lieutenant Tamashiro explained that Ocean Safety cannot legally prevent people from going out but engages in preventative outreach to rental businesses, advising them to hold off during dangerous conditions and suggest alternatives like paddling in the canal.
2. Lanikai Ocean Safety Station Completion: Member Markrich asked for an update on the safety station at Lanikai Point. Lieutenant Tamashiro reported that purchase order changes are still being processed through multiple departments and that field staff are being told to expect completion by end of summer, though a similar timeline was stated previously.

IV. BOARD BUSINESS: COMMITTEE MOTIONS — [0:44:58]

A. Kalama Beach Park Parking Lot Hours — [0:45:04]: Chair Hicks announced that the Parks and Recreation Committee, chaired by Member Weber, presented a motion to extend Kalama Beach Park parking lot hours to a 7:00 p.m. closure time year-round, noting it is the only beach park parking lot in the county that closes at 6:00 p.m. and the extended hours would prevent residents and lifeguards from being locked in. Discussions included historical reasons of the closure time, safety concerns, union issues, and roles of the Board. Member Righter also noted that residents in the area had been consulted and supported the motion.

[0:50:21] Chair Hicks called for the vote. The motion to support extending the Kalama Beach Park parking lot hours to a 7:00 p.m. closure time year-round was ADOPTED; 18-0-0 (Aye: Andrade, Andrews, Barra, Hicks, Kia, Kobayashi, Laeha, Lau, Lipton, Markrich, Righter, Trecker, Treskon, Weber, Weller, White, Wong; Nay: none; Abstain: none.) — [0:51:37]

B. Motion to Support Establishing an Empty Homes Tax in Honolulu — [0:51:43]: Chair Hicks announced that the Planning, Zoning, and Environment Committee presented a motion aligning the Kailua Neighborhood Board with seven other O’ahu neighborhood boards that have adopted resolutions in support of Bill 46 (2024), which proposes an empty homes tax in Honolulu. Member Weller (who chaired the Planning, Zoning, and Environment Committee meeting) explained that the Committee supported the motion unanimously. Discussion included questions about self-reporting mechanisms, exemptions for local residents (including homeowners, second home owners, long-term renters, those in medical care, active-duty members, and descendants of prior owners), examples of similar policies in Vancouver and Washington D.C., and the direction of Bill 46.

[1:05:52] Chair Hicks called for the vote. The motion to support establishing an Empty Homes Tax in Honolulu, standing in solidarity with other O’ahu Neighborhood Boards that have adopted resolutions in support, and supporting the concepts in Bill 46 (2024), with copies transmitted to the Mayor, Honolulu City Council Members, and all Neighborhood Boards was ADOPTED; 17-1-0 (Aye: Andrade, Andrews, Barra, Hicks, Kia, Kobayashi, Laeha, Lau, Lipton, Markrich, Righter, Souza, Trecker, Treskon, Weber, Weller, Wong; Nay: White; Abstain: none.) — [1:06:58]

V. PRESENTATIONS — [1:07:05]

A. Kawailoa Youth and Family Wellness Center (KYFWC) Campus Master Plan Brief — [1:07:17]: Carah Kadota Ito of Bowers + Kubota Consulting presented the draft master plan for the Kawailoa Youth and Family Wellness Center (KYFWC), formerly the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility, a 437-acre state-owned parcel in Olomana managed by the Office of Youth Services (OYS). She noted that the master plan, developed over two years, proposes improvements and new programs centered on cultural healing, trauma-informed care, and therapeutic services. She added that the project will next move through an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Plan Review Use (PRU) process, with final master plan completion targeted for Q1 2026.
• Presentation:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tyKH4BDZqYxUHbHW_T7hE0YhNX8-kXTn/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [1:24:09]
1. Non-profit Partner Inclusion in Master Plan: Member Lipton asked how current on-site nonprofits were incorporated into the planning process. Carah Kadota Ito noted that all program operators were interviewed during the programming report phase, with their input reflected in the master plan, and that continued coordination is expected.
2. Youth Voice and Capacity Numbers: Member Andrade asked about youth input and current/projected service numbers. Matelina “Mata” Aulava confirmed that youth participants provided feedback through the programs and that the facility plans to expand services as new programs are added.
3. Funding and Tenant Continuity: Member Weller asked about funding sources and whether existing tenants would be displaced during construction. Matelina “Mata” Aulava confirmed there is no funding secured for construction yet and that current partners meet monthly to ensure collaboration and continuity. Member White expressed concern about assurances for current program operators and asked whether they would retain involvement. Matelina “Mata” Aulava reaffirmed commitment to ongoing transparency and partnership.
4. Cost-Benefit Analysis and Advisory Board: Member Laeha inquired about cost-benefit analysis and total budget. Matelina “Mata” Aulava anticipated serving more youth as programs expand, and offered to share training hours data with the Chair. Member Laeha also expressed support for the idea of an advisory board, and Metelina ‘Mata’ Aulava confirmed that the Office of Youth Services has the Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee (JAC), which gathers feedback from community-based and state agencies, youth, families, and community members to ensure all voices are heard.
5. Existing and Planned Programs: Member Wong asked for clarification on the number of existing and planned programs on the site, and Matelina ‘Mata’ Aulava confirmed that there are currently three programs within the secured facility, with four to five additional programs anticipated with the addition of transitional housing.
6. Historic Buildings and Public Tours: Member Wong asked about the number of historic buildings proposed for demolition. Carah Kadota Ito shared that two buildings on the historic register are proposed for demolition due to their condition.
7. Youth Inclusion in Future Planning: Member Weber commended the inspiring presentation by youth participants at the December meeting, who performed protocol rooted in Hawaiian culture, and asked how their voices and concerns about potential exclusion from future planning were being addressed. Matelina ‘Mata’ Aulava acknowledged the youth rotation within the program and assured that youth voices are a priority throughout the planning continuum to help build resilience and ensure continued support for the young people being served.
8. Concern on Current Program Staff and Partner Retention: Member White expressed concern about the welfare of current program staff and partners, noting feedback suggesting potential instability in the plan and asking for reassurance that existing contributors would not be displaced. Matelina ‘Mata’ Aulava assured that there are no intentions of removing current partners, explaining that monthly collaborative meetings are held with all on-campus programs to maintain transparency and address concerns, and noted that the shift in services reflects the evolving needs of youth. Member Wong also urged that the community relationships built by current programs be taken into careful consideration during the evaluation process, emphasizing the Board’s passion for and commitment to those programs.
9. Facility Population and Public Access: Carol Abe asked about the population at the facility, seeking clarification on the difference between incarcerated youth and those in community-based programs. Matelina ‘Mata’ Aulava confirmed that 32 youth are currently housed in the secured facility, while the larger campus serves a mixed population through vocational, residential, houseless, and cultural programs. She also noted that the facility has worked to reduce its female incarcerated population, as many are trafficking victims, and that programs are being developed to support them outside the facility. Carol Abe also asked about public access to the site, and Metelina ‘Mata’ Aulava shared that tours are welcome and can be coordinated by emailing the facility. Member Lipton also shared that Kinai ʻEha offers community workouts open to the public on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, providing an opportunity to meet the youth in their vocational program, and encouraged the public to visit their website for more information.

VI. LOCAL AGENCY REPORTS — [1:42:05]

A. Board of Water Supply — [1:42:06]: Danielle Ornellas reported three water main breaks in Kailua last month from pipes installed between 1957 and 1961. She also shared that the Board of Water Supply is also hosting a poetry and poster contest for grades K–12 on the theme of “Everyday Conservation,” with a deadline of Friday, February 27, 2026. She also clarified in response to an earlier question that fire hydrants are spaced every 300–600 feet and are maintained at least annually, including flushing, greasing, valve checks, painting, and pressure testing.

B. Marine Corps Base Hawai’i — [1:43:48]: No representative present.

VII. RESIDENT AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS — [1:44:00]: Chair Hicks requested that non-Lanikai related concerns be heard first.
1. Kaelepulu Mini Park (Triangle Park) Restoration: Resident Malia Espinda and neighbor, Wainani, addressed the Board regarding Kaelepulu Mini Park (Triangle Park), which was used as a construction laydown area for the nearby roundabout project. They also highlighted three years of construction use and lack of restoration. The residents requested a formal restoration timeline, not just grass seeding, and presented a letter with signatures from approximately 60 neighbors. Member White, drawing from his construction experience, assured the community that cleanup and landscaping restoration are standard parts of the process and that he would hold contractors accountable if complaints continued. Member Weber reiterated the invitation for the contractor to hold a community meeting and committed to a progress report at the next Parks Committee meeting.
2. Mid Pacific Road Runners – Upcoming Races: Steve Davidson of the Mid Pacific Road Runners Club announced two upcoming races: the Kailua 10-Miler and 5K on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 6:45 a.m. from Kailua District Park, and the Windward Half Marathon on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 6:00 a.m., also from Kailua District Park.
3. Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Community Event: Representative Lisa Marten announced a free community event on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Enchanted Lake Elementary School to provide training and supplies to help residents fight coconut rhinoceros beetles affecting palm trees.
4. Lanikai Parking and No-Parking Discussion and Testimonies: Chair Hicks noted that 75 written testimonies were received: 2 in favor of loop-first signs, 11 in favor of implementing loop signs together with cross streets, 53 opposed to any parking ban, and 9 on other topics. Multiple community members spoke on the issue. Residents in favor of the proposed no parking signs cited life-safety concerns, fire and emergency access limitations, and the danger posed by a single-entry cul-de-sac. Residents opposed raised concerns about access equity, displacement of parking to neighboring streets, inadequate cross-street alternatives, the absence of guaranteed timelines, and the potential to effectively privatize beach access. The Lanikai Association President, Brian Smith, stated support for moving forward with the loop no-parking signage as the only available immediate action. Chair Hicks noted that the Board would not be able to vote on the motion that evening due to time constraints, and that the vote would be deferred to the next meeting on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

VIII. MAYOR AND GOVERNOR REPORTS: Not addressed due to time constraints.

IX. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS: Not addressed due to time constraints.

X. REPORTS FROM MEMBERS WHO ATTENDED OTHER MEETINGS: Not addressed due to time constraints.

XI. BOARD BUSINESS: INDIVIDUAL MOTIONS: Not addressed due to time constraints.

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 — [2:56:38]: The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:57 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

Submitted by: Melissa Urubio, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Robert Whitsell, Deputy, 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.