WAIMĀNALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 32

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA OF THE WAIMĀNALO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD #32
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

IN PERSON
Waimānalo Public Library Meeting Room, 41-1320 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Waimānalo, HI 96795

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BOARD MEETING RECORDINGS: http://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice
GOOGLE DRIVE: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12YXuGg4fcxrkfzILmf4saauIQ9Osf9z?usp=drive

Purpose: The purpose of Neighborhood Boards and the Neighborhood Plan is to increase and assure effective citizen participation in the decisions of government.

Rules for Engaging: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to click the “raise hand” icon, and when recognized by the Chair, to address comments to the Chair. Remarks should not exceed three (3) minutes. Please ensure your microphone is muted unless you are speaking. You can mute and unmute for those dialing in on the phone by pressing * 6. Please state your first and last name for the record, before moving into your comment/question etc. Written testimony may also be submitted via email using the contact information listed on the Neighborhood Commission Office website. ALOHA, “Akahai”, meaning kindness to be expressed with tenderness; “Lōkahi”, meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony; “ʻOluʻolu” meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness; “Haʻahaʻa”, meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty; “Ahonui”, meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance, in accordance with Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes Chapter § 5-7.5.

Notes: The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (HRS 92), specific issues not noted on this agenda cannot be voted on unless added to the agenda. A two-thirds (2/3) vote, nine (9) of this 13-member Board, is needed to add an item to the agenda. Adding an item to the agenda, however, is not permitted if 1. The item to be added is of reasonably major importance and 2. Action on the item by the Board will affect a significant number of persons. Determination of whether a specific matter may be added to an agenda must be done on a case-by-case basis. Please silence all electronic devices. This meeting is being recorded.

1) CALL TO ORDER – Chair Kimeona Kane
a) Opening Pule/Oli – Volunteer participant
b) Welcoming Remarks – Chair Kimeona Kane
c) Rules of the meeting and announcements – Chair Kimeona Kane
d) Roll Call – Neighborhood Board Assistant Brandon Tsark
e) ʻŌlelo Noʻeau o ka Mahina- #14 Ahu ka hoka i Kapākai. A heap of disappointment at Kapākai. Fooled and left stranded. In ancient times, two fishermen sailed from Kapākai, a small canoe landing between ʻUpolu Point and the heiau of Moʻokini in Kohala. As they were about to leave for Maui, a stranger asked permission to accompany them, and it was granted. Late that night one of the fishermen signaled to the other to toss the passenger overboard because he was doing nothing to help with the canoe. The passenger guessed what they were up to and cried, “Oh! I forgot my cowry sinkers at the canoe landing.” Cowry sinkers were valuable, so they turned about and returned to Kapākai. Upon landing, the passenger leaped ashore. When asked where the sinkers were, he pointed to two half-buried rocks nearby. The fishermen were disappointed (hoka) in not obtaining the coveted cowry sinkers. In another version the saying was originated at the birth of Kamehameha I on a canoe. At the landing at Kapākai his mother pretended illness, which drew attention to herself and gave Naeʻole the opportunity to seize the newborn baby and flee with him into hiding.
2) EMERGENCY PROVIDERS REPORT (Limited to three (3) minutes)
a) Honolulu Fire Department, email the Honolulu Fire Department’s Public Information Office at hfdnhb@honolulu.gov
b) Honolulu Police Department, https://www.honolulupd.org/information/
c) City and County of Honolulu Department of Ocean Safety, Lieutenant Aka Tamashiro

3) PUBLIC AGENCIES’ REPORT (Limited to three (3) minutes)
a) Board of Water Supply – Danielle Ornelas https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/
b) Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – Director Laura Thielen, laura.thielen@honolulu.gov (Five (5) minutes)
i) Waimānalo Beach Park Comfort Station design – Director Laura Thielen (15 minutes)
ii) Oʻahu’s Exceptional Tree Program, Division of Urban Forestry- Navin Tagore, navin.tagore@honolulu.gov (10 minutes)
c) Hawaiʻi State Department of Transportation – Casey Abe, casey.abe@hawaii.gov
4) FILLING OF FOUR (4) VACANCIES ON THE BOARD (Proof of Residency and Oath of Office as needed)
a) One (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 7 (ʻOluʻolu Homestead, plus makai side of Kalanianaʻole Hwy
b) One (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 9 (Old Homestead and beach homes to Makapuʻu)
c) One (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 10 (Farm Lots)
d) One (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 11 (Hale Aupuni)
5) COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS REPORTS (Limited to three (3) minutes each)
a) Education Reports
i) Waimānalo Elementary and Intermediate School – Principal Jamie Dela Cruz, jaime.delacruz@k12.hi.us
ii) Blanche Pope Elementary School, Kula Kaiapuni o Waimānalo – Principal Heidi Rezentes, heidi.rezentes@k12.hi.us
iii) Mālama Honua Public Charter School – Principal Denise Espania, despania@malamahonuapcs.org
iv) Hui Mālama O Ke Kai – Maile Vickery, info@huimalamaokekai.org
v) Windward Community College – Ardis Eschenberg, ardise@hawaii.edu
vi) University of Hawaiʻi, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources – Ilima Ho-Lastimosa, lipuupuu@hawaii.edu
vii) Hawaiʻi Job Corps – Julie Dugan, Dugan.Julie@jobcorps.org
b) Community Services Reports
i) Waimānalo Health Center – Jasmine Lefiti, Jlefiti@waimanalohealth.org
ii) Waimānalo Hawaiian Homestead Association – Kenneth Ho, kianiani@gmail.com
c) Military Reports
i) Bellows Air Force Station
ii) Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Colonel Jeremy W. Beaven, Kristi Kaluhiwa, Kristi.kaluhiwa@usmc.mil
iii) Hawaiʻi Army National Guard – Colonel Ronald Hogsten, ronald.d.hogsten.mil@army.mil, 808-672-1828
6) RESIDENT/COMMUNITY CONCERNS & ANNOUNCEMENTS/PUBLIC REPORTS (Limited to three (3) minutes) For Community Concerns please review the NOTE section in the box at the top of the page regarding adding items to the agenda.
a) Walk Bike Drive, Hawaiʻi Bicycling League- Paula Bender, (808) 371-2821, paula@hbl.org (10 minutes)
b) Project Dana – Madisyn Sim, madisyn@projectdana.org (5 minutes)
c) Hawaiʻi Food Bank, Mobile Pantry – Kim Bartenstein, Director of Agency Relations, kim@hawaiifoodbank.org (7 minutes)
d) Kamananui Gondola Project Report, Chair Kathleen Pahinui, North Shore Neighborhood Board pahinuik001@hawaii.rr.com, (7 minutes)
e) Other

7) ELECTED OFFICIALS’ REPORTS (Limited to five (5) minutes)
a) City Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina, ekiaaina@honolulu.gov (808) 768-5003
b) State Senator Chris Lee, senlee@capitol.hawaii.gov (808) 587-8388
c) State Representative Lisa Marten, repmarten@capitol.hawaii.gov (808) 586-9450
d) Governor Josh Green, https://governor.hawaii.gov/, (808) 586-0034, Randi Jeung, randi.s.jeung@hawaii.gov
e) Congressmember Jill Tokuda, https://tokuda.house.gov/
8) BOARD BUSINESS
a) Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes, Monday, August 11, 2025, (requires a Board Member motion and a second)

9) MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS – Chair Kimeona Kane (Five (5) minutes)
a) Neighborhood Commissions Office Announcements – Neighborhood Board Assistant Brandon Tsark
b) The next Waimānalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 Regular Monthly meeting is scheduled for Monday October 13, 2025
c) 2025 ʻŌlelo Broadcast Schedule – The Waimānalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 meetings are broadcast on ʻŌlelo Channel 49 on the fourth (4th) Monday of the month at 9:00 p.m. and on the first (1st) and third (3rd) Saturdays of the month at 3:00 p.m.

10) ADJOURNMENT, CLOSING REMARKS, & PULE – Vice Chair Kūʻike Kamakea-ʻŌhelo (Two (2) Minutes)
A mailing list is maintained for interested persons and agencies to receive this Board’s agenda and minutes. Additions, corrections, and deletions to the mailing list may be directed to the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) at Kapālama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96817; Telephone (808) 768-3705 Fax (808) 768-3711; or contact the Neighborhood Board Assistant, Brandon Tsark by email at brandon.tsark@honolulu.gov. Agendas and minutes are also available on the internet at wwddw.honolulu.gov/nco.
If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability or an interpreter for a language other than English, please call the Neighborhood Commission Office at (808) 768-3710 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or send an email to nco@honolulu.gov at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. It may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.
All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours, written and/or oral testimony may be submitted directly to the Board at the meeting. If submitting written testimony, please note the Board and agenda item(s) your testimony concerns. Send to: Neighborhood Commission Office, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160 Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96817. Fax: (808) 768-3711. Email: nbtestimony@honolulu.gov

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2025, AT 7:00 P.M.
WAIMĀNALO PUBLIC LIBRARY, 41-1320 KALANIANA’OLE HIGHWAY, WAIMĀNALO, HI 96795
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Video recording of this meeting is found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-35ToQe1UN0&t=6360s

Meeting materials are found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12YXyGq4fcxrkfzlLmf4saaylQ9Os5f9z

1. CALL-TO-ORDER [0:00:00] Chair Kane called meeting to order at 7:00 pm.

Board Members Present: Kanela Kamahalohanuilai, Kūʻike Kamakea-ʻŌhelo, Kimeona Kane, Lillie Makaila, Jehnna McKeague, Moe’ata Mokulehua (joined 7:05 pm), Kapi’olani Nee, and Ted Ralston (joined 7:05 pm)

Board Members Absent: Brenda Wong

Guest Total 37 (18 live, 19 remote): Fire Captain Randall Lindsay and Firefighter James Templo (Honolulu Fire Department, HFD), Lieutenant Villaflor and Officer J. Atkins (Honolulu Police Department, HPD), Ms. Danielle Ornellas (Board of Water Supply, BWS), Director Laura Thielen from Department of Parks and Recreation, DPR (Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative), Lieutenant Aka Tamashiro (Honolulu Ocean Safety Department, HOSD), Business Community Outreach Manager Julie Dugan (Hawai’i Job Corps), Ms. Jasmine Lefiti and Pharmacist Imaikalani (Waimānalo Health Center), Kristi Kaluhiwa (Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi), Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina and Constituent Services Coordinator Irene Limos (Honolulu City Council, CCL), Representative Lisa Marten and Office Manager Emi Horii and State Coordinator Jun Yang (Office of Representative Lisa Marten); Constituent Advocate David Kim (Office of Representative Jill Tokuda), Engineering-Program Manager Casey Abe (Hawai’i State Department of Transportation, HDOT – Highways Division), Kuuleianuhea Awo-Chun (Office of Hawaiian Affairs, OHA), Interns Ella Alexander and Olivia Eagle (Office of Representative Amy Perusso), Mike Buck (Honolulu Emergency Services Department – C.O.R.E.), Sonelle, Pilialoha Callahan, Taylor Campbell, Karin O’Mahony, Olelo Virtual, Brandon Tsark (Neighborhood Commission Office, NCO) (Name may be omitted if inaudible, illegible, or withheld).

Pule [0:02:50]: Chair invited volunteers to lead the gather in pule. Board Member Kamahalohanuilai led the gathering in prayer.

Roll Call [0:04:00]: Neighborhood Assistant Brandon Tsark conducted a roll call. Quorum was established with 8 members present. Note – This 13-member Board requires 7 members to establish a quorum and to take official action.

ʻŌlelo Noʻeau o ka Mahina [0:04:50]: #13 Ahu ka ʻalaʻala palu. A heap of relish made of octopus liver. Nothing worth troubling about. Octopus liver (ʻalaʻala) was not a choice food. It was mashed and used as bait.

2. ELECTION OF OFFICERS [0:28:00] (This item was tabled briefly due to a temporary lack of quorum.)

Election of Secretary [0:28:00]: Board Member Kamakea-ʻŌhelo nominated Board Member Kamahalohanuilai for Treasurer [0:28:20], and seconded by Board Member Mokulehua [0:29:20]. Chair closed nominations after hearing no others and called the question. There being no objections, Chair declared nomination of Board Member Kamahalohanuilai for Treasurer adopted, 8-0-0 (Aye: Kamahalohanuilai, Kamakea-ʻŌhelo, Kane, Makaila, McKeague, Mokulehua, Nee, Ralson, No: none, Abstain: none) [0:29:50].

3. EMERGENCY PROVIDERS [0:06:00]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) [0:06:00]: Firefighter James Templo provided July incident statistics: 27 medical calls and 2 motor-vehicle collisions. He also shared this month’s tip on emergency notifications and resources. Firefighter Templo also addressed three inquiries from the June meeting. First, the ocean rescue incident in May, HFD was dispatched to a missing swimmer near Kionea beach, where the first unit made visual contact from shore and HFD personnel on a rescue board confirmed the swimmer did not need assistance before escorting them back to shore. Second, the jet ski that was previously housed at the Waimanalo fire station has been transferred to another City department. Third, concerning how speed bumps and safety islands (or medians) affect HFD response times during emergencies, Firefighter Templo explained that HFD and Department of Transportation Services (DTS) are working together to balance speed prevention with emergency response efficiency.
Chair noted the arrival of Board Members Mokulehua and Ralston for the record [0:09:50].

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) [0:10:05]: Lieutenant Villaflor introduced Officer J. Atkins from District 4 who provided July crime statistics: 0 motor-vehicle thefts, 0 burglaries, 5 thefts, 5 unauthorized entries into motor vehicle and 0 robberies.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:11:11]

Board Member Kamakea-ʻŌhelo requested that HPD return next month with a detailed report on their protocols and procedures during the recent tsunami warning, specifically regarding road closures and emergency response. Officer Atkins detailed that HPD closed main roads leading into danger areas while keeping outflow traffic open for people to exit those areas.

Board Member Ralston suggested that NB32 should examine what occurred and consider different responses depending on the nature of various threats. He noted that emergency preparedness should be part of NB32’s planning responsibilities and mentioned upcoming meetings with emergency-management professionals.

Board Member Kamahalohanuilai raised concerns about transportation for families without vehicles, specifically mentioning pregnant family members having to walk long distances when roads are blocked. She requested feedback on how HPD could assist with transportation for those who don’t have vehicles when only allowing people to exit danger areas. Officer Atkins agreed to look into this issue and provide information at the next meeting.

Honolulu Ocean Safety Department (HOSD) [0:20:20]: Lieutenant Aka Tamashiro reported July 2025 statistics for beaches from Makapuʻu to Bellows, with over 116,000 in attendance and approximately 17,000 public contacts, of which roughly 9,000 were preventative measures explaining dangers and safer options to beachgoers. Ocean Safety recorded 45 rescues and about 1,800 minor medical procedures ranging from small cuts to jellyfish stings during the month. During the recent tsunami warning, HOSD cleared beaches using ATVs and PA systems, pulled tower guards at 5:00 pm, and mobile responders remained until 10:30 pm, with the lieutenant coordinating with HFD and assisting older residents until receiving the all-clear.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:23:45]

Board Member Kamakea-ʻŌhelo questioned the jurisdictional boundaries between city and state, noting confusion about whether the county’s jurisdiction ends at the high tide line or extends a mile out to sea as Lieutenant Tamashiro explained, and emphasized the importance of understanding these boundaries for resource allocation and contract negotiations. Lieutenant Tamashiro acknowledged the jurisdictional question involves City charter provisions for ocean safety and agreed to research the matter and provide clarification at the next meeting. Board Member Kamakea-ʻŌhelo stressed the significance of the 45 rescues performed and the need for proper recognition and resources for HOSD’s life-saving work.

4. PUBLIC-AGENCY REPORTS [0:30:30]

Board of Water Supply (BWS) [0:30:30]: Ms. Danielle Ornellas reported zero main breaks and no projects currently scheduled in the area for July. She also announced August’s Water Wisdom Program to ensure safe and clean water for current and future generations. Finally, she provided an update to the question of fire ants that while BWS does not have a dedicated budget for fire ant issues, they are training staff to monitor and survey for fire ants, partnering with agencies on BWS properties where ants have been found, and working with the Oahu Invasive Species Committee to provide water access for citric acid spray used for little fire ant control.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:33:25]

Board Member Makaila asked about the Koʻolaupoko plan and whether it includes programs to support watershed recharge, specifically inquiring if there are any active programs in Waimanalo Ahupuaʻa that are being supported by BWS for watershed recharge. Ms. Ornellas responded that she would find out and get back to the board with that information.

Board Member Kamakea-ʻŌhelo requested a report on fire-ant treatments done by BWS. Board Member Kamahalohanuilai also requested specifics on the materials used in the spray treatments.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative [0:37:05]: DPR Director Laura Thielen provided the following announcements and updates:

General Announcements:
• The City acquired land on S Beretania St next to the main police station downtown to support HPD operations.
• The City acquired property on Ala Wai Boulevard for a new affordable housing complex and is beginning demolition.
• Department of Enterprise Services (DES) will install a solar canopy at Ala Wai Golf Course to cool parked cars and power the clubhouse.

Tsunami Preparedness:
• DPR has two disaster response roles: heavy equipment operators move supplies out of inundation zones, and recreation staff serve as shelter staff.
• Assembly areas kept bathrooms open but didn’t open shelters, though better communication is needed about what assembly areas provide.
• Some assembly area bathrooms weren’t opened in a timely fashion because shelter workers were caught in traffic.
Other Updates:
• Botanical Gardens partnered with Oahu Invasive Species Committee to provide education and outreach to Windward community.
• The Waimānalo gymnasium has been returned to DPR while contractors remain responsible for landscaping.
• Director Thielen requested to schedule a September presentation with the architect to clarify comfort-station designs and show aerial views of trenching locations.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:42:30]

Board Member Kane proposed the idea of adding traditional Hawaiian imus to City parks to support community gatherings and cultural cooking practices.

Hawai’i State Department of Transportation (HDOT) Highways Division [0:47:40]: Engineering-Program Manager Casey Abe reported on recent field investigations identifying maintenance issues, including a pothole near Olomana Golf Course entrance, overgrown vegetation between meeting areas and Flamingo Street, and an uneven sidewalk near the 3-mile marker, with maintenance crews working on repairs. HDOT created a new website for public requests for speed tables and raised crosswalks due to high demand, and is asking the board to submit requests for the two locations previously voted on, though he expressed concern that anyone can now request these installations without first discussing with the neighborhood board. Regarding homeowners installing lava rocks and other objects in State right-of-way to prevent beach parking, he explained that both the State and property owners could face liability in accident lawsuits, and while HDOT hasn’t removed these objects due to homeowner concerns, he suggested NB32 develop a proactive solution to satisfy both homeowners and beachgoers while preventing potential litigation.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:51:40]

Board Member Ralston described a safety concern on a quarter-mile stretch between Tinker Road and the bus stop where pedestrians are induced to walk on what appears to be a wide shoulder that diminishes to nothing at a curve where cars speed up, forcing pedestrians to cross mid-curve without a crosswalk.

Board Member Kamakea-ʻŌhelo made two inquiries: first requesting HDOT investigate removing no-right-turn signs between 6-8 am, near Castle High School since a new divider installation is causing students to sit in traffic and potentially be late, and second questioning HDOT’s authority to claim right-of-way on Hawaiian Home Lands, which are federally mandated lands set aside in 1921 for Native Hawaiians. Mr. Abe acknowledged the complexity of the Hawaiian Home Lands jurisdiction question and agreed to research what laws or agreements allow HDOT to operate on those lands and provide the relevant Hawaii Revised Statutes.

5. FILLING OF VACANCIES [0:58:00]

Filling of Vacancies [0:58:00]: Hearing none, Chair provided open invitation for participation from residents who share these lived spaces and would like to represent their communities.

6. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS’ REPORTS [0:59:10]

Waimānalo Elementary and Intermediate School [0:59:10]: No representative present.

Blanche Pope Elementary School (BPES) Kula Kaiapuni o Waimānalo [0:59:20]: No representative present.

Mālama Honua Public Charter School [0:59:30]: Board Member Nee reported that Malama Honua Public Charter School opened the school year with an oli to set the tone and held a week-long kindergarten camp for new students to introduce them to routines, protocols, and their teachers. The teachers had their first day back on July 28th starting at sunrise at Kaiona beach to ground themselves in the land and community, and the school also held their first piko ceremony with their younger students.
Chair appointed Board Member Kamakea-ʻŌhelo as Acting Chair and yielded to them [0:59: 30].

Hui Mālama O Ke Kai [1:02:30]: No representative present.

Windward Community College [1:02:40]: No representative present.

University of Hawai’i, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) [1:03:00]: No representative present.

Hawai’i Job Corps [1:03:05]: Business Community Outreach Manager Julie Dugan provided update that the Senate Appropriations Committee voted 26-3 to continue Job Corps funding with new language constraining the Department of Labor’s ability to close centers, though 45 young adults are still waiting to enter due to required background checks. Due to the previous program pause, Job Corps lost over 100 students and several staff members, so they are now actively recruiting both students for career training and staff for various positions including residential advisors, academic instructors, and security drivers.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:05:45]

Board Member Kamahalohanuilai voiced NB32ʻs support for the work and achievements of Hawai’i Job Corps.

Acting Chair Kamakea-ʻŌhelo vacated seat after interim service and Board Member Kane resumed as Chair [1:07:00].

Waimānalo Health Center [1:07:10]: Ms. Jasmine Lefiti introduced Pharmacist Imaikalani who shared that the pharmacy recently expanded hours to 8:30 am to 7:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, and emphasized that community members don’t need to be clinic patients to use the pharmacy as they accept prescriptions from any doctor on the island. The pharmacy offers additional services, including compliance packaging for kūpuna, medication mail delivery, medication management coordination between providers, and direct consultation from three on-staff pharmacists who can answer any medication questions from community members.

Waimānalo Hawaiian Homestead Association [1:10:20]: No representative present.

Bellows Air Force Station [1:10:30]: No representative present.

Marine Corps Base Hawai’i (MCBH) [1:10:30]: Ms. Kristi Kaluhiwa reported leadership changes, including new commanding officers for the headquarters battalion and air station, and thanked the community for their patience with aircraft noise during preparation for the recent air show that drew approximately 100,000 attendees over the weekend with the Blue Angels arriving on Monday. MCBH also hosted the Obon Festival three weeks prior with about 4,000 attendees, and announced that the Bellows camping area will be open for Labor Day weekend.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:13:00]

Board Member Kane asked for clarification about news reports that ICE will have a temporary to permanent position on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, expressing concern about escalated violence. Ms. Kaluhiwa explained that the ICE partnership was established months ago to provide additional support for background checks on foreign visitors, particularly Japanese allies, since MCBH receives more foreign visitors than other installations, and she agreed to provide more precise information about the long-term.

Board Member Kane also requested an update on the dune restoration project at Bellows, expressing concern about the environmental impact of camping on the flat, non-vegetated area and the need for improved sand dune systems to protect against coastal surge. He emphasized that the current camping setup creates a space only for humans without consideration for native plants or seabirds, and stressed the need for continued conversation about managing this ecosystem resource. Ms. Kaluhiwa agreed to reach out to the environmental department and provide an update.

Hawai’i Army National Guard [1:18:20] No representative present.

7. RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS & ANNOUNCEMENTS/PUBLIC REPORTS [1:18:30]

Unusual Activity in Saddle City [1:19:20]: Resident Aunty Karin O’Mahony reported that on July 8th, an unusual police officer who didn’t look like a typical police officer came to Saddle City and parked in the middle of the private property neighborhood, questioning where they came and expressed her alarm at their presence in the community.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs [1:20:20]: Kuuleianuhea Awo-Chun presented an overview of OHA’s community advocacy work and investments, highlighting their role in cultural protection, advocacy, stewardship, education, economic resilience, health and well-being, with specific mention of eight project review requests for Waimānalo and advocacy for archaeological monitoring due to concerns about potential iwi kūpuna in the area. OHA provides various community grants including educational support for Hawaiian-focused charter schools like Mālama Honua ($6.78 million investment), emergency financial assistance for Native Hawaiian families, housing initiatives supporting organizations like Waimānalo Health Center, and event funding, while also requesting community input through a survey for their 2026 legislative priorities.

Pesticides [1:33:10]: Intern Ella Alexander from the Office of Representative Amy Perusso presented on pesticides in Hawaii, explaining that restricted use pesticides like 1,3-D and metam sodium pose significant health risks including cancer and respiratory impacts, with metam sodium able to drift up to a mile from application sites, making Act 45’s current 100-foot school buffer zone insufficient. She identified a Waimānalo agricultural site that sprayed five different pesticides 167 times in 2019, and for the 2026 legislative session, the office is proposing better reporting systems, increased buffer zones, and mandatory soil and water testing. Ms. Alexander suggested that neighborhood boards can help by adopting resolutions, holding community meetings, testifying on pesticide issues, and supporting locally-owned farms transitioning to organic practices.

Hawaiʻi Food Bank Mobile Pantry [1:46:05]: No representative present.

Eco Resort Project [1:46:20]: No representative present.

8. ELECTED OFFICIALS’ REPORTS [1:46:50]

Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina, Honolulu City Council (CCL) [1:46:50]: Councilmember Kiaʻāina thanked NB32 board members for joining the July 17th site visit to Waimanalo Gulch and announced she has distributed a 20-page white paper on landfill siting that reviews the history of Oahu landfills and prepares the Windward community for any future attempts to decrease the current one-mile buffer zone requirement. She informed the community about the Honolulu Charter Commission’s opportunity for public feedback on charter amendments with a November 7th deadline, suggesting the board consider forming a subcommittee to review provisions including those related to the Neighborhood Boards. Lastly, the Councilmember announced that Kaʻu Kalama-ʻŌhelo from Waimanalo will join her staff after Labor Day weekend to handle community outreach.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:51:15]

Board Member Kamakea-ʻŌhelo thanked Councilmember Kiaʻāina for organizing the H-Power site visit. She responded that she plans to organize a visit to the active landfill at Kaneohe Marine Corps Base for the City Director of Environmental Services who has never been there, and will request access from Colonel Bevin while hoping to include community members in the visit

Hawai’i State Senator Chris Lee [1:54:15]: No representative present.

Hawai’i House of Representatives Lisa Marten [1:54:20]: Office Manager Emi Horii introduced State Homelessness and Housing Coordinator Jun Yang who announced plans to expand the existing Waimānalo emergency shelter site by adding 20 tiny housing units in the established parking area. Yang explained this would be the state’s second Kauhale project (following one at Windward Community College in late 2023/early 2024), with construction planned through the emergency proclamation process and completion targeted before the end of 2024, while maintaining current Department of Human Services programming and HSI service provider operations on site.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:58:00]

Board Member Kamakea-ʻŌhelo asked Coordinator Yang clarify the exact location and TMK of the proposed kauhale site and confirmed this was his first time reporting on the project. He confirmed the location as Saddle City Road at the highway corner (the old Weinberg site) and acknowledged this was his first presentation on the project, though he had previously worked with the Waimanalo neighborhood board representing a previous administration at other facilities.

Board Member Kamakea-ʻŌhelo confirmed the placement of 20 additional tiny housing units on the parking lot side near Jack in the Box/gas station and raised serious safety concerns about flood zone risks and potential downstream impacts from mitigation measures, questioning whether safety planning would occur before or after unit placement given the aggressive end-of-year timeline. Coordinator Yang acknowledged the flood zone concerns and committed to reviewing all plans to ensure resident safety and no negative community impacts, agreeing to provide monthly progress reports to NB32.

Board Member Kamahalohanuilai requested to send written questions for next month’s report since there were too many to ask during the meeting. Coordinator Yang apologized for the short turnaround time, explaining this was the first opportunity to speak with the community after working with Representative Martin, and agreed to accept written questions and return with responses while committing to more frequent community communication.

Board Member Kamakea-ʻŌhelo criticized the lack of community consultation, referencing the previous kauhale built next to a charter school without community input, and expressed frustration with the governor’s office making predetermined outcomes before consulting communities, demanding written contractual commitments to serve the Waimānalo community specifically since as kānaka they recognize intention but demand follow through. Coordinator Yang committed to serving specifically the Waimānalo community’s unsheltered population, confirming they would include the same contractual commitment to serve the local community that was made for the Windward Community College kauhale.

Board Member Kamahalohanuilai asked for clarification on which kauhale was being referenced since there’s already one in Waimanalo, then requested that contracts include clear procedures and policies for how homeless community members can access the tiny homes, expressing concern about rumors of police giving people ultimatums between shelter or arrest, and emphasizing the importance of autonomy and self-determination if people refuse services. Coordinator Yang clarified that he was referencing the Windward Community College kauhale built by his office with tiny housing units, explaining that another kauhale is being built through different leadership and foundations, but did not directly address the policy questions about access procedures or what happens when people decline services

Board Member Makaila asked whether the project was using the governor’s executive order for affordable housing that exempts compliance with environmental impact and historic preservation studies. Coordinator Yang clarified that the project was using the executive order for the homeless population instead of the affordable housing order, and confirmed they would conduct archaeological surveys since they wouldn’t be digging extensively or significantly disturbing the ground.

Resident Aunty Karin O’Mahony expressed three concerns: learning about the project in June at a Martin/Lee town hall, the lack of sobriety requirements given 40 children at the emergency shelter, and parking loss for existing users.

Board Member Kane firmly stated that the evening’s presentation should not be considered consultation since it was a last-minute agenda addition at Representative Marten’s request, and invited Mr. Yang to return with a comprehensive presentation at a properly agendized meeting, emphasizing that while the community supports resources for homeless and houseless residents, they deserve better engagement processes based on relationships rather than poor invitations to conversation. Kane acknowledged Mr. Yangʻs difficult statewide role but indicated that inadequate consultation will receive pushback, while expressing concerns about the timeline and referencing previous problematic interactions with Mr. Yang’s predecessor, ultimately offering to work together on bringing the conversation back to the community in an appropriate manner. Board Member Kane closed with additional questions for Officer Manager Horii to take back to Representative Marten for consideration.

Govenor Josh Green’s Office [2:19:10]: No representative present.

Hawai’i House of Representatives Jill Tokuda [2:19:45]: No representative present. Constituent Advocate David Kim
9. BOARD BUSINESS [2:15:20]

Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes – Monday, June 9, 2025 [2:20:00]: Board Member Kamakea-ʻŌhelo motioned to adopt minutes as distributed [2:20:20], second by Board Member Kamahalohanuilai [2:20:25], Chair called a voice vote, and declared that the ayes have it and the minutes are approved as distributed, 8-0-0 (Aye: Kamahalohanuilai, Kamakea-ʻŌhelo, Kane, Makaila, McKeague, Mokulehua, Nee, Ralston, No: none, Abstain: none) [2:20:20].

Landfill Site Visit Report [2:21:00]: Board Member Kamakea-ʻŌhelo motioned to support NB32’s position in the report as read by Board Member Mokulehua that they are strongly opposing any municipal solid waste landfill siting in Waimānalo, citing the area’s wetland terrain and 42-43 inches of annual rainfall make it hydrologically unsuitable with increased risks of leachate breaches and groundwater contamination, while also threatening the community’s cultural connection to ʻāina and potable water resources [2:26:00], and seconded by Board Member Ralston [2:26:10]. Chair opened the floor for discussion and closed after conversation was finished, called a voice vote, and declared the ayes have it and the motion adopted, 8-0-0 (Aye: Kamahalohanuilai, Kamakea-ʻŌhelo, Kane, Makaila, McKeague, Mokulehua, Nee, Ralston, No: none, Abstain: none) [2:29:40].

Kakoʻo Punana Leo O Koʻolaupoko and Ke Kula Kaiapuni O Pūʻōhala [2:30:15]: Board Member Mokulehua motioned to supported the protection of bilingual classroom capacity at Pūʻōhala Elementary School [2:30:40], and seconded by Board Member Kamahalohanuilai [2:31:00]. Chair opened the floor for discussion and closed after conversation was finished, called a voice vote, and declared the ayes have it and the motion adopted, 8-0-0 (Aye: Kamahalohanuilai, Kamakea-ʻŌhelo, Kane, Makaila, McKeague, Mokulehua, Nee, Ralston, No: none, Abstain: none) [2:32:05].

Motion to Approve NB32’s Recommendations to DTS [2:32:30]: Board Member Ralston motioned to submit recommendations from NB32 to DTS as detailed during meeting on July 14, 2025 [2:33:40], and seconded by Board Member Kamahalohanuilai. Chair opened the floor for discussion and closed after conversation was finished, called a voice vote, and declared the ayes have it and the motion adopted, 8-0-0 (Aye: Kamahalohanuilai, Kamakea-ʻŌhelo, Kane, Makaila, McKeague, Mokulehua, Nee, Ralston, No: none, Abstain: none) [2:34:55].

10. MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS [2:35:35]

NCO Announcements [2:25:45]: Neighborhood Assistant Brandon Tsark announced process for the distribution of installation gear to NB32 board members.

The next Waimānalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 Regular Monthly Meeting [2:36:00]: The next meeting will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025 at 7:00 pm, and will be a hybrid meeting.

2025 ʻŌlelo Broadcast Schedule [2:28:00]: The Waimānalo Neighborhood Board No. 32 meetings are broadcast on ʻŌlelo Channel 49 on the fourth (4th) Monday of the month at 9:00 pm; and on the first (1st) and third (3rd) Saturdays of the month at 3:00 pm. Video replay can be found at http://www.honolulu.gov/cms-nco-menu/site-nco-sitearticles/1657-board-meeting-video-archive.html

11. ADJOURNMENT, CLOSING REMARKS, AND PULE [2:38:20]

Board Member Kamakea-ʻŌhelo closed the meeting with a pule.

Chair adjourned the meeting at 9:39 pm.

Respectfully submitted by: Brandon Tsark, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy, NCO
Final approval by: Moe’ata Mokulehua, Secretary, NB32

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.