MAKAKILO – KAPOLEI – HONOKAI HALE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 34

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2026 AT 7:00 P.M.
KAPOLEI HALE – CONFERENCE ROOMS A & B
1000 ULUʻŌHIʻA STREET, KAPOLEI, HI 96707
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=mee4167d5f084f0122abb0e886b5520c5
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2495 301 7791
Password: NB34 (6234 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Join by Phone: +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll

Meeting Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1GE3KMhGmxV2jxDLUnSvRUvThmykz8vGn
Meeting Recordings: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfqRwVpRroomSjGDU7ob3P55DcqT5oWZx

MEETING RULES AND GUIDELINES
1. Order and Decorum: Meetings are conducted with fairness, order, and in compliance with the Neighborhood Plan 2008 (NP). Participants must treat each other with respect and share aloha, stay focused on the agenda, and adhere to time limits. Please silence electronic devices and keep yourself on mute if on WebEx until you are recognized by the Chair. Disruptive behavior or violations may result in removal (NP §2-14-117).
2. Requesting to Speak: To speak, raise your hand in person or online via WebEx. Once recognized by the Chair, direct comments to the Chair and stay on the agenda topic (NP §2-14-118(a)).
3. Reports and Presentations: Reports and presentations should be limited to 10 minutes unless otherwise specified. The Chair may allow public questions (Auth: NP §2-14-123(2)). Neighborhood Board members are allowed to discuss, ask questions, and receive information as outlined in the agenda, as well as receive additional information without providing comments (Agenda Guidance for Neighborhood Boards, CORR 2024-0718-01, p. 3-5). Speakers online on WebEx are encouraged to either have their cameras turned on, share their slides during their presentations, or both (adopted September 24, 2025).
4. Public Input: The public may present community concerns to the board. Neighborhood board members may discuss, ask questions, and receive information on these matters under the limited notice exemption under HRS §92-81; however, no action may be taken on issues raised by the public (Agenda Guidance for Neighborhood Boards, CORR 2024-0718-01, p. 7)
5. Oral Testimony: Public testimony will be allowed on agenda items, with the Chair setting reasonable procedures (NP §2-14-118(c) and (d); HRS §92-3). Testimony is limited to 3 minutes (adopted August 24, 2022; Auth: NP §2-14-118(d)).
6. Written Testimony: Participants may submit written comments on agenda items. To submit testimony, visit https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/board-testimony (NP §2-14-118(b); HRS §92-3).
7. Board Packet: Written reports, presentations, flyers, handouts, and documents distributed to the Board are available on Google Drive (HRS §92-7.5).
8. Agenda Items and Voting: Under the Hawaii State Sunshine Law (HRS §92), matters not listed on the agenda cannot be voted on unless added during the meeting. The Board may add items if (1) the matter is not major, (2) it doesn’t affect many people, and (3) two-thirds of the full membership approves (HRS §92-7(d)). Items may also be added if an unanticipated event requires timely action for public health, welfare, or safety (HRS §92-8).
9. Board Boundaries: https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/boards-and-sub-district-boundary-descriptions

1. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Anthony Makana Paris (makana.paris@gmail.com)

2. ROLL CALL – Neighborhood Board Curtis Hayashi (curtis.hayashi@honolulu.gov)

3. REPORTS (Limited to 10 minutes each)
a. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) on incidents/statistics/safety tips (HFDNHB@honolulu.gov)
b. Honolulu Police Department (HPD) on incidents/statistics/safety tips (https://www.honolulupd.org/contact-us)
c. Board of Water Supply (BWS) regarding incidents/statistics/projects/tips, Red Hill-related water concerns, and other water concerns – Nicole Rodwell (https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/contact)
d. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative on constituent concerns, city projects, and newsletter updates (https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter) – Deputy Director Deborah Zysman of the Office of Economic Revitalization (https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/contact-the-mayor)
HNL 311: Request a City service or report a City issue at HNL311.com or use the new HNL 311 mobile app
e. Councilmember Andria Tupola on constituent concerns, city projects, and Honolulu City Council updates (atupola@honolulu.gov)
f. Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) regarding airports, harbors, highway incidents and statistics, traffic, and existing and planned projects related to District 34 (https://hidot.hawaii.gov/contact)
g. Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) regarding programming and planned projects related to District 34, and statewide efforts on cultural protection, investment in education, economic sustainability, health, quality health, annual event, sponsorship support, and advocacy and legislative efforts (info@oha.org)
h. O‘ahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) regarding OMPO Policy Board, Citizens’ Advisory Board, Technical Advisory Committee, OMPO events, and the status of Makakilo Drive completion on the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) – Board Delegate Frank Genadio (https://oahumpo.org) (genadiof001@hawaii.rr.com)

4. PRESENTATIONS
a. Update from the Neighborhood Commission – Larry Veray, Vice Chair of the Neighborhood Commission. For questions, comments, or concerns (LVERAY@hawaii.rr.com) (Limited to 5 minutes)
b. Homeless Outreach and Navigation for Unsheltered Persons (HONU) Return to Kapolei – Edward (Ted) Hayden, Community Based Development Division – Department of Community Services. For questions, comments, or concerns (edward.hayden@honolulu.gov) (Limited to 10 minutes)
c. USTA Hawaiʻi Pacific Campus – Ron Romano, Executive Director. For questions, comments, or concerns: (romano@hawaii.usta.com) (Sunny Rosaio, Manager of Governmental Affairs & Community Relations, Gentry Homes, LTD.; sunnyr@gentryhawaii.com) (Limited to 10 minutes)
d. Amazon Kapolei ARS Fulfillment Center Project Update – Amazon’s proposed facility is a 2.8 million square foot, five-story Amazon Robotics Sortable (ARS) fulfillment center located at 91-400 Malakole Street within the Kapolei Harborside Business Park in ʻEwa, Oʻahu. With a total capital investment of $600 million – the largest private investment in West Oʻahu’s history – the facility is designed to receive, store, package, and fulfill customer orders using advanced robotics technology, bringing over 1,000 full-time jobs to the region. Group 70 (agent of record) and Kahanu Palencia-Cuban, DTL Hawai‘i.
For questions, comments, or concerns: (kahanu@dtlhawaii.com) (Limited to 20 minutes)

5. PUBLIC INPUT (Limited to 3 minutes per member of the public in totality)
Elected officials and their community liaisons should raise their hand to be recognized during this agenda item.
Contact Information for U.S. House/State Elected Representatives and their Community Liaisons to the Board:
a. U.S. Congressman Ed Case (https://case.house.gov/contact)
b. U.S. Congresswoman Jill Tokuda (https://tokuda.house.gov/contact)
c. Governor Josh Green (https://governor.hawaii.gov/contact-us) – HHFDC Housing Information Officer Gordon Pang
(gordon.pang@hawaii.gov)
d. State Senator Mike Gabbard (District 21) (sengabbard@capitol.hawaii.gov) – Melanie June
(m.june@capitol.hawaii.gov)
e. State Senator Samantha DeCorte (District 22) (sendecorte@capitol.hawaii.gov)
f. State Representative Diamond Garcia (District 42) (repgarcia@capitol.hawaii.gov)
g. State Representative Kanani Souza (District 43) (repsouza@capitol.hawaii.gov)
h. State Representative Darius Kila (District 44) (repkila@capitol.hawaii.gov)

6. BOARD BUSINESS
a. Action: Neighborhood Board No. 34 Position on Amazon’s Application 2026-ZCH-2 to change the height district of Parcel 063 (por.) from 60-foot to 100-foot in the IMX-1 Industrial Commercial Mixed-Use District for the development of Project Savoy – an Amazon warehouse and fulfillment center in Kapolei Harborside Center, Kapolei. Project Savoy is proposed to be a five-story advanced Amazon warehouse and fulfillment center with ancillary uses – e.g., associated parking area, loading docks, offices, employee break rooms, on-site training rooms, and open space (indoors and outdoors) for employee use.
b. Resolution – ESTABLISHING A PERMITTED INTERACTION GROUP TO NEGOTIATE COMMUNITY AMENITIES, MITIGATIONS, AND A COMMUNITY BENEFITS AGREEMENT FOR THE AMAZON KAPOLEI ARS FULFILLMENT CENTER PROJECT
Note: The PIG is open to participation from community members and neighborhood-district stakeholders, including businesses, nonprofit, cultural, faith, labor, and civic organizations, and homeowner associations, located within the neighborhood district. Parties wishing to join the PIG should contact the Chair or show up at the meeting to express their interest.

c. Committee Reports:
• Transportation – Michael Ferreira
• Parks & Recreation – Mikiala Lidstone
• Environmental Justice
• Beautification and Holiday – Carol England
• Community Outreach and Education – Sheila Medeiros

7. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. Next Scheduled Meeting: The next scheduled Neighborhood Board No. 34 meeting is Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Kapolei Hale – Conference Rooms A & B and online via Webex (https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/nb34). Sign up for meeting agendas/notices via email at https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/newsletter-subscription.
b. Meeting Recordings: Visit https://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice to watch all Neighborhood Board meeting recordings. Neighborhood Board No. 34 meetings are televised on OLELO Channel 49 on the second Friday at 9:00 p.m. and the third Saturday at 12:00 p.m. (https://olelo.org/tv-schedule).

8. 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, HI 96817, by telephone on (808) 768-3710, fax (808) 768-3711, or emailing nco@honolulu.gov. Agenda documents and minutes are also available online at http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards.

All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours of the meeting, written and/or oral testimony may be submitted directly to the Board at the meeting. If submitting written testimony, please note the Board and agenda item(s) your testimony concerns. Send to: Neighborhood Commission Office, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817, fax (808) 768-3711, or complete the form on https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/board-testimony.

If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability or an interpreter for a language other than English, please call the Neighborhood Commission Office at (808) 768-3710 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or send an email to nco@honolulu.gov as soon as possible, preferably at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. If a request is received with fewer than three (3) business days remaining before the meeting, we will try to obtain the auxiliary aid/service or accommodation, but it may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.
KAPOLEI HALE – CONFERENCE ROOM A & B – 1000 ULUʻŌHIʻA STREET, KAPOLEI, HI 96707
AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING

Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXSb_Sx8EXQ

Reports & other meeting materials can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1GE3KMhGmxV2jxDLUnSvRUvThmykz8vGn

CALL TO ORDER – [0:01:02]: Chair Paris called the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. He also announced the speaking rules.

ROLL CALL – [0:04:26]: Neighborhood Board Assistant Melissa Urubio conducted a roll call to identify all Board Members present. Chair Paris also acknowledged outgoing Neighborhood Board Assistant Jeffrey Jones for his dedicated service. Quorum was established with 7 members present. Note: This 9-member Board requires 5 members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present: Kioni Dudley, Carol England, Michael Ferreira, Moon Kahele, Mikiala Lidstone, Sheila Medeiros, Anthony Makana Paris, and Tiare Taala (7:45 p.m).

Members Absent: Amy Bossler.

Guests: Captain Brandon Stevens (Honolulu Fire Department, East Kapolei Fire Station); Corporal Cory Makino, Sergeant Fumi Muraoka (Honolulu Police Department, District 8); Deborah Zysman, Deputy Director, Office of Economic Revitalization (Mayor’s Representative); Roger Babcock, Director, and Josh Nagashima, Program Administrator (Department of Environmental Services); Councilmember Andria Tupola; Senator Mike Gabbard and Melanie June (Senator Mike Gabbard’s Office); Representative Kanani Souza; Senator Kurt Fevella, Councilmember Andria Tupola; Representative Darius Kila; McKenna Woodward (Office of Hawaiian Affairs); Frank Genadio (OMPO Board Delegate); Mike Plowman (ʻEwa Neighborhood Board Military Affairs Chair); Joni Henderson (Rotary Club of Kapolei); Lu Ann Lankford-Faborrito (Makaha Hawaiian Civic Club); Malia (Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs); Hoʻomana Pono LLC; Braedon Wilkerson, Brian, Deborah Zysman, Dylan, George Grace, Johnnie-Mae L. Perry, Joe Page, Kamakaimoku, Kawena Holu, Kealani Makaiwi, Keone Catian, Kui Meyer, Linda Reeve, Madeline Bresler, Mike Golojuch, Moleka Hicks, Naomi Hanohano, Nohea Stevens, Sanoe Marfil, Sherry Kaiwi, Skye Kolealani Razon-Olds, Susan Gorman-Chang, Tesha Malama, Venus Pajimola, Veronica Munekata, Loyd Fowler, Scott Olson, Sandy S., Henry Gabriel, Teri Savaiinaea, James Cowles, Ginger Fuafa, Wanda Iacovitti, Wendy Nelson, Barb M., Ken Williams, Kristin Vasquez, Sweetie Nelson, Rochelle Kawelo, Georgiana Navons, Nāpualo Kelani, Jackie Zahn, Leticia Hernandez, Mike Freitas, Robert Milann, B. McCann, Shelby Billionaire, Maxine Pickford, Tima Alder, Doug Williams, Kalei Hoyle-Kamda, Awapuhi Kalauli, Robert and Kathleen Curry, Nikki Medwetz, Lei Mahi, D. Arnstrong, Cathy and Chuck Finney, June and Mike Bebo, Nick and Julieanne Young, Michelle P., Visa Castillo, Nive Pedro, Brandyn P., Kanani Souza, Trance E., Leslie Keating, Shane M., W. Kaiwi, Rowena Hambaro, Glenn Bishop, Matt Caires, Kahakuakoi, Tara Rojas, Madelyn McKeague, Roberta Stensgaard, Jeremiah Magallones, Pep Kila, Stacey Eli, M. Kaleoohano, Ben Angarone, Anna Steed, Bryan Toda, Patrick Watson, Dorrean Kaehea, Chayslee Pauao, Kiran Polk, Brystan and Mahealani Kahalepuna, L. Kahalepuna, Conrad Higa, Melody P., William Albritton, Susan Trumbley, Carmen Guzman Simpliciano, Khiara Kaleiwahea, Shauna Kahiapo, Floyd Tsaka, Kathleen and Solomon Kauinana, Stan Ma, Patty, De Mont Kalai Manaole, James Cowles, Terry Savaiinaea, Lokana, Kaukaohu Wahilani, Joshua Damon, Nani Peterson (Residents and Community Members); Melissa Urubio (Neighborhood Commission Office). There were approximately 204 total participants. Name not included if not legible on sign-in sheet, not signed in, and/or not participated in discussion.

REPORTS – [0:05:45]

Honolulu Fire Department – [0:06:16]: Captain Brandon Stevens provided the March 2026 incident statistics, which included 3 structure fires, 1 wildland fire, 9 rubbish fires, 43 activated alarms with no fire present, 176 medical emergencies, 1 motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian, 1 motor vehicle crash/collision, 2 ocean rescues, and 3 hazardous materials incidents. He also shared the safety tip for the month focused on evacuation planning, advising residents to have an emergency preparedness plan in place, familiarize themselves with at least two escape routes, sign up for alerts at hnlalert.gov, and bring a go-bag with essential items. For more information, residents can email HFDNHB@honolulu.gov.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:08:13]
1. Makakilo Evacuation Route Concern: Resident Wendy Nelson asked how evacuation planning applies to Makakilo given it has only one road in and one road out, particularly if a fire were to break out halfway up the hill. Captain Stevens acknowledged that some neighborhoods have only one access route, advising residents to leave early at any sign of fire or danger and suggesting that the Honolulu Police Department could be called to assist with traffic control. Chair Paris added that the Makakilo Drive completion issue remains on the docket for the Mayor’s representative and noted the ongoing stall with the emergency access road with Grace Pacific.
2. Landfill Fire Preparedness: Senator Fevella asked whether the Honolulu Fire Department has the right equipment to fight a fire at the existing landfill, given the hazardous waste and materials stored there. Captain Stevens responded that the Honolulu Fire Department has a hazardous materials unit, noting that for basic rubbish fires they would respond normally, but would evacuate and allow the fire to burn if hazardous materials were identified. He committed to getting more information from administration on landfill-specific capabilities.
3. Community Fire Safety and Accountability: Resident Jackie Zahn shared concerns about being trapped during past emergencies and the difficulty of evacuating from Makakilo. She raised the need for another egress route and better Home Owner Association rule enforcement. Captain Stevens advised perimeter residents to clear brush and keep flammables away from their homes. Chair Paris acknowledged the complications around easements and overlapping jurisdictions in the area.
4. Asbestos Preparedness at Waimānalo Gulch: Resident Patty asked whether the Honolulu Fire Department is trained to handle asbestos, noting that asbestos was moved to Waimānalo Gulch in 2021, and inquired about departmental readiness in the event of an emergency release. Captain Stevens confirmed that the Honolulu Fire Department has a hazardous materials unit and committed to providing a solid answer on asbestos capabilities, noting it is a situation where personnel would not be unnecessarily exposed.

Honolulu Police Department – [0:17:23]: Corporal Cory Makino of District 8 Community Policing Team, joined online by Sergeant Fumi Muraoka, provided the March 2026 statistics: motor vehicle thefts – 26 district-wide, 9 in Kapolei; burglaries – 15 district-wide, 4 in Kapolei; thefts – 112 district-wide, 57 in Kapolei; unauthorized entry into motor vehicles – 28 district-wide, 20 in Kapolei; 47 speeding citations; 734 moving violations; 66 parking violations; 1,037 total citations issued; total calls for service – 8,473 district-wide, 2,834 in Kapolei.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:18:32]
1. Homelessness and Dumping at Barber’s Point Campground: Member Ferreira reported receiving increasing community complaints about a growing homeless population at the Barber’s Point campground and nearby dumping near the area where a racetrack is planned, and asked about enforcement efforts and whether individuals could be directed to services in town. Sergeant Muraoka confirmed that the Honolulu Police Department is aware of the issue, has scheduled cleanups in cooperation with property owners, Department of Facility Maintenance, and City and County parks, and will include outreach services to assist individuals into shelters and housing. Sergeant Muraoka also confirmed that the Honolulu Police Department has a map of the divided jurisdictions in the area and works with relevant parties when cleaning specific areas.
2. Campaign Signs on Private Property Without Permission: Barbie Hatcher, speaking on behalf of her aunt, reported that Representative Kanani Souza for District 43 had installed campaign signs on her aunt’s wooden fence with screws without permission in December 2025, causing property damage, and that despite a police report filed on Sunday, January 18, 2026 the matter remained unresolved after over 90 days. She asked about the process following a police report. Sergeant Muraoka reviewed the report number (26-022931) and clarified that the report was filed to document the facts, but that the aunt was not pursuing a criminal complaint at this time, making it a non-criminal matter unless she changes her mind. State Representative Kanani Souza stated she had permission from all property owners where she placed banners and had filed her own police report for damaged banners, noting the matter had been reported to the Neighborhood Board Commission. Johnnie-Mae Perry clarified that state law requires signs to be removed 45 days before an election. Chair Paris reminded attendees that the Board has authority to air community concerns but cannot rule on legal compliance.

[0:33:02] Member Dudley requested that the Board move directly to the landfill presentation given the large community turnout. Hearing no objections, Chair Paris announced that the Makaiwa Hills Landfill presentation by the Department of Environmental Services and the related resolution would be taken out of order.

PRESENTATIONS – [0:35:00]

Public Infrastructure (PIM) Revision Application for Makaiwa Hills Landfill – [0:35:12]: Roger Babcock, Director of the Department of Environmental Services (ENV), and Josh Nagashima, Program Administrator and Chief of the Refuse Division, presented on the proposed Public Infrastructure Map (PIM) revision application for the new Makaiwa Hills landfill, which is intended to replace the existing Waimānalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill (WGSL) – Oʻahu’s only municipal solid waste landfill – currently at its last cell with capacity until 2031 and required to close no later than Thursday, March 2, 2028 under its Special Use Permit. Josh Nagashima explained that after a multi-step siting process constrained by Act 73’s half-mile buffer requirements and Federal Aviation Administration restrictions, Makaiwa Hills emerged as the only viable site, consisting of approximately 150 acres for disposal with up to 500 additional acres for supporting infrastructure on two parcels, with a land acquisition budget of $55M in FY27–28. Josh Nagashima noted that the Public Infrastructure Map revision is the required first step in the permitting process, with subsequent steps including an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), cultural resource assessment, and additional public comment periods, estimating approximately seven years from this step to landfill opening. Josh Nagashima also described a proposed host community benefit program modeled after the Kaua’i landfill fund, where increased tipping fees would generate revenue directed to a community-led committee to determine local investment priorities such as community facilities and infrastructure.
• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lFxVJDbqjk_FgRk3ufYQwQfwwmAjHKXW/view?usp=drive_link

Member Taala joined the meeting at 7:45 p.m. – 8 members present.

Questions, comments, and concerns from the board followed – [0:57:15]
1. Gap Coverage: 2028 to 2031: Member England asked how waste will be managed during the gap between the Waimānalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill closure (2028) and the opening of a new landfill (estimated 2031 or later). Director Babcock explained that the Department of Environmental Services has applied for an extension of the Waimānalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill closure deadline to 2031 and is evaluating options including waste export and regional agreements to address any remaining gap.
2. No Zero-Waste Countries and Alternatives: Member Dudley asked whether there are countries with zero waste and why Hawaiʻi cannot replicate such models. Director Babcock clarified no country has achieved truly zero waste, but countries like Japan (90% diversion) are approaching it. He noted H-Power already diverts 83% of Oʻahu’s waste stream from landfills, which is significantly higher than most mainland cities. He also added that the Department of Environmental Services continues efforts to expand recycling, including a new food waste composting program launched Wednesday, April 1, 2026 (180,000 tons/year).
3. Act 73 and Half-Mile Buffer – Kapaʻa Quarry Possibility: Member Medeiros asked whether reducing the Act 73 buffer from a half-mile to a quarter mile could make the Kapaʻa Quarry viable and what efforts the City made to lobby state legislators for such a change. Director Babcock acknowledged that reducing the buffer could open the quarry option but stated the conversations with legislators on amending Act 73 were not within his knowledge. Chair Paris followed up asking why condemnation powers could not be used for residences near the quarry instead of for Makaiwa Hills. Director Babcock explained that over 250 homes, a school (Le Jardin Academy), the former Hawaiʻi Pacific University campus, and a high-rise building would need to be condemned – a far more costly and complex process than acquiring one property.
4. Landfill Siting Alternatives and Community Impact: Member Ferreira asked whether the Great Pacific Quarry could be condemned and used as a landfill instead, given its location away from homes, and raised serious concerns about the existing dump’s impact on nearby communities — including dust on vehicles, respiratory issues, and proximity to three large residential developments. Director Babcock responded that the quarry is not a viable option due to the half-mile buffer requirement and nearby residentially zoned properties, and clarified that while Act 73 (2020) introduced the buffer, it was Act 255 — passed just last year — that eliminated all central Oʻahu sites, including Kunia, Wahiawā, and Haleiwa, leaving the current expansion as the only available option.
5. Makaiwa Hills Housing Plans and View Plane Analysis: Member Dudley asked whether the Makaiwa Hills area is planned for housing and whether Makakilo residents would have a direct view of the dump if it were sited there. Director Babcock explained that Makaiwa Hills received tentative approval for 4,200 residential units back in 2004 but the zoning change was never finalized, leaving it agriculturally zoned, and that the property owner has expressed no interest in selling — noting that the City Council at the time chose the Waimānalo Gulch expansion over the Makaiwa site even then. Josh Nagashima added that a view plane analysis was conducted from Makakilo and determined that the ridge to the west would block residents’ view of the Makaiwa site.
6. Campbell Industrial Park Exclusion and Wahiawā Consideration: Member Kahele asked why the landfill could not be relocated to Campbell Industrial Park, noting that recycling vendors are already operating there, and also questioned whether Wahiawā could be brought back into consideration despite Act 255, given existing environmental concerns like Red Hill. Director Babcock responded that Campbell Industrial Park is entirely excluded due to a Federal Aviation Administration requirement prohibiting landfills within 10,000 feet of airports and their flight paths.
7. Site Elimination Process and Available Technical Documentation: Chair Paris asked where the technical memorandum documenting how all other sites were eliminated and Makaiwa Hills was selected could be found for public review. Director Babcock clarified that no single such memorandum exists, but pointed to two publicly available documents on the website — the Landfill Advisory Committee’s final report and a Supplemental Technical Evaluation examining sites that would become available if Act 73’s aquifer restrictions were modified.
8. Zero-Waste Goals vs. Landfill Necessity for Oʻahu: Member Dudley called for the creation of a dedicated group to pursue zero-waste strategies like those achieved in Germany, Sweden, Japan, and other countries, questioning why Honolulu cannot make a stronger push to eliminate the need for a landfill altogether. Director Babcock acknowledged the City’s existing Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan and zero-waste goals, but explained that a landfill remains a necessity for Oʻahu due to disaster debris planning — a Category 4 hurricane alone could generate roughly 20 years’ worth of landfill material — as well as the H-POWER facility’s permit requirement to have an on-island ash disposal site, noting that H-POWER already diverts 83% of the waste stream from the landfill by reducing trash volume by 90%.
9. Decision-Making Process and Cultural Study: Councilmember Andria Tupola raised multiple questions: who decided on the Makaiwa Hills site; whether cultural studies were conducted; why $30 million for land acquisition was placed in the budget when the land has not been approved for purchase; and what the benefits package will consist of. Director Babcock responded that the decision was an administration decision, and that cultural evaluation will be required as part of the Environmental Impact Statement – once condemnation or purchase proceedings begin and access to the property is granted, that the budget line is required to enable any future purchase, and that the benefits package will be determined by a community committee funded through increased tipping fees.
10. Legislative Outreach Regarding Act 73 and West Oahu Landfill Siting: Representative Diamond Garcia asked who the working group consulted at the State Legislature — in the House or Senate — to amend Act 73 and open up alternative landfill site options, noting that no legislators representing West Oʻahu were ever approached across multiple sessions despite promises that no new landfill would be placed there. Director Babcock responded that he did not know who was consulted, as engaging the legislature was not part of his task list.
11. Health Impacts and Legislative Inaction on West Oʻahu Landfill Expansion: Representative Darius Kila stated that the City and County of Honolulu had never once approached him in four years to amend the act that would expand landfill siting options, and instead alleged the City was quietly working to kill a weight tax bill to avoid losing up to $120 million. He then challenged Director Babcock on why health impacts — including elevated risks of cancer, respiratory illness, and birth defects affecting the already environmentally and medically vulnerable communities of Nānākuli and the Waiʻanae Coast — had not been addressed in any of the reports. Director Babcock responded that the City fulfills its obligation by complying with all federal and state regulations, including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and that permits issued by the Department of Health are designed to protect public health, adding that the landfill has had no leaching issues. Josh Nagashima further noted that the half-mile buffer required under Act 73 was based on a report identifying increased health risks within that distance, and that abiding by the buffer should address health concerns.
12. Waste-to-Energy Alternatives and Community Health Concerns: Senator Kurt Fevella passionately challenged the City’s continued reliance on landfill expansion, arguing that waste-to-energy technology had been repeatedly presented but ignored due to cost and the influence of waste management industry interests, that the Mayor had personally promised no more landfills on the west side without notifying elected officials of the reversal, and that the community deserved better than federal compliance minimums, citing census data suggesting residents living near landfills lose up to 10 years of life expectancy. Chair Paris also asked why the City cannot utilize the most advanced waste-to-energy technologies currently being used in countries like Japan, Malaysia, and China. Director Babcock responded that no proven technology exists at the scale Honolulu requires, citing significant risks including unproven performance, high replacement costs of approximately $1.5 billion compared to $250 million to maintain H-Power for another 20 years, and the danger of being left without any waste disposal backup if a new system failed. Josh Nagashima added that H-Power is itself a waste-to-energy facility comparable to what is used in Singapore, and that the City is actively working to divert waste through recycling and composting to reduce the amount of ash sent to the landfill, though they are contractually obligated to pay for 800,000 tons of capacity at the facility regardless of usage.
13. Ash Recycling Research and Permitting Challenges: A community member asked whether the City is researching ash recycling solely on its own or in collaboration with other stakeholders such as the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Director Babcock responded that while the City has already paid for the design of an ash recycling facility, construction has been put on hold because the Department of Health has not yet issued the necessary permit, though he confirmed ash recycling is technically feasible.
14. Military Land Consideration for Landfill Siting: Senator Mike Gabbard asked whether the City had explored all possibilities involving the approximately 80,000–85,000 acres of military-controlled land on Oʻahu as potential landfill sites. Director Babcock explained that while three parcels of federal land met all regulatory requirements, the military rejected two — the Waipiʻo Peninsula Soccer Complex area and Iroquois Point near Pearl Harbor — and the Mayor agreed not to pursue the third at Lualualei Naval Reservation, with all remaining federal land being legally unusable as it sits over the potable aquifer.
15. Act 73 Buffer Reductions, Site Capacity, and Long-Term Landfill Planning: Senator Samantha DeCorte posed four questions: what Act 73 buffer reduction would be needed to make the quarry viable, whether a site-specific exemption could work, what the site’s estimated capacity is, and what the long-term plan is once the site is filled. Director Babcock responded that reducing the buffer to a quarter mile would open part of the quarry while eliminating it entirely would allow full use with an estimated 20-year lifespan, that any site-specific legislative exemption would be up to the legislature, and that beyond this site, the City would eventually need either another landfill or a waste shipping solution. Josh Nagashima added that while the City is seeking a 20-year landfill solution, it hopes to work with the community during that time to eliminate landfills altogether, and clarified that the north and south quarry holds approximately 14 million cubic yards while Makaiwa holds about 21 million cubic yards, yielding roughly 14–15 years of capacity if Act 73 and its conservation district land restrictions were lifted.
16. Clarification on Tax Map Key (TMK) Parcels and Proposed Landfill Footprint: Chair Paris and a community member asked whether the Tax Map Key (TMK) parcels being condemned matched those presented. Director Babcock confirmed they did, explaining that Makaiwa Hills LLC owns two adjacent properties totaling approximately 1,630 acres, with the proposed landfill footprint falling mostly within the parcel closest to Waimānalo Gulch and extending slightly into the second.

Resolution – Calling on the Mayor to Keep His Promise: No New Landfills in West Oʻahu – [1:54:28]: Member Lidstone MOVED and Member Kahele SECONDED calling on the Mayor to Keep His Promise: No New Landfills in West Oʻahu. Chair Paris introduced the draft resolution, which the Board had developed in response to community concerns and the Department of Environmental Services presentation. He noted that the resolution opposes the Public Infrastructure Map (PIM) amendment application 2026-PIM-2, opposes any action to site, permit, or build the Makaiwa Hills landfill or any new municipal landfill in West Oʻahu, urges the mayor and the Department of Environmental Services to immediately pause funding, land acquisition, rezoning, or condemnation related to Makaiwa Hills pending full public disclosure and independent review, demands written assurance from the mayor within 30 days that no new municipal landfill will be proposed during his current term, requests the City to disclose all information used to determine Makaiwa Hills viability, requests a public progress update from the mayor within 60 days and quarterly thereafter, and affirms the Board’s commitment to pursuing equitable waste solutions that protect health, water, culture, and quality of life.
• Resolution: https://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-357745/_34%202026-04%20No%20New%20Landfills%20in%20West%20O%ca%bbahu.pdf

Public Testimony in Support of the Resolution – [2:04:50]: After reading the resolution, Chair Paris opened public testimony. Written testimonies were called first, followed by in-person and online testifiers. Testifiers were asked to keep their comments to 60 seconds per speaker to accommodate the large number of attendees. The following individuals provided testimony in support of the resolution and in opposition to the Makaiwa Hills landfill Public Infrastructure Map (PIM) revision.

1. Prince Kūhiō Hawaiian Civic Club – [2:05:41]: Shauna Kahiapo noted that Prince Kūhiō Hawaiian Civic Club strongly opposed the Makaiwa Hills Public Infrastructure Map (PIM) revision, describing the proposal as cumulative harm layered on communities that have already borne environmental burdens in their air, water, and bodies. She called the decision environmental injustice and racism, and urged that if the project proceeds at all, there must be comprehensive baseline data, cumulative impact analysis, continuous third-party monitoring, and enforceable protections. She noted that many other Hawaiian communities from across Oʻahu stand in solidarity with the West Side.
2. Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center – [2:08:44]: As Vice President of the Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Leinaala Kanana testified in opposition to the proposed landfill. She noted that by the City’s own admission, the new landfill would not be operational until 2033 at the earliest, leaving no justification for bypassing a thorough health impact review on neighboring communities in Nānākuli Valley, Makakilo, and Honokai Hale.
3. Koʻolina Community Association – [2:11:01]: Ken Williams, General Manager of Koʻolina Resort, testified on behalf of the Koʻolina Community Association in opposition to the Public Infrastructure Map (PIM) revision. He recounted the association’s decades-long history of opposing expansions of the Waimānalo Gulch landfill, citing a 2011 incident in which heavy rains caused the landfill to release municipal solid waste, sewage sludge, and medical waste – including sharps and blood bags – into Koʻolinaʼs lagoons and Leeward coast beaches following the Cityʼs mismanagement. He traced multiple broken mayoral promises to close the landfill dating back to 2003 and 2004, and called on Mayor Blangiardi to honor his commitment that there would be no new landfill on the west side.
4. Hawaiian Council – [2:18:54]: Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu spoke on behalf of Hawaiian Council CEO Kūhiō Lewis conveyed the organizationʼs full support for the Boardʼs resolution and stated the Councilʼs vehement opposition to the Makaiwa Hills proposal. The representative committed to standing with the community and to working collaboratively with the City to identify an alternative site, noting that the Councilʼs network of over 2,000 members and member organizations would be mobilized to ensure transparent and community-centered engagement.
5. Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs – [2:21:44]: Malia Nobrega-Olivera, Second Vice President of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs testified in full support of the resolution. She cited decades of broken promises by the City to close Waimānalo Gulch, ongoing environmental, health, economic, and cultural harms to Waiʻanae Coast communities, and the current administrationʼs public pledge not to site another landfill in West Oʻahu. She urged the City to withdraw the Makaiwa Hills Public Infrastructure Map (PIM) revision, suspend all condemnation or siting actions, and honor the Associationʼs resolution 2011-43 committing to close Waimānalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill without replacing its burden with another nearby facility.

[2:25:44] Member Dudley requested that public testimony time be shortened to accommodate the large number of signed-up speakers. Hearing no objections, Chair Paris asked all testifiers to limit their comments to 60 seconds while bringing up new information or highlighting key points.

6. James Campbell Company – [2:26:54]: On behalf of the James Campbell Company, the current landowner of the proposed Makaiwa Hills parcels, Matt Caires stated that the company stands in opposition to the Public Infrastructure Map (PIM) amendment and will continue to oppose any expansion of the Waimānalo Gulch landfill. He noted the land has been rezoned since 2008 for up to 4,200 homes and that the Campbell Company has submitted annual progress reports, adding that decisions are made with a multigenerational perspective of seven generations or more.
7. Kingdom Pathways – [2:30:23]: A representative of Kingdom Pathways, a nonprofit Native Hawaiian organization focused on the Waiʻanae Moku area, shared results of a health survey completed in December 2025: of 102 respondents, 50% reported illness or medical conditions attributed to air quality in the Waimānalo Gulch area, with respondents living as close as a quarter mile from the landfill. She stated this data constitutes documented proof of a health disparity and expressed firm opposition to any landfill extension.
8. A Broken Promise – [2:33:10]: A 30-year resident of Honokai Hale and 21-year resident of Makakilo, Mike Freitas recounted that this issue dates to 1985 when a proposal for Makaiwa Gulch was brought to the City Council, and that the Honokai Hale Community Association negotiated with Mayor Fasi to remove it from consideration under a 10-year promise. He argued that approving the Makaiwa Hills proposal would mean Honokai Hale residents have endured three landfills in 41 years – the Palailai Landfill (closed 1989), Waimānalo Gulch, and now Makaiwa Hills – and called on the City to stop breaking promises made to the people of the west side.
9. Decades of Unheard Concerns – [2:35:23]: Johnnie-Mae Perry noted that the community has been raising the same concerns for decades with little result. She suggested the City consider using eminent domain on the Waiʻanae Valley site (formerly identified as Nānākuli Uplands) as an alternative to Makaiwa Hills.
10. Hoʻomana Pono LLC – [2:36:52]: De Mont Kalai Manaole expressed strong support for the board’s recommendation, strongly opposed Mayor Blangiardi and the city’s authority over their community, accused city representatives of being dishonest about the proposed site not being a new landfill, and raised concerns about a new environmental spill reportedly coming from the landfill.
11. City Maps Hid True Landfill Scope – [2:39:10]: A 26-year resident of Honokai Hale, Brian expressed frustration that the Department of Environmental Services’ map obscured the true scope of the proposed landfill footprint, which he stated extends from the ridge on the west side of Makakilo all the way down to Farrington Highway. He argued that the City was not engaging with the community and that residents deserved better.
12. Landfill Threatens Kapolei’s Future – [2:41:10]: A 48-year Makakilo resident, Loyd Fowler raised concerns about the proximity of the proposed landfill – which he described as 2.5 times the size of the existing Waimānalo Gulch landfill – to homes, schools, and the Kapolei business corridor. He cited ongoing dust issues from the nearby quarry as a preview of what residents would face from landfill operations seven days a week, and questioned why residents must wait over a year for permits while the City can move quickly. He argued that with Waimānalo Gulch having capacity potentially extendable to 2035, there is time to pursue real alternatives, including shipping waste off-island, and urged the City not to undermine Kapoleiʼs future as a second city with a hazardous landfill.
13. Ignored Resolution to Stop Landfill – [2:45:42]: Braedon Wilkerson, a former Senior Aide and Policy Director for Councilmember Andria Tupola, testified that during 2021–2022, he conducted policy research and drafted a city council resolution urging the state legislature to amend Act 73, which he determined was the only path to preventing a West Oʻahu landfill. He stated that Councilmember Tupola repeatedly refused to read, sign, or introduce the resolution and that similar requests were made through 2024–2025 with no action. He encouraged members of the public to submit Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA) requests to the Office of Council Services to access records related to Act 73, and noted that State Senator DeCorte was the only senator to vote against Act 255 after being briefed on the matter.
14. Kingdom Pathways / Waiʻanae Resident – [2:50:30]: Co-founder of Kingdom Pathways and lifelong Waiʻanae resident, Carmen Guzman Simpliciano corroborated the health survey findings, reporting that 50% of 102 respondents rated air quality near Waimānalo Gulch as poor and 50% as fair. She noted that Kingdom Pathways is working alongside cancer researchers to further investigate health disparities in the area. She expressed frustration that the Department of Environmental Services had presented to Nānākuli residents in February 2026 without disclosing that Makaiwa Hills was the selected site, and that $30 million in land acquisition funds were sought while the community was kept uninformed. She also referenced a reported environmental spill from the landfill that she stated is being covered up.
15. Nānākuli-Māʻili Neighborhood Board – [2:55:31]: James Cowles, a 50-year Hawaiʻi resident and 42-year construction truck driver, stated that every rubbish dump he has visited in his career is located in Waiʻanae. He stated that he is 120% in support of the resolution and oppose the landfill. He recalled the 2011 landfill breach that sent medical waste and needles into the ocean and into the Koʻolina lagoons, and urged the City to find a different solution.
16. Waiʻanae Coast Neighborhood Board Chair – [2:58:11]: Testifying in her personal capacity as a Waiʻanae resident, she stated strong opposition to the Public Infrastructure Map (PIM) revision and strong support for the Boardʼs resolution. She argued that expanding landfill use next to the community continues a pattern of environmental injustice and that West Oʻahu families, kupuna, and children deserve clean air, clean water, and a future not defined by Oʻahuʼs waste burden. She concluded: “Enough is enough. No means no.”
17. Waiʻanae Valley Homestead – [3:00:11]: Lokana expressed support for the resolution and reflected on the long history of environmental injustice on the west side, noting that landfills, homeless shelters, and other unwanted facilities have been disproportionately placed there. She recalled past meetings in which the community packed into small spaces to fight the same fight, and stated that the community stands for future generations, not just the present.
18. Dumping Ground Since 1909 – [3:02:51]: Kaukaohu Wahilani, a lifetime Waiʻanae resident and 11-year neighborhood Board member testified in support of the resolution and noted that when the Department of Environmental Services presented to the Nānākuli community on Wednesday, February 27, 2026, they declined to disclose the proposed site. He emphasized that historically Waiʻanae has been used as a dumping ground since at least 1909 when the Oʻahu Railroad brought refuse from Honolulu, and stated that the community would mobilize thousands in opposition if the City proceeds with Makaiwa Hills.
19. Lineal Descendants and Native Hawaiian Title Claimants – [3:04:13]: Several lineal descendants of land patents covering the Makaiwa Hills area testified, including individuals identifying as heirs to Royal Patent 6971 and Land Commission Award 11216, as well as heirs to Miriam Kekauluohi’s Royal Patent. The testifiers raised concerns about unresolved Native Hawaiian land title, and the cultural/spiritual significance of Makaiwa Hills. Multiple testifiers stated that because lineal title issues remain unresolved, no development – including a landfill – should proceed. One testifier shared an independent preliminary title report and requested the Board take note that the lands may not have legally passed to the James Campbell Company. Chair Paris acknowledged the lineal descendants’ concerns and invited further offline conversation so future agenda items could be scheduled appropriately.
20. West Oʻahu Blindsided and Overburdened – [3:21:54]: Melody P., a Kapolei resident, opposes a proposed landfill, arguing the community was blindsided by the decision, the process lacks proper due diligence, and the west side of Oʻahu already bears a disproportionate share of the island’s environmental burdens.
21. ʻĀina Maluhia O Waiʻanae – [3:23:46]: Nani Peterson, one of the founders of ʻĀina Maluhia O Waiʻanae and an advocate for Department of Hawaiian Home Lands reclamation of land for homestead living, food production, composting, and soil restoration, shared that a water quality incident near the landfill had occurred that morning, which she documented and reported by email. She advocated for a Kanāka ʻŌiwi-led system of land stewardship integrating housing, food systems, and resource recovery. She also requested the Board adopt a formal resolution supporting a West Oʻahu community composting pilot site with Kanāka ʻŌiwi-led leadership. Chair Paris acknowledged the request and invited Nani Peterson to email the resolution draft for future agenda consideration.
22. Aquifer, Fishery, and Cultural Sites at Risk – [3:27:12]: Dietrix Ulukoa Duhaylonsod raised three key concerns about placing a landfill in Makaiwa/Kapolei: the area sits above a historically significant drinking water aquifer, there is an active traditional fishery whose marine resources have not been tested for contamination, and important cultural sites including petroglyphs and an ancient trail would be threatened.
23. Demand a Real Solution – [3:34:13]: Joshua Damon opposed the landfill and asked the Board to amend the resolution to include stronger language rejecting all three solutions presented by the Department of Environmental Services (ENV) and demanding a fourth, genuine solution to the trash problem. He argued that the community has smart and capable people and should not accept a band-aid solution when long-term alternatives are available.
24. Waste Management – [3:36:39]: A resident argued that the real solution is for each community to manage its own waste, asserting that the landfill’s proposed location is only predetermined by parameters that can and should be changed.

[3:37:46] Chair Paris called for a vote to adopt the resolution calling on the Mayor to keep his promise and opposing new landfills in West Oʻahu. A voice vote was conducted. The motion was ADOPTED; 8-0-0. (Aye: Dudley, England, Ferreira, Kahele, Lidstone, Medeiros, Taala, Paris; Nay: None; Abstain: None.) – [3:38:03]
BOARD BUSINESS – [3:38:07]: Chair Paris announced that all remaining Board Business on the current agenda was deferred to the next regular or special meeting.

ADJOURNMENT – [3:38:42]: Chair Paris adjourned the meeting at 10:38 p.m.

Submitted by: Melissa Urubio, Neighborhood Assistant, Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO)
Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO)
Finalized by: Anthony Makana Paris, Neighborhood Board No. 34 Chair

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