MAKAKILO – KAPOLEI – HONOKAI HALE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 34

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025 AT 7:00 P.M.
KAPOLEI HALE – CONFERENCE ROOM A & B
1000 ULUʻŌHIʻA STREET, KAPOLEI, HI 96707
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m88121d4a49b24530cb2f6836f63653b8
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2495 342 6108
Password: NB34 (6234 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Join by Phone: +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll

Google Drive Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1GE3KMhGmxV2jxDLUnSvRUvThmykz8vGn
Board Meeting Recordings:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Vl-Osiiixw&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. Disruptive behavior or violations may result in removal (NP §2-14-117).
2. 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). Presenters on WebEx are encouraged to either have their cameras turned on, share their slides during their presentations, or both (adopted September 24, 2025).
3. 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)
4. Oral Testimony: Public oral 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)).
5. Requesting to Speak: To speak, raise your hand. Once recognized by the Chair, direct comments to the Chair and stay on the agenda topic (NP §2-14-118(a)).
6. Written Testimony: Participants may submit written comments on agenda items. To submit testimony, visit https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/testimony (NP §2-14-118(b); HRS §92-3).
7. Board Packet: All 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
10. Stay Informed: https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/newsletter-subscription

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

2. ROLL CALL – Neighborhood Board Assistant Jeffrey Jones (jeffrey.jones@honolulu.gov)

3. REPORTS (Limited to 10 minutes each)
a. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) regarding fire and emergency incidents and statistics related to District 34 and fire safety tips (HFDNHB@honolulu.gov)
b. Honolulu Police Department (HPD) on crime incidents and statistics related to District 34 and crime prevention and safety tips (https://www.honolulupd.org/contact-us)
c. Board of Water Supply (BWS) regarding incidents, statistics, and existing and planned projects related to District 34, Red Hill-related water concerns, current and planned landfill water concerns, and water conservation tips – Liaison Nicole Rodwell (https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/contact)
d. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative on constituent concerns (including Makakilo Drive, TheBus, and Skyline updates), city projects/services (including East Kapolei Transit-Oriented Development Special District, Kapolei Parkway Parcels, and HONU Homeless Outreach and Navigation for Unsheltered Persons Program), town halls (https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/townhall), and newsletter updates (https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter, https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/contact-the-mayor) – Deputy Director Deborah Zysman of the Office of Economic Revitalization (Deborah.zysman@honolulu.gov)
e. 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)
f. Office of Hawaiian Affairs 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, and sponsorship support. For questions, comments, or concerns: (info@oha.org)
g. O‘ahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) regarding OMPO Policy Board, Citizens’ Advisory Board, Technical Advisory Committee discussions and actions, 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 (Limited to 10 minutes each)
a. Honouliuli National Historic Site – Presentation by Superintendent Christine Ogura, U.S. National Park Service. For questions, comments, or concerns: (https://www.nps.gov/hono)
b. Laulima Affordable Housing Development in Kapolei Update – The development is planned to consist of four phases: a 70-unit senior housing community, a 180-unit family housing community, a 236-unit housing community, and a 264-unit housing community, all designed to accommodate various income levels and unit types for ʻohana and kupuna; the project will also focus on integrating local amenities and comfort. For questions, comments, or concerns: Kaulana Park, Laulima Hawaii (Kaulana@laulima.com)

5. PUBLIC INPUT (Limited to 3 minutes per member of the public in totality)

Contact Information for District Elected Officials and their Community Liaisons to the Board
a. Mayor Rick Blangiardi (https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/contact-the-mayor) – Liaison Department of Housing and Land Management (DHLM) Executive for Housing Keith Suzuka (keith.suzuka@honolulu.gov)
b. Councilmember Andria Tupola (atupola@honolulu.gov)
c. U.S. Congressman Ed Case (https://case.house.gov/contact)
d. U.S. Congresswoman Jill Tokuda (https://tokuda.house.gov/contact)
e. Governor Josh Green (https://governor.hawaii.gov/contact-us) – Liaison HHFDC Housing Information Officer Gordon Pang (gordon.pang@hawaii.gov)
f. State Senator Mike Gabbard (District 21) (sengabbard@capitol.hawaii.gov) – Liaison Melanie June (m.june@capitol.hawaii.gov)
g. State Senator Samantha DeCorte (District 22) (sendecorte@capitol.hawaii.gov)
h. State Representative Diamond Garcia (District 42) (repgarcia@capitol.hawaii.gov)
i. State Representative Kanani Souza (District 43) (repsouza@capitol.hawaii.gov)
j. State Representative Darius Kila (District 44) (repkila@capitol.hawaii.gov)

6. BOARD BUSINESS
a. Approval Meeting Minutes: September 24, 2025, and Monday, October 13, 2025
b. Filling of Vacancy: 1 At-Large Seat
• Residents interested in filling a vacant board seat must bring current proof of residency to the board meeting or contact Neighborhood Assistant Jeffrey Jones at jeffrey.jones@honolulu.gov for verification in advance.
c. Removal of Officer: Removal of Dr. Kioni Dudley as Second Vice Chair (NP §2-14-121).
d. Committee Reports:
• Transportation – Michael Ferreira
• Parks & Recreation – Mikiala Lidstone
• Environmental Justice – Dr. Kioni Dudley
• Beautification and Holiday – Carol England
• Community Outreach and Education – Sheila Medeiros
e. Committee Assignments: Thad Spreg; Residents interested in serving on a committee, please contact Chair Anthony Makana Paris (makana.paris@gmail.com).
f. Position on City Resolution 25-204: RELATING TO THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS – The Honolulu City Council must approve fund transfers exceeding $100,000 or 10% of the budget under Section 2-17.2 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu 2021. The Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency has requested a total transfer of $7,385,000 from the Climate Resiliency Fund for various climate-related projects. This includes $2,100,000 for storm water planning, $700,000 for drainage improvements on Kulaaupuni Street, and $375,000 for Climate Change Design Guidelines. Other allocations cover community climate programming, wildfire prevention, and efforts under the Global Mayors Challenge, all aimed at enhancing the City’s resilience to climate change impacts. Authorize the Chair to
g. Position on City Resolution 25-109: REQUESTING THE CITY AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF THE CITY’S RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE CRISIS OUTREACH RESPONSE AND ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM AND THE HONOLULU EMERGENCY SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
h. Position on City Resolution 25-222: URGING THE HONOLULU POLICE COMMISSION TO IMPROVE THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE CHIEF OF POLICE THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A TRANSPARENT, COMPREHENSIVE VETTING PROCESS THAT INCORPORATES INPUT FROM RANK-AND-FILE POLICE OFFICERS.
i. Recommend parks for leashed dogs in response to the April 25, 2025, request from the Department of Parks and Recreation and authorize the Chair to send comments. Parks for consideration:
• Kalaeloa Beach Park
• Barbers Point Beach Park
• Kapolei Community Park
• Kapolei Green Neighborhood Park
• Kapolei Regional Park
• Makakilo Neighborhood Park
• Kahiwelo Neighborhood Park
• Maukalani Neighborhood Park
• Makakilo Community Park
• Pālailai Neighborhood Park
• Kamokila Community Park
j. Resolution Admin: Authorize the Chair to update all 2025 resolutions with the new template and allow for resolution numbering (i.e. 2025-1, 2025-2…) and other NCO-recommended non-substantive changes.
k. Resolution: Supporting Puʻu o Kapolei becoming a Public Community Garden
l. Participation in the Pearl City Neighborhood Board Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Meeting on Thursday, November 20, from 6 PM to 9 PM at Pearl City Elementary School. Determine which sunshine law justification our board will use for participation in the meeting.
• Authorize a Joint and Special Meeting: This would allow all members to attend, presenting the only scenario where our board can take formal action on matters discussed.
• Authorize One Person to Attend: This option adheres to the Sunshine Law, ensuring that at least one member can represent the board’s interests at the meeting while maintaining transparency.
• Authorize Two People to Attend: Allowing two members to attend complies with section 92-2.5(a), HRS, enabling them to discuss relevant board business without the risk of making or seeking any voting commitments.
• Authorize Three or Four Members to Attend: For a board of nine, this permits participation of more than two members, facilitating a broader dialogue at the informational meeting or presentation on board matters. It is essential that this attendance does not facilitate any voting commitments, and the event must not focus exclusively on our board’s business.
m. Regarding Emergency and Disaster Preparedness
• Resolution: Urging Government Focus on Hurricane Preparation and Shelter Provision – Urge local and state governments to prioritize hurricane preparedness by providing adequate shelters for all residents in need and allocating funding or tax relief to assist residents in fortifying their homes against severe weather events.
• Resolution: Urging City Council to Amend the Honolulu Building Code to Enhance Safety Measures in New Construction – Urge the council to amend the Honolulu Building Code to require all new houses and apartments to include a safe room with an attached bathroom designed to withstand 200 mph winds, and to reinstate “tsunami design requirements” for all new taller buildings in tsunami-prone areas to ensure the safety of residents against increasing storm intensity and flooding.
• Resolution: Urging the state legislature to create a law mandating that all new government buildings and schools, or parts thereof where feasible, be constructed to withstand Category 5 hurricanes and serve as public shelters during hurricanes, tsunamis, or fires.
• Resolution: Urging builders of future homes and condominiums to recognize the increasing strength of hurricanes and to exceed current building codes by constructing the strongest feasible structures, considering cost implications.
• Resolution: Urging window companies to acknowledge the increasing strength of hurricanes and to recommend the strongest windows and frames that customers can afford.
• Resolution: Urging Hawaiian Electric Company to ensure roadways remain safe and open during hurricanes and fires by placing power lines underground, particularly those crossing roads and located in neighborhoods, and to anchor solar farms and batteries to withstand winds of up to 200 mph.
• Resolution: Urging the Board of Water Supply to propose the creation of backup electric power systems to operate wells and facilitate water movement as needed during emergencies.
• Resolution: Urging the governor and legislature to advocate for the development of carefully worded laws for office buildings and tourist accommodations that permit workers, their families, and where feasible, friends or the public, to take shelter in designated safe areas during hurricanes, tsunamis, and fires.
• Resolution: Urging the United States Military to establish an adequate number of shelters capable of withstanding 200 mph winds for active personnel, their families, and retirees, with a completion deadline of the end of 2030, and to provide grants to military homeowners for fortifying their homes while ensuring that all new military-built houses can withstand Category 5 hurricanes or include safe rooms with attached bathrooms designed for 200 mph winds.
• Resolution: Urging the Green Fee Commission to utilize funds from the “third bucket” of Green Fee income to create as many hurricane-tsunami-fire shelters as possible that can withstand 200 mph winds for the estimated 200,000 residents seeking them and to assist homeowners in fortifying their homes and apartments against strong hurricanes or in purchasing or building hurricane shelters on their properties.
• Resolution: Urging the governor and the Board of Land and Natural Resources to insist on an exchange of money rather than land in current negotiations over Army Leased Properties, requiring an initial large multi-billion dollar payment for the leases, followed by hundreds of millions of dollars annually for the lease duration, with this funding first supplementing Green Fee Funds for building hurricane-tsunami-wildfire shelters for non-military local residents that can withstand 200 mph winds, and second, providing grants and tax breaks to non-military residents for fortifying their homes or purchasing/building hurricane shelters, while also addressing issues found in Environmental Impact Statements, ensuring the care and preservation of cultural sites and endangered species, and mandating public input before lease agreements are finalized.
n. Consideration of Ideas for Submission to the Charter Commission: The deadline to submit Charter amendment proposals is Friday, November 7, 2025. Authorize the Chair to submit any charter ideas that the board approves of in accordance with submission requirements, which include outlining specific considerations such as the issue or concern being addressed, the relevant section of the Charter (if known), any pertinent current charter language, proposed changes, the rationale behind those changes, and the intended impact. Ideas should show how they will enhance City services or improve transparency and efficiency, as well as how they may address ethics, climate action, public participation, or equity issues. Submissions should clearly articulate the proposed amendment’s relevance to the Charter and its significance for the community. For questions, comments, or concerns: Kaleopaa Vares, Communications & Outreach Specialist, Honolulu City Charter Commission (kaleopaa.vares@honolulu.gov). To submit Charter amendment proposals:
(http://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/charter-commission)

7. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next Scheduled Meeting: The Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 will be on recess for November, and the next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Kapolei Hale – Conference Room A & B and online via Webex (https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/nb34/).

8. ADJOURNMENT

‘Olelo Community Television Cablecast of Board Meetings: The Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board regular meetings are video recorded and televised on ‘Olelo Community Television Channel 49 at 9:00 p.m. on the second Friday of the month and on Channel 49 with a schedule of the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at 12:00 p.m. determined by ‘Olelo. The ‘Olelo program schedule is posted at http://www.olelo.org/programming/default.html.

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 https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/boards.

All written testimony must be received in the NCO 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, email nbtestimony@honolulu.gov or visit https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/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 at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. It may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2025 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=eypDXZwDasQ&t
Reports & other meeting materials can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1GE3KMhGmxV2jxDLUnSvRUvThmykz8vGn
I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:09]: 7:00 p.m.
Chair Anthony Makana Paris called the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 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: Carol England, Kioni Dudley, Michael Ferreira (online), Mikiala Lidstone, Sheila Medeiros, Tiare Taala (online), and Anthony Makana Paris.
Members Absent: Moon Kahele.
Guests: Firefighter Adam Slabicki (Honolulu Fire Department); Corporal Makino, Sergeant Fumi Muraoka, and Lieutenant Marina Carreira (Honolulu Police Department); Deborah Zysman (Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Office); Frank Genadio (Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization); Paula Bender (Hawaii Bicycling League); William Albritton (Presenter, Makakilo Resident); Gordon Pang (Governor Josh Green’s Office); Melanie June (Senator Mike Gabbard’s Office); Representative Diamond Garcia; Jeanie (Councilmember Andrea Tupola’s Office); Lloyd Yonenaka (Neighborhood Commission Office); Jeffrey Jones (Neighborhood Commission Office); John Yoshimura (Plus Power); Manuel (Bubble Run); Leticia Hernandez and Bernie Flores (Villages of Kapolei Residents); Susan Trombley (Villages of Kapolei Resident); Leslie Keating (Kapolei High School Marching Band); Fiona Beckley (Makakilo Resident); Ronnie Munikata (Makakilo Resident); Thad Spreg, Mike Reis, M. Son, Johnnie-Mae Perry (Online Participants); Jeffrey Jones (Neighborhood Commission Office) Note: Names were not included if not legible or identified during the meeting. There were approximately 64 total attendees.
II. WELINA – [0:00:16]: Chair Paris welcomed everyone to the meeting and noted that September is Hawaiian History Month. To honor Queen Liliʻuokalani on her 187th birthday, the meeting would open and close with mele (songs).

III. MELE – [0:00:48]: First Vice Chair Lidstone introduced Hawaii Ponoʻi, composed by King David Kalākaua and designated as the state anthem in 1967. The Board and attendees joined in singing.

IV. ROLL CALL – [0:04:42]: Neighborhood Board Assistant Jeffrey Jones conducted the roll call. Seven members were present, establishing quorum.

V. REPORTS – [0:05:29]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:05:31]: Firefighter Adam Slabicki from Station 40 provided the incident statistics for August 2025.
• Report: There were 4 structure fires, 10 wildland/brush fires, 7 nuisance fires, 0 cooking fires, 25 activated alarms with no fire, 173 medical calls, 0 motor vehicle collisions with pedestrians, 18 motor vehicle crash/collisions, 0 mountain rescues, 1 ocean rescue, and 2 hazardous materials incidents.
• Fire Safety Tip: Firefighter Slabicki discussed lithium-ion battery safety, noting that these batteries can overheat, start fires, or explode if overcharged or damaged. Safety recommendations included buying only certified products (UL, ETL, or CSA marked), using manufacturer-approved chargers, charging devices on hard surfaces, not overcharging, and recycling batteries properly at designated locations. HFD will host a Fire Prevention Family Day event on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Honolulu Zoo from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:09:14]
1. Battery Identification: Member Dudley asked how to recognize lithium-ion batteries. Captain Mitch Pang explained they should be marked “Li-ion” but recommended disposing of unmarked batteries as lithium-ion batteries to be safe.
2. Battery Storage: Resident Leslie Keating asked about proper storage of lithium-ion batteries. Captain Pang recommended storing them in well-ventilated areas away from heat, such as garages, and watching for signs of malfunction like bulging. Captain Frean Downey added that manufacturer instructions typically provide storage guidelines.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:15:09]: Corporal Makino provided the report and highlighted the following:
• Report: Motor vehicle thefts: 27 district-wide, 7 in Kapolei area; Burglaries: 10 district-wide, 2 in Kapolei area; Thefts: 117 district-wide, 56 in Kapolei area; Unauthorized entry into motor vehicles: 17 district-wide, 6 in Kapolei area; Traffic citations: 266 for speeding, 412 moving violations, 84 parking violations; Total citations issued: 880; Total calls for service: 8,086 district-wide.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:16:54]
I. Expired Vehicle Registrations: Resident Thad Spreg expressed concern about vehicles with expired registrations parked along Makakilo Drive. Corporal Makino explained that officers don’t routinely check for expired registrations but respond to specific reports. He offered to pass the message to officers to check the area.
II. Marijuana Smoking: Resident Mike Reis asked about neighbors smoking marijuana with the smoke entering his home. Corporal Makino advised that medical marijuana cardholders should only use it at their residence, not in public areas. He suggested calling 911 for nuisance complaints if talking to neighbors doesn’t resolve the issue.
III. Homeless Encampment: Member Lidstone inquired about removing a homeless encampment that had returned to Puʻu o Kapolei at the top of Kapolei Regional Park. Corporal Makino stated they would address the issue and noted that sweeps were scheduled in the near future.
IV. Emergency Access Road: Member Medeiros followed up on a previous question regarding the emergency access road for Makakilo during tsunami warnings. Sergeant Muraoka confirmed they had inspected the road, found it stable for vehicles, and were working with city and state officials to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for emergency access when Makakilo Drive is blocked. He clarified it would only be used for life-or-death situations, not for traffic congestion or accidents.
V. Radar Trailer: Member Ferreira thanked HPD for placing a radar trailer on Makakilo Drive, noting it was helping to slow traffic. Sergeant Muraoka acknowledged the delay in deployment due to needed repairs and mentioned they were working through a list of requested locations.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [0:29:02]: Deborah Zysman, Deputy Director for the Office of Economic Revitalization, introduced herself as the new representative from the Mayor’s office. She noted that a written report had been submitted, which included the Mayor’s newsletter and information about the Charter Commission review process. Recommendations for the Charter Review Commission are due by Friday, November 7, 2025.
Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) – [0:30:20]: No representative present.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs – [0:30:27]: No representative present.
Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) – [0:30:36]: Frank Genadio reported on the September 2025 Citizens Advisory Committee meeting. Executive Director Mark Garity discussed outreach sessions for non-drivers. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) presented on the Navahini settlement and draft energy security and waste reduction plan, noting Hawaiʻi’s leadership in electric vehicle adoption and commitment to electrifying all state and county light-duty vehicles by 2035. Statewide projects will add 52 miles of bikeways and 48 miles of sidewalks.
[0:32:56] Internet connection was lost in the physical meeting space at 7:33 p.m.
[0:33:05] Connection was restored at 7:34 p.m.
Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) (cont.) – [0:33:31]: Genadio criticized the scoring system for the Oʻahu Regional Transportation Plan (ORTP) 2050, which gives higher scores to bicycle and pedestrian projects over the Makakilo Drive second access completion project. He noted that during the July 2025 tsunami warning, few people walked or biked uphill, while vehicles backed up trying to reach higher ground in Makakilo. Comments on the ORTP 2050 will be accepted until Friday, October 3, 2025.
VI. PRESENTATIONS – [0:36:03]
Walk Bike Drive Program – [0:36:07]: Paula Bender from Hawaii Bicycling League presented on road safety. The program, funded by an Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) grant, promotes pedestrian and bicycle safety. Bender noted that traffic fatalities in 2025 have more than doubled compared to 2024. She emphasized that cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers are all part of a “traveling ohana” and shared tips for safely sharing the road with cyclists, including respecting green bike boxes, allowing 3 feet when passing cyclists, and understanding cyclist hand signals. Bender also mentioned that bicycles are reliable transportation during emergencies when power outages occur and roads are blocked to motor vehicles.
• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GCRq20eMpvdB6ELQ1EDlEeBkeenTJ_MO/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:41:20]
1. E-Bike Safety: Mike Reis expressed concern about e-bike accidents, particularly involving teenagers, and suggested banning e-bikes from schools and requiring riders to be 18+ and wear helmets. Bender agreed on the importance of defensive driving and following traffic laws.

Neighborhood Concerns to Proposed Makakilo Bluffs Neighborhood and Kūlihi Street Extension – [0:44:34]: William Albritton, a Makakilo resident and cybersecurity instructor at Leeward Community College, presented concerns about a proposed development at the end of Kūlihi Street below Nemo Street in Makakilo. The proposal involves developing 14.99 acres (part of an 84-acre parcel) into 37 homes and extending Kūlihi Street. Albritton suggested the 14.99-acre size was chosen to avoid state-level review and environmental impact statement requirements. Albritton recommended the land be designated for conservation rather than development, suggesting it could become a dryland native forest, preserving the rare ecosystem that represents only 2-3% of Hawaiʻi’s original forests.
• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tFy3WqoWm5b3R_DfC-HHc4ZObRP31uOp/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:00:42]
1. Food Security: Member Medeiros expressed appreciation for the detailed presentation on native Hawaiian plants but noted the importance of food security, suggesting a balance between preservation and development.
2. Land Conversion: Member Lidstone asked if there were precedents for converting such lands to conservation. Albritton mentioned several accredited land trusts in Hawaiʻi that work with owners, communities, and government entities on such conversions.
3. Specific Concerns: Member Taala acknowledged the concerns but noted they were similar to those raised when Albritton’s own neighborhood was developed. She suggested the community consider whether their opposition was based on “not in my backyard” sentiment or genuine concern about infrastructure and sustainability issues. Taala recommended more research on vertical farming and encouraged the community to consider working with the developer to protect native plants.
4. Discussion with Owner: Member England echoed these points and asked if Albritton had discussed with the owner the possibility of relocating the native plants while still pursuing vertical farming, which could address food security needs.
5. Land Preservation: William’s wife shared her experience seeing the beautiful trees and suggested possibly buying a section of the land to preserve them.
6. Working with Owner: Chair Paris appreciated the constructive tone of the conversation, noting it wasn’t a “zero-sum game” and suggesting that if the owner worked with the community to create a shared vision, it would be easier to gain support from decision-makers.
7. Disaster Preparedness: Resident Ronnie Munikata, a longtime Makakilo resident, shared her experience of environmental destruction in Kailua where she grew up, describing how hardwood trees and a marsh were replaced by housing developments, causing flooding issues. She urged careful consideration of the environmental impact.
8. Development Concern: Resident Thad Spreg reiterated his position that the Makakilo Drive extension should be completed before any new development in Makakilo.
9. Cost of Living: Resident Leslie Keating expressed concern about the subdivision turning into 37 units that would likely be unaffordable for working families, suggesting that high-density housing would be more appropriate for the “second city” and have less environmental impact than single-family homes.
10. Vertical Farming: Member England clarified that according to the owner’s previous presentation, his primary interest was vertical farming, but the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) required him to include housing in the plan.
11. Vertical Farming (cont.): Resident M. Son questioned the significance of vertical farming in a secluded area when food insecurity is greatest in the Waiʻanae side, not Kapolei, and asked how the farm would benefit the broader community.
12. Vertical Farming (cont.): Resident Johnnie-May Perry suggested the vertical farming proposal might be a “gimmick” to get agricultural land rezoned for housing development, noting this is a common tactic. She also raised concerns about water access, wildfire planning, and potential property tax increases.
13. Makakilo Drive Completion: Chair Paris summarized that the Board’s existing position is to not support new development until the completion of Makakilo Drive, implementation of wildfire mitigation plans, and undergrounding of utilities. He encouraged the community to request an environmental assessment even if not required and to continue engaging with the process.
[1:32:25] Lidstone MOVED and Dudley SECONDED to add the proposed resolutions and calls to action that are set to be discussed at the Wednesday, October 22, 2025 Special Joint Meeting. A voice vote was conducted and ADOPTED with a vote count of 7-0-0 (Aye: Lidstone, Medeiros, England, Dudley, Taala, Ferreira, Paris; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [1:40:20]
VII. PUBLIC INPUT – [1:40:30]
Plus Power – [1:40:55]: John Yoshimura, representing Plus Power, thanked the Board for their past support of a battery storage system for Hawaiian Electric. He explained that the 185-megawatt battery system helps capture excess solar energy that would otherwise be wasted and stabilizes the grid by responding within milliseconds to frequency changes. He announced plans to propose another battery project in the district when Hawaiian Electric issues its next RFP.
Bubble Run – [1:47:47]: Manuel announced the Bubble Run taking place on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., starting and finishing on Lexington Street near the Five Star Warehouse. Affected streets will include Lexington Street, Midway, Boxer Road, Hornet Street, Saratoga Avenue, and Tulagi Avenue. One lane will remain open during the race except at the start/finish area. Traffic delays are expected between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Committee Volunteers – [1:50:33]: Resident Thad Spreg reminded the Chair about his request to volunteer for all committees.
[1:50:56] Chair Paris entertained a motion to add the consideration to appoint resident Thad Spreg to be a committee member for all committees. Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED with a vote count of 7-0-0 (Aye: Lidstone, Medeiros, England, Dudley, Taala, Ferreira, Paris; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [1:51:02]
Villages of Kapolei Concern – [1:51:45]: 18-year resident Leticia Hernandez expressed concerns about the Villages of Kapolei association’s new management and lack of transparency. She noted that the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) plans to transfer ownership of surrounding areas to the association by 2030, but these areas are in disrepair. She worried about the costs being passed to homeowners and noted that residents are prohibited from speaking at association meetings unless specifically asked. She has been unable to obtain financial statements since January 2025 despite requests.
Villages of Kapolei Concern (cont.) – [1:58:38]: Resident Susan Trombley echoed concerns about the Villages of Kapolei Association, stating she has fewer rights there than in her condo association. She noted that nearly the entire staff has left since January 2025, and new staff are unfamiliar with operations. She expressed concern about the association working on next year’s budget without providing current financial statements and mentioned a special assessment collected for driveway repairs that hasn’t been used.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:03:13]
1. Association Engagement: Chair Paris suggested engaging with individual condo association boards to make formal requests to the master association, creating a paper trail of requests.
Kapolei High School Marching Band – [2:04:18]: Resident Leslie Keating announced the annual Kapolei High School marching band festival on Saturday, October 25 at 6:00 p.m. She noted that the band has been selected to represent Hawaiʻi in the Fourth of July parade in Washington DC next year and is fundraising for the trip.
Councilmember Andria Tupola’s Office – [2:06:44]: Jeannie Timoteo highlighted Resolution 25-204 regarding transferring of funds and noted that two resolutions from their office had passed: Resolution 25-109 for the core audit and Resolution 25-22 for police chief requirements. She announced the upcoming “Price to Paradise” event at the Blaisdell Center for first-time homebuyers, which has expanded to include a job fair.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:08:14]
1. Loose Dogs: Member Lidstone raised concerns about loose dogs on the west side, suggesting a specialized task force of hunters to trap the animals since the Humane Society lacks capacity. Jeanie acknowledged the concern and said the office is looking into forming such a task force.
2. Homeless Encampments: Members Medeiros and England noted a growing homeless encampment near Kapolei Hale and asked about the R3 (Restore, Revive, Reconnect) program. Timoteo explained that the program at the Dreamhouse provides multiple services in one location to help homeless individuals with documentation, employment, shelter, or transportation needs. She noted the challenge of homeless individuals migrating between locations after sweeps and mentioned that mental health and substance abuse issues complicate solutions.
Governor Josh Green’s Office – [2:14:43]: Gordon Pang, Housing Information Officer for the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC), apologized for missing the previous month’s meeting due to illness. Regarding the Villages of Kapolei concerns, he explained that the process of transferring public property to the City and County of Honolulu is ongoing, with negotiations about maintenance costs. He invited residents to email their concerns to gordon.pang@hawaii.gov. Pang also mentioned HHFDC’s participation in the upcoming “Price to Paradise” event focusing on first-time homebuyers.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:18:52]
1. Upcoming Special Meeting: Member Dudley encouraged Governor Green watch the recording of the special joint meeting on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 due to the topic funding needing his approval.
Senator Mike Gabbard’s Office – [2:20:09]: Melanie June invited everyone to Senator Gabbard’s next “Listen Story” meeting on Saturday, September 27 from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at the Villages of Kapolei rec room #1. The guest speaker will be from “The Wall That Heals Oahu,” discussing the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica coming to West Oahu. The meeting will also cover housing updates, early learning, transportation, safety, and include an open Q&A.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:21:20]
1. Villages of Kapolei: Member Lidstone shared since Senator Gabbard will be at the Villages of Kapolei, it would be a good time for residents with concerns about their association to attend to share their concerns.
2. Upcoming Special Meeting: Member Dudley encouraged Senator Gabbard to attend in person or watch the recording of the special joint meeting on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
Representative Diamond Garcia – [2:22:17]: Representative Garcia reported that he and Senator Gabbard co-sponsored SB662 regarding abandoned vehicles, and HPD has begun towing some vehicles. He thanked Carol Yuan from the Mehana subdivision for contacting his office about overgrown drainage areas between Mehana and the railroad tracks, which have now been cleared. He also announced that a nonprofit called Malama Mentors is working with at-risk Pacific Islander high school students at Campbell and Kapolei High Schools and is hiring part-time mentors.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:24:26]
1. Gratitude: Member Medeiros thanked multiple state officials for the certificate awarded to Board Members at the Initial Convening meeting.
VIII. BOARD BUSINESS – [2:24:50]
Resolution: Supporting the Development of Additional Postal Services in Kapolei – [2:24:53]: Chair Paris noted this resolution was introduced at the previous meeting with corrections to population numbers.
[2:25:34] – Lidstone MOVED and Medeiros SECONDED to adopt the resolution as circulated. Hearing no discussion, a voice vote was conducted and ADOPTED with a vote count of 7-0-0 (Aye: England, Dudley, Ferreira, Lidstone, Medeiros, Taala, Paris; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [2:26:00]
Resolution: Supporting the Expansion of Pesticide Buffer Zones – [2:26:21]: Chair Paris explained that the resolution calls for expanding buffer zones for restricted-use pesticides beyond the current requirement of 100 feet around schools during operating hours to include homes, playgrounds, parks, and 24-hour protection. He noted the resolution targets major corporations using restricted-use pesticides, not residential users.
[2:28:02] – Lidstone MOVED and England SECONDED to adopt the resolution as circulated. Hearing no discussion, a voice vote was conducted and ADOPTED with a vote count of 7-0-0 (Aye: England, Dudley, Ferreira, Lidstone, Medeiros, Taala, Paris; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [2:28:40]
Resolution: Expressing Gratitude to the Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī Coalition for Organizing Hawaiian History Month Celebrations – [2:28:47]: Chair Paris explained that this resolution thanks the Hawaiʻi Pono’ī Coalition for their work promoting Hawaiian History Month, noting this is their seventh organized celebration but the first state-recognized Hawaiian History Month. He highlighted that they began their celebration in Kapolei with an art installation honoring Queen Liliʻuokalani’s 187th birthday.
[2:30:00] – Lidstone MOVED and Medeiros SECONDED to adopt the resolution as circulated. Hearing no discussion, a voice vote was conducted and ADOPTED with a vote count of 7-0-0 (Aye: England, Dudley, Ferreira, Lidstone, Medeiros, Taala, Paris; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [2:30:19]
Resolution: Standing in Solidarity with Kamehameha Schools Regarding its Admissions Policy to Give Preference to Native Hawaiians to the Extent Permissible by Law – [2:30:26]: Chair Paris explained that this resolution supports Kamehameha Schools’ admissions policy giving preference to Native Hawaiians, noting the school is facing renewed challenges to this policy. He emphasized that the trust was established by a Native Hawaiian aliʻi during the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1883, before the 1893 overthrow, and that the school does admit non-Native Hawaiian students, including children of teachers and orphans.
[2:32:29] – England MOVED and Dudley SECONDED to adopt the resolution as circulated. Hearing no discussion, a voice vote was conducted and ADOPTED with a vote count of 7-0-0 (Aye: England, Dudley, Ferreira, Lidstone, Medeiros, Taala, Paris; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [2:33:04]
Resolution: Establishing a Permitted Interaction Group to Support Disaster Preparedness, including Community Resiliency Hubs in the ʻEwa Region – [2:33:12]: Chair Paris explained that this resolution follows up on a similar one from the previous month that was referred to the Environmental Justice Committee. This version provides proposed language for the committee to consider.
[2:33:54] – Chair Paris recommended referring the resolution to the Environmental Justice Committee. Following discussion, a voice vote was conducted and ADOPTED with a vote count of 7-0-0 (Aye: England, Dudley, Ferreira, Lidstone, Medeiros, Taala, Paris; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [2:35:57]
Regarding Meetings Rules and Guidelines: Requiring presenters on WebEx to either have their cameras turned on, share their slides during their presentations, or both – [2:36:09]: Chair Paris explained that multiple community members had requested that online presenters show their faces when possible.
[2:37:20] – Dudley MOVED and Lidstone SECONDED to require presenters on WebEx to either have their cameras turned on, share their slides during their presentations, or both, to the extent permissible by law. Hearing no discussion, a voice vote was conducted and ADOPTED with a vote count of 7-0-0 (Aye: England, Dudley, Ferreira, Lidstone, Medeiros, Taala, Paris; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [2:37:30]
Regarding the Thursday, September 4, 2025, letter from the Office of Information Practice – [2:37:44]: Chair Paris explained that the Board received a complaint alleging violation of the Sunshine Law through email communications from Dr. Dudley to several Board members regarding an informational briefing at the City Council about an interim youth racetrack in Kailua. The Office of Information Practice (OIP) requested an official response including a statement of facts, explanation of the Board’s position, evidence, and contact information. Board members provided statements:
• Clarifying Communication: Dr. Dudley stated the communication was not about business before the Board or anticipated to come before the Board, as the matter had been addressed years ago and was now being handled by the City Council.
• Information Sharing: First Vice Chair Lidstone stated she felt there was no violation as Dr. Dudley was simply sharing information about a meeting discussing a community issue. Other Board members agreed there was no violation.
• No Requests: Chair Paris confirmed that he had received no requests from anyone to put the interim racetrack on the agenda and had no plans to do so.
[2:46:17] – Lidstone MOVED and Medeiros SECONDED to authorize the Chair to draft and submit the official response of Neighborhood Board 34 to the OIP regarding Appeal 26-04, taking into account the attestations of Board members and discussions from the meeting. Hearing no discussion, a voice vote was conducted and ADOPTED with a vote count of 7-0-0 (Aye: England, Dudley, Ferreira, Lidstone, Medeiros, Taala, Paris; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [2:46:47]
Special/Joint Meeting for Wednesday, October 22, 2025 – [2:47:02]: Dr. Dudley proposed a special joint meeting with other neighborhood boards on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Honouliuli Intermediate School from 6:30-8:30 p.m. to address hurricane preparedness and shelters. He explained that Hawaiʻi lacks adequate hurricane shelters, with capacity for only 100,000 people when 200,000 might seek shelter during a Category 1 hurricane, and no shelters rated for Category 2 or stronger hurricanes.
• Request to Vote: Dr. Dudley requested that the Board vote on resolutions and calls to action he had prepared, so the Board could express its position at the joint meeting. Chair Paris ruled this request out of order, stating it would violate the Sunshine Law as the items were not on the agenda and did not meet exemption criteria.
• Appeal: Dr. Dudley appealed the Chair’s ruling, arguing that not voting would undermine the joint meeting and that the issue was urgent given the potential loss of life in a hurricane.
• Executive Secretary Confirmation: Executive Secretary Lloyd Yonenaka confirmed that adding and voting on these items would violate the Sunshine Law as they were not on the agenda and were of major importance affecting many people. He suggested putting the item on the next meeting’s agenda, possibly postponing the joint meeting by 30 days, and focusing on a single, clear resolution about fortifying schools to withstand hurricanes.
Member Kahele joined virtually at 8:50 p.m.; 8 Board Members present.
[3:10:29] – Following discussion, a roll call vote was conducted on whether to overrule the Chair’s ruling. A roll call vote was conducted and NOT ADOPTED with a vote count of 2-4-0 (Aye: Dudley, Taala; Nay: England, Lidstone, Medeiros, Paris; Abstain: None) – [3:12:55]. Members Kahele and Ferreira DID NOT participate in the vote.
IX. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS – [3:14:24]
Next Scheduled Meeting: The next Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 meeting is scheduled for October 22, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Kapolei Hale – Conference Room A & B and online via Webex (https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/nb34/).

X. MELE – [3:15:04]: The meeting concluded with the singing of Hawaiʻi Aloha.

XI. ADJOURNMENT – [3:17:38]: The meeting was adjourned at 10:17 p.m.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Jones, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Lindon Valenciano, Community Relations Assistant, NCO
Finalized by:

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.