MAKAKILO – KAPOLEI – HONOKAI HALE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 34

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 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=mf0b7927dbd4f6a05349de9ab6992f058
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2488 618 7925
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
Neighborhood Board Meeting Recordings: https://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice

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 pro tem Anthony Makana Paris (makana.paris@gmail.com)

2. ROLL CALL – Neighborhood Board Melissa Urubio (melissa.urubio@honolulu.gov)

3. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) on incidents/statistics/safety tips (HFDNHB@honolulu.gov)

4. Honolulu Police Department (HPD) on incidents/statistics/safety tips (https://www.honolulupd.org/contact-us)

5. ANNUAL BUSINESS
a. Election of Officers – To serve from July 2026 to June 30, 2027: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and any other officer the board determines it needs to conduct its business.
b. Meeting Date, Time, Location and Format
c. Determination of Recess Schedule
d. Adoption of Oral Testimony Rules

6. REPORTS (Limited to 10 minutes each)
a. 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)
b. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative on constituent concerns (including Makakilo Drive and other transportation updates), city projects, town halls (https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/townhall), 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
c. 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)
d. 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)
e. 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)

7. 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 10 minutes)
b. JERA’s Proposal to Modernize Energy in Hawaii: Affordable, Reliable, and Sustainable Power – Lynn Miyahira, Vice President iQ360. For questions, comments, or concerns (lmiyahira@iq360inc.com) (Limited to 20 minutes)

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

9. BOARD BUSINESS
a. Approval of Minutes: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
b. Establish Committees and Committee Assignments
a. Transportation
b. Environmental Justice
c. Parks and Recreation
d. Education
e. Holiday & Beautification
f. Community Outreach
Note: The board welcomes participation from community members and neighborhood-district stakeholders, including businesses, nonprofit, cultural, faith, labor, and civic organizations, as well as homeowner associations within the neighborhood district. Individuals and organizations interested in joining any committee should contact Chair pro tem Anthony Makana Paris (makana.paris@gmail.com) or attend the meeting to express their interest.

c. Appointment of Neighborhood Board No. 34’s Representative to the O‘ahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Citizen Advisory Committee

Note: The Board welcomes interested individuals to be considered for the position of the Board’s official OMPO CAC liaison. Please contact the Chair pro tem Anthony Makana Paris (makana.paris@gmail.com) or attend the meeting to express your interest.
d. Resolution – URGING THE HONOLULU END LANDFILLS TASK FORCE AND THE HAWAIʻI DEMOLITION WASTE REDUCTION WORKING GROUP TO COLLABORATE ON A ZERO-WASTE, CIRCULAR-ECONOMY STATEWIDE PLAN FOR WASTE PREVENTION AND REUSE
e. Resolution – SUPPORTING PERMANENT AND DEDICATED FUNDING FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS
f. Resolution – PROMOTING EDUCATION AND ENFORCEMENT TO STOP ILLEGAL “RESERVING” OF PARKING AT PARKS AND ON CITY STREETS
g. Action – Board position on Honolulu Council RESOLUTION 26-159 – ADOPT RULES PROHIBITING THE HARVEST OF AQUATIC LIFE. Urging the State Board of Land and Natural Resources to direct the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources, to adopt rules prohibiting the harvest of aquatic life from State of Hawaiʻi marine waters for commercial aquarium purposes.
h. Action – Board position on Honolulu Council RESOLUTION 26-160 – ENACT LEGISLATION THAT PROHIBITS THE HARVEST OF AQUATIC LIFE. Urging the Hawaiʻi State Legislature to enact legislation that prohibits the harvest of aquatic life from State of Hawaiʻi marine waters for commercial aquarium purposes.
i. Action – Board position on Honolulu Council RESOLUTION 26-165 – 91-121 ‘ŌLA‘I STREET – KAPOLEI (2026/SMA-12). Granting a Special Management Area Major Permit to Starfish Infrastructure Inc. and Humuhumu Services, LLC to allow for the cable landing and installation of six new trans-Pacific subsea fiber-optic telecommunication cables via horizontal directional drilling within Barber’s Point Beach Park and the shoreline setback of a shoreline lot zoned P-2 General Preservation District, located at 91-121 ‘ŌIa‘i Street, and identified as Tax Map Key 9-1-026: 027. (Applicants: Starfish Infrastructure Inc. and Humuhumu Services, LLC)
j. Action – Board position on BILL 41 (2026) – RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION. Addressing vehicles and transportation devices
k. Action – Board position on RESOLUTION 26-158 – CITYWIDE ENERGY VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT. Urging the City Administration to conduct a Citywide energy vulnerability assessment and to report its findings and recommendations to the Council
l. Action – Board position on RESOLUTION 26-161 – MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR ALL RESILIENCE HUBS CONSTRUCTED OR RETROFITTED. Requesting the City Administration to develop minimum standards for all resilience hubs constructed or retrofitted using the funds appropriated in the fiscal year 2027 executive capital budget

10. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. Next Scheduled Meeting: The next scheduled Neighborhood Board No. 34 meeting is Wednesday, August 26, 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).

11. 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, minutes are also available online: https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards.

All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours of the meeting, written and/or oral testimony may be submitted directly to the Board at the meeting. If submitting written testimony, please note the Board and agenda item(s) your testimony concerns. Send to: Neighborhood Commission Office, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817, fax (808) 768-3711, or 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, JUNE 24, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.
KAPOLEI HALE – CONFERENCE ROOM A & B – 1000 ULUʻŌHIʻA STREET, KAPOLEI, HI 96707
AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING

Meeting Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckjwGY0ETNw

Meeting Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1GE3KMhGmxV2jxDLUnSvRUvThmykz8vGn

CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:21]: Chair Anthony Makana Paris called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. He announced the speaking procedures and reminded attendees that the Neighborhood Board serves as the community’s forum.

ROLL CALL – [0:02:35]: Melissa Urubio conducted roll call to identify all members present and quorum WAS established with 7 members present. This 9-member Board requires 5 members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present: Amy Bossler, Carol England, Michael Ferreira, Moon Kahele, Mikiala Lidstone, Sheila Medeiros, Anthony Makana Paris, and Tiare Taala (7:11 p.m.).

Members Absent: None.

Guests: Firefighter Dane and Captain Brandon Sandinha (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant Fumi Muraoka (Honolulu Police Department); Nikki Rodwell (Board of Water Supply); Deborah Zysman (Mayor’s Representative); Leinaʻala Mahi (City and County, Department of Environmental Services); Blane Yoshimura (Hawaiian Earth); Representative Diamond Garcia; Melanie June (Office of Senator Gabbard); Frank Genadio (Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization Community Liason); Mike Buck (C.O.R.E.); Representative Kanani Souza; Brittany Simmons, Jackie Zahn, Roni Onervekah, Mindy Ferreira, Susan Thombley, Pamela Summers, Steve Loring, Leticia Hernandez, Vernie Flores, Leslie Keating, Jose Garcia (Residents and Community Members); Melissa Urubio (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: There were approximately 43 total participants. Name not included if not legible on sign-in sheet, not signed in, and/or not participated in discussion.

REPORTS – [0:03:14]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:03:26]: Firefighter Dane reported the May 2026 statistics: 2 structure fires, 1 wildland or brush fire, 11 nuisance fires, 28 activated alarms with no fire, 181 medical emergencies, 1 motor vehicle collision with a pedestrian, 5 motor vehicle crashes resulting in a collision, and 1 hazardous materials incident. He also shared a hurricane season safety tip and urged residents to build a 14-day disaster supply kit, check insurance policies for hurricane coverage, protect windows in advance, and sign up for storm alerts at hnlalert.gov.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZBmOlYqvG4i_xaqrwxlgDOaCQ7ID8CBA/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:05:36]
1. Hazmat Items: A resident asked about hazmat items, and Captain Sandinha noted that inspections are conducted on a two-year basis. Note: Resident did not speak into the microphone, so there was not enough clear content to summarize a specific question.
2. Homeless Camp Fire: Member Ferreira reported observing a large burned pile of homeless belongings including shopping carts on Kamokila Boulevard in front of the state building that remained for weeks. Captain Sandinha confirmed that the Honolulu Fire Department responded to and extinguished the fire alongside Honolulu Police Department, and acknowledged that such incidents are less prevalent than before but still occurring.
3. Brush Clearance and Fire Prevention: Resident Jackie Zahn raised concerns about fire hazards in upper Makakilo’s gulch and ranch areas, asking who monitors the 35-foot safe barrier requirement and urging that informational materials be distributed to community associations. Captain Sandinha acknowledged that committees have been formed following recent fires and the effort is ongoing. Chair Paris also noted that recent unusual weather patterns and increased rainfall are likely to produce more fuel than usual, and encouraged Honolulu Fire Department to let the community know what they can do to help manage fire risks.

Member Taala joined the meeting at 7:11 p.m. – 8 members present.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:12:56]: Sergeant Fumi Muraoka provided the May 2026 statistics: 25 motor vehicle thefts in the district with 13 in the area, 25 burglaries in the district with 6 in the area, 101 thefts in the district with 59 in the area, 19 break-ins to vehicles in the district with 10 in the area, 65 speeding citations, 448 moving violations, 260 parking violations, 901 total citations, and 9,497 total calls for service in the district with 3,160 in the area. Sergeant Muraoka also reported a follow-up on Sonic fast food parking complaints, noting that while parking citations did increase in the area in May 2026, the increase was not related to Sonic traffic.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:14:54]
1. School Resource Officer Program Update: Member Medeiros asked for an update on the resource officer program at Kapolei High School. Sergeant Muraoka reported that the program is going very well, with three officers at Kapolei and two at Waiʻanae. He noted that the program is expanding, with plans to increase Waiʻanae to three officers, and that Nānākuli is the next school slated to receive the program.
2. Homeless Persons at Bus Stops: Member Ferreira asked about enforcement options for individuals occupying bus shelters while intoxicated. Sergeant Muraoka explained that Honolulu Police Department conducts regular cleanups with City agencies and the contracted outreach agency Kealohou West and noted that enforcement options include public drunkenness and disorderly conduct violations; however, many individuals return to the same locations and most refuse to leave voluntarily.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:24:05]: Nikki Rodwell reported two May 2026 water main breaks in the Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale area, and announced the semiannual Water Quality Report mailing alongside the Annual Plant Sale on Saturday, August 1, 2026. She also offered to bring water resource experts to a future meeting to address community questions about water allocation, desalination, and West Oʻahu water infrastructure.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:26:57]
1. Artificial Intelligence and Water-Cooling Systems: Member Kahele asked Nikki Rodwell to include a discussion on the potential water impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) and data center cooling systems at the upcoming technical presentation. Rodwell agreed to raise the topic.
2. Xeriscape Rain Barrel Workshop in Kapolei: Member Bossler requested that Board of Water Supply host a xeriscape and rain barrel workshop or distribution event in Kapolei. Nikki Rodwell offered to connect members directly with the water conservation team.
3. Water Infrastructure and New Developments: Member Medeiros expressed concern about whether current water allocations are sufficient for the volume of new developments and stressed the importance of a community presentation. Chair Paris suggested targeting August 2026 for a full Board of Water Supply technical discussion on West Oʻahu water concerns including allocations, ʻEwa watershed management plan, and development impacts.
4. Desalination Plan Status Update: Member Lidstone asked whether the desalination plan was completed and operational, and Nikki Rodwell confirmed it is not yet complete, noting there is still a lot of red tape involved.
5. Non-Potable Water System in Villages of Kapolei: Resident Leticia Hernandez raised concerns that the Villages of Kapolei Association is moving forward with discussions on transferring non-potable water system costs to homeowners without sufficient research or transparency, with key users including Kapolei Middle School, Kapolei High School, Kapolei Golf Course, and Daniel Akaka State Veterans Home.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [0:37:03]: Deborah Zysman, Deputy Director of the Office of Economic Revitalization, highlighted updates from the newsletter and provided extensive follow-up responses which included: Landfill Update, Makakilo Drive Completion, Skyline and Bus Service, Affordable Housing and Villages of Kapolei Land Transfer, Office of Economic Revitalization Funding Veto, and Campaign Signage.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wnH6TkTrbOYUOcsdZlHR1c57_ovncL3V/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:41:25]
1. Landfill Update and Community Relief: Resident Jackie Zahn expressed relief that Makakilo would not receive another landfill, but also asked why the Makakilo Drive completion project has been repeatedly delayed despite prior promises and funding.
2. Value and Power of Neighborhood Board Resolutions: Member Ferreira pushed back on a comment downplaying the neighborhood Board’s resolutions, asserting that they do carry weight since the Board is elected by the same constituents represented by state legislators. Chair Paris agreed, adding that resolutions amplify community voices and long-standing concerns.
3. Plasma Arc Gasification for Solid Waste: Resdient Frank Genadio suggested taking another look into plasma arc gasification as a technology for solid waste management, noting the City had previously brushed off the idea. Chair Paris added his support and asked that the suggestion be passed to both the Mayor’s office and relevant City and State landfill task forces.
4. Makakilo Drive Completion – Federal Funding: Member England asked what it would take to obtain federal funding for the Makakilo Drive completion project. Deputy Director Zysman said she had not received a response to this question from Department of Transportation Services leadership and committed to following up. Frank Genadio clarified that for the project to qualify for federal funding, it must first be placed on the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and that the project qualifies on both safety and congestion management grounds. Board members discussed organizing community attendance at the upcoming Monday, June 29, 2026 Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Policy Board meeting to advocate for the Makakilo Drive completion.
5. Makakilo Drive Completion – Community Frustration: Member Ferreira expressed frustration over the decades-long delay in completing the Makakilo Drive project—nearly 40 years and $16 million spent on redesign alone—stating that the project is a completion, not an extension, and calling on the Mayor for accountability if the administration intends to abandon it. Chair Paris acknowledged the concern and requested that Department of Transportation Services present its Makakilo Drive plans at the September 2026 or October 2026 meeting. Deputy Director Zysman agreed to arrange the presentation.
6. Emergency Egress Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Makakilo Drive Safety: Member Medeiros stressed the urgent need for an emergency egress Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Makakilo, noting it may be under the purview of Councilmember Tupola, and asked for an update on its status. A resident echoed concerns about the inadequacy of any proposed alternative emergency access routes to safely evacuate the approximately 25,000 daily vehicle users of the road, particularly during hurricane or wildfire conditions. Member Ferreira noted that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) may be a dead issue because the private landowner is unwilling to participate. Chair Paris requested to have the Department of Transportation Services come present their road diet/upgrade plans (versus alternatives like roundabouts or speed radar poles) in person with visuals, since the community currently lacks enough detail to give meaningful feedback.
7. Skyline Parking and Bus Schedule Reliability: Resident Pamela Summers raised concerns about bus schedule reliability, particularly for Route 46. Another rider noted that the bus tracking app was recently replaced with one that is difficult to use and does not show real-time bus locations the way the prior app did. Deputy Director Zysman agreed to follow up on both issues and noted that her own son had experienced similar problems.
8. Affordable Housing and Villages of Kapolei Land Transfer Deficit: Resident Leticia Hernandez asked about the estimated $100-million-plus deficit identified in the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) 2025 annual report for the Villages of Kapolei land transfer, noting the City is only negotiating approximately $60 million. She requested that contingencies or pauses be considered to ensure commitments are met on time rather than rolling over year to year. Chair Paris noted that Villages of Kapolei residents have been paying City taxes without receiving commensurate City improvements for over 30 years due to the incomplete land transfer.
9. Office of Economic Revitalization Funding Veto: Chair Paris asked when community members could best engage with the City Council regarding the Board’s advocacy position on the Office of Economic Revitalization (OER) funding veto. Deputy Director Zysman confirmed that community members could contact the council at any time between now and Wednesday, July 8, 2026, when the council is scheduled to take up the veto override.
10. Campaign Signage on Private Property: Resident Jackie Zahn asked about the process for addressing political signs placed on private property without permission, noting concerns about reporting to an overburdened Department of Planning and Permitting. Chair Paris noted that community members could also contact the Board’s beautification committee representative for additional guidance.
11. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Sidewalk Timeline: Member Medeiros asked for an update on a planned timeline to repair an ADA-obstructed sidewalk on Makakilo Drive, noting it is a 17-year-old problem and a federal violation. Deputy Director Zysman said the responsible department had indicated it would provide a timeline but had not yet done so, and committed to following up again.

Member Taala left the meeting at 7:54 p.m. – 7 members present.

Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) – [1:41:10]: No representative was present.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) – [1:41:22]: No representative was present.

Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) – [1:41:41]: Frank Genadio, Citizens Advisory Committee representative, reported on the June 2026 Citizen Advisory Committee meeting, during which Executive Director Mark Garrity discussed outreach efforts in Waikīkī and announced an upcoming policy Board meeting scheduled for Monday, June 29, 2026. He noted that Director Garrity will retire at the end of 2026 and a search for a successor will begin. He also reported that a draft Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Revision 9 was discussed, which removed one project and added nine, including a project to collect bicycle and pedestrian data. He reiterated his advocacy for placing Makakilo Drive completion on the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and referenced the value of magnetic levitation technology to extend Skyline at significantly lower cost.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:44:00]
1. Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Policy Board Meeting: Chair Paris asked what the community should ask the Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization Board. Frank Genadio recommended community members attend the Monday, June 29, 2026 Policy Board meeting (via Zoom or in person at 707 Richards Street, Suite 200) and request that Makakilo Drive completion be placed on the agenda for Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) consideration.

Action Item Added to Agenda by Board Vote – [1:45:46]: Chair Paris called for a two-thirds vote to add an action item to the agenda formally requesting Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization place the Makakilo Drive completion project on the agenda for Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) consideration.

[1:46:11] Member Kahele MOVED and Member Bossler SECONDED to add the item to the agenda. The motion was ADOPTED; 7-0-0. (Aye: Bossler, England, Ferreira, Kahele, Lidstone, Medeiros, and Paris; Nay: None; Abstain: None.) – [1:46:41]

[1:47:05] Member England MOVED and Member Ferreira SECONDED to formally request that Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization place the Makakilo Drive completion project on its agenda for Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) consideration. The motion was ADOPTED; 7-0-0. (Aye: Bossler, England, Ferreira, Kahele, Lidstone, Medeiros, and Paris; Nay: None; Abstain: None.) – [1:47:24]

PRESENTATIONS – [1:47:51]

Update from the Neighborhood Commission – [1:47:59]: No representative present.

City’s G.R.O.W. (Green Recycling Organic Waste) Program – [1:48:56]: Lei Mahi presented on the G.R.O.W. Program, which aims to divert the 60,000 tons of residential food waste generated annually on Oʻahu from landfills into compost by allowing residents to place food scraps in their green compost carts. She noted that the pilot began Wednesday, April 1, 2026 in select areas, with island wide rollout starting Thursday, October 1, 2026, and residents are encouraged to start now, layering food waste with green waste, avoiding liquids or plastic bags, and using biweekly pickup or free drop-off at the Wahiawā Hawaiian Earth Recycling facility. Lastly, she shared that questions can be directed to the recycling branch at opala@honolulu.gov or 808-768-3201.
• Presentation:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Jvg7Tm1MdYjDaWEieT-78FzNG4oJ0MeZ/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:59:21]
1. Tour de Trash and Food Scrap Collection: Member Kahele shared that he participated in a “Tour de Trash” asked what container or bag to use for food scraps. Lei Mahi shared that the “Tour de Trash” typically draw one bus of about 50 people, but the strong turnout at a previous packed meeting led to more sign-ups for the next tour. She clarified that no bags of any kind – including paper bags – should be placed in the cart and only loose food directly in the bin is acceptable.
2. Odor and Pest Management Tips and Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) Contamination: Member Bossler asked about managing odor and pests with biweekly pickup, and Lei Mahi recommended layering greens and food, keeping the lid closed, and using baking soda or coffee grounds to absorb odors. Member Bossler also asked about coconut rhinoceros beetle testing for the free mulch at the Wahiawā drop-off location, and Lei Mahi confirmed their licensed partner works with the Department of Agriculture and follows established protocols.
3. Pilot Program Feedback: Member England asked whether any problems (odors, pests, mis-pickups, contamination) had emerged during the pilot program, and Lei Mahi noted they now have a protocol to give near-instantaneous feedback to residents. She explained that the main issue is contamination—certain households mixing trash into their green waste or recycling—which can cause an entire truck to be diverted to H-Power instead of composting.
4. Pilot Program Data and Participation Rates: Member Lidstone asked when data reports would be released. Lei Mahi noted internally they have reviewed approximately 1,200 carts across all pilot areas, observing varying levels of food waste from nominal to over two gallons, and offered to share preliminary data directly with the Board.
5. Townhome and Multi-Unit Access: Resident Leslie Keating asked how the program would extend to townhomes. Lei Mahi confirmed programs are in development for multi-unit dwellings and directed her to the cart loaner program, which requires Association of Apartment Owners (AOAO) permission, available on the City website.
6. K–6 Curriculum for Composting Habits: Chair Paris asked whether curriculum had been created for younger students. Lei Mahi confirmed the Recycling Branch works with Honolulu Theatre for Youth offering in-school presentations on recycling habits and composting.
7. Care Card Public Service Announcement (PSA): Member England shared that she created a “care card” chart using program information from the website and, as Chair of the Beautification Committee, asked to share it as a Public Service Announcement on the Neighborhood Board Facebook page while encouraging others to spread the word to their neighbors.
8. Commercial/Hospitality Food Waste Diversion: Chair Paris asked whether commercial operations, particularly in the hospitality industry, are held to the same food waste habit-change standards as residential participants. Lei Mahi responded that large hospitality contributors have been sending food waste to Sand Island for anaerobic digestion for several years, and that Hawaiian Earth Recycling’s in-vessel composting process has cut composting time from 12–24 months down to about six months.

PUBLIC INPUT – [2:21:24]

Amazon Fulfillment Center and Community Benefits – [2:21:46]: Resident Leslie Keating expressed support for the Amazon project for the jobs it brings, but urged the Board and the community to use this opportunity to demand meaningful investment from Amazon in exchange for hosting their facility, including addressing longstanding needs like Makakilo Drive completion, water, and waste management infrastructure.

Villages of Kapolei – Electronic Voting Concerns – [2:23:15]: Resident Leticia Hernandez of the Villages of Kapolei raised concerns about an upcoming electronic voting process for the association’s annual meeting. She noted that while electronic voting was approved in the bylaws last year, no Board resolution has been adopted establishing security parameters such as vendor selection, identity authentication, data and security encryption, or an opt-out option. Chair Paris noted this may be a topic for state legislation, and Melanie June from Senator Gabbard’s office agreed to raise the need for appropriate electronic voting safeguards with the Senator.

Senator Gabbard’s Office – [2:25:51]: Melanie June shared that the Senator’s June newsletter is available, and Senator Gabbard is hosting a listen story community meeting on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Kapolei High School Teachers Lounge with guest speaker Steven Meduli Williams, Amazon’s Senior Economic Development Manager, who will discuss updates on the proposed Kapolei fulfillment center.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:26:54]
1. Proposed Legislation: Electronic Voting Safeguards: Chair Paris suggested looking into and potentially drafting legislation establishing appropriate electronic safeguards for voting in Homeowners Association or other planned communities.
2. Permitted Interaction Group Representation and Board Communication Limits: Member Bossler asked whether a representative would be attending the upcoming listening session, since it would focus on Amazon-related matters covered under the Permitted Interaction Group (PIG). Chair Paris responded that there is a firewall preventing Board members from discussing or receiving related information directly through the Permitted Interaction Group (PIG), but noted that Senator Gabbard’s listening session is a great opportunity for community members to get involved and encouraged anyone interested to attend.

Representative Diamond Garcia – [2:28:43]: Representative Diamond Garcia shared several updates, including securing $146 million through cross-party collaboration for the construction of East Kapolei Elementary School and completing culvert cleaning along Kualakai Parkway following the Kona low storm. He also reported that Governor Green released $500,000 in Capital Improvement Program (CIP) funds for an environmental impact study on East Kapolei transit-oriented development near the Keoneʻae Skyline station. Additionally, he noted that his office is partnering with the federal Department of Health and Human Services on a large community health event in West Oʻahu, tentatively planned for August or September 2026.

BOARD BUSINESS – [2:32:33]

Approval of Minutes – [2:32:38]: Chair Paris noted that all meeting minutes for Wednesday, January 28, Wednesday, February 25, Wednesday, March 25, Wednesday, April 22, and Wednesday, May 27, 2026 were circulated for review. Chair Paris noted an administrative correction to Member Bossler’s name spelling across the minutes, and Member Ferreira requested that appropriate titles be added where needed. No other corrections were raised.

[2:33:40] Member Ferreira MOVED and Member Bossler SECONDED to adopt the slate of minutes with minor corrections. The motion was ADOPTED; 7-0-0. (Aye: Bossler, England, Ferreira, Kahele, Lidstone, Medeiros, and Paris; Nay: None; Abstain: None.) – [2:34:02]

Resolution – REQUESTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A KAPOLEI HOMELESSNESS, PUBLIC SAFETY, AND COMMUNITY RESPONSE TASK FORCE – [2:34:09]: Chair Paris summarized the resolution as a call on City and State governments to recognize the growing homelessness situation in West Oʻahu and to dedicate appropriate governmental resources to develop a systemic solution, as homelessness has become a near-daily concern for residents in Kapolei.
• Draft Resolution: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1L6Ym0J1Ch4BJBtXBg2xhvdqqawKoMgZ9/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=108394441840200395116&rtpof=true&sd=true

[2:34:23] Member Ferreira MOVED and Member Bossler SECONDED to adopt the resolution. The motion was ADOPTED; 7-0-0. (Aye: Bossler, England, Ferreira, Kahele, Lidstone, Medeiros, and Paris; Nay: None; Abstain: None.) – [2:35:38]

Resolution – SUPPORTING A STUDENT INTERNSHIP/MENTORSHIP PROGRAM AT THE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD – [2:35:45]: Chair Paris explained that the resolution calls on the Community Outreach Committee, in coordination with the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) and local schools, to develop a program inviting high school-age students – including homeschoolers and private school students – to participate in the neighborhood Board as interns or mentors.
• Draft Resolution: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TP7m2rGnJwP1GyS5U1p3wyEJbllqnGct/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=108394441840200395116&rtpof=true&sd=true

[2:36:59] Member Lidstone MOVED and Member Kahele SECONDED to adopt the resolution.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:37:35]
1. Partnering with High Schools: Resident Leslie Keating suggested partnering with high school political science classes as end-of-year projects.
2. Student Participation Guidelines and Community Outreach Process: Member Kahele expressed support for exposing students to Board meetings, provided the material is subject-relevant and that teachers or schools are informed of the curriculum in advance so students can prepare. Chair Paris agreed, noting the resolution directs the Community Outreach Committee to work with the Neighborhood Commission to identify appropriate sponsoring organizations and establish a vetting process and guidelines, potentially allowing students to participate through school projects before bringing a formal plan back to the Board for adoption.

[2:41:42] Chair Paris called for the vote. The motion was ADOPTED; 7-0-0. (Aye: Bossler, England, Ferreira, Kahele, Lidstone, Medeiros, and Paris; Nay: None; Abstain: None.) – [2:41:52]

Action: Board Position on the Oʻahu Food Systems Plan – [2:42:04]: Chair Paris reported that per direction from the Board’s prior special meeting, he compiled the Board’s existing resolutions and mapped them to the Oʻahu Food Systems Plan, which is open for public comment through Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at resilientoahu.org. The five resolutions referenced included: supporting quality of life and sustainable design in multifamily housing; supporting sustainable Hawaiian plant landscapes and food security; requesting the legislature to enhance hurricane preparedness; calling on the Mayor to keep his no-landfill promise for West Oʻahu; and the resolution on major development projects. Chair Paris also noted that Member Bossler’s recommendation from a prior meeting to include vertical farming was also incorporated.

[2:44:49] Member Lidstone MOVED and Member Medeiros SECONDED to adopt the mapped position paper including vertical farming as a recommendation to the Oʻahu Food Systems Plan. The motion was ADOPTED; 7-0-0. (Aye: Bossler, England, Ferreira, Kahele, Lidstone, Medeiros, and Paris; Nay: None; Abstain: None.) – [2:46:22]

Committee Reports – [2:46:29]

Transportation – [2:46:54]: Transportation Committee Chair Ferreira deferred the committee report, noting that transportation was extensively covered during the evening’s earlier reports.

Parks & Recreation – [2:47:10]: Parks & Recreation Committee Chair Lidstone noted that Kapolei Regional Park is in the healthiest condition she has seen since its opening. She credited Laura Thielen and a new maintenance staff member named Kanani for the improvements.

Environmental Justice – [2:47:30]: No report.

Beautification and Holiday – [2:47:41]: Beautification and Holiday Committee Chair England reminded community members of the Kapolei Hale cleanup on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (www.picktime.com/swq).

Community Outreach – [2:48:14]: Community Outreach Committee Chair Bossler reported that the G.R.O.W. program information and Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) policy Board meeting details will be posted to the Board’s social media pages.

[2:48:57] Chair Paris noted that at a prior special meeting, the Board adopted a social media policy and agreed that any member who has filed as a political candidate will not hold administrative privileges on the Board social media accounts.

Education – [2:51:29]: Education Committee Chair Medeiros reported that she is in the fifth week of the Kapolei Neighborhood Board’s collaboration with Kau Kau 4 Keiki summer school lunch program, held on Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Inspire Church (602 Komohana Street). She also promoted the Kapolei Food Bank drive held every second Saturday of the month and shared that a presentation on a local vertical farm is being arranged for a future meeting.

BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:54:25] Chair Paris announced that the next scheduled Neighborhood Board No. 34 meeting is Wednesday, July 22, 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.

ADJOURNMENT – [2:54:43]: Chair Paris adjourned the meeting at 9:55 p.m.

Submitted by: Melissa Urubio, Neighborhood Assistant, Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO)
Reviewed by: Rachel Cristobal, Neighborhood Assistant, Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO)
Finalized by: Anthony “Makana” Paris, Chair

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.