NĀNĀKULI – MĀ‘ILI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 36
NĀNĀKULI-MĀʻILI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
LAND & WATER COMMITTEE AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026
NĀNĀKULI PUBLIC LIBRARY
89-070 FARRINGTON HWY
WAIʻANAE, HI 96792
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OpQrZcPlM4-SOeAKbx0CAgcA0tazyEYf
YouTube Recordings: https://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice
Rules of Speaking: Anyone intending to speak, we will ask that in-person attendees’ line up at the microphone. Attendees joining us virtually, please raise your virtual hand. When recognized by the Chair, state your name clearly for the minutes. Comments must be kept under two (2) minutes. Official’s monthly reports must be kept under three (3) minutes. Presentations are asked to stay under ten (10) minutes. Sergeant-At-Arms will be keeping time, please conclude your comments when the timer goes off or asked to end by the Chair. When making comments, please address your remarks to the Chair. Silence all electronic devices.
Note: The Board may act on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (HRS 92), specific issues not noted on this agenda cannot be voted on, unless added to the agenda. A two-thirds vote of six (6) of this nine (9) member Board is needed to add an item to the agenda. Items may not be added if they are of major importance and will affect a significant number of people.
Order of Decorum – The Neighborhood Plan states: §2-13-104 Standards of conduct. (a) Board members, in the performance of their duties, shall demonstrate by their example the highest standards of ethical conduct, to the end that the public may justifiably have trust and confidence in the integrity of the neighborhood board system. Board members shall hold their offices or positions for the benefit of the public, shall recognize that the public’s interest is their primary concern, and shall faithfully discharge the duties of their offices regardless of personal considerations.
I. CALL TO ORDER
a) Pule / ʻŌlelo Noʻeau (Chair Kolealani Skye Razon-Olds)
b) He Aliʻi ka ʻĀina; He Kauwā ke Kanaka – The land is chief; people are its servants.
c) How can we, as a Land & Water Committee, work in lōkahi to mālama i ka ʻāina and fulfill our kuleana to keep our lands and waters healthy, creating a healthy environment for our people and the generations beyond us?
d) Welcome / Introductions
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OLD BUSINESS
a. Waimānalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill Special Use Permit
1. Resolution in Opposition of Waimānalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill Special Use Permit Extension — PASSED
Learn More: City Department of Environmental Services — Waimānalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill Status:
b. Proposed New Landfill — Makaiwa Hills / Leeward Coast
1. Resolution in Opposition of New Landfill Location on the Leeward Coast at Makaiwa Hills — PASSED
City Department of Environmental Services — New Landfill Siting: https://www.honolulu.gov/env/ref/new-landfill-siting/
Land Use Commission: https://luc.hawaii.gov/
Pending Land Use Commission Dockets: https://luc.hawaii.gov/pending/
c. Updates from Hawaiki project
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II. NEW / OPEN BUSINESS
d. A. New Oʻahu Landfill / Waimānalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill
1. Update on new landfill siting and Waimānalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill.
2. Discussion of upcoming hearings, public meetings, environmental review, permitting, and opportunities for community testimony.
3. Continued monitoring of Waimānalo Gulch closure requirements and any proposed extension or modification of landfill operations.
4. Discussion of potential requests for City and agency updates before the Land & Water Committee.
5. Monitor quarterly Waimānalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill community meetings.
6. Consider requesting regular Department of Environmental Services presentations to Neighborhood Board No. 36.
WGSL Status / Community Meeting Information: https://www.honolulu.gov/env/ref/res-landfill-status/
New Landfill Siting Information: https://www.honolulu.gov/env/ref/new-landfill-siting/
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e. Opposing Geothermal Development — Lualualei Proposed Site
1. Discussion and possible action regarding a resolution opposing proposed geothermal development within or affecting Lualualei.
2. Identify agency actions, environmental review, public hearings, permitting processes, and opportunities requiring community participation.
DHHL Meetings & Announcements: https://dhhl.hawaii.gov/meetings/
Hawaiian Homes Commission: https://dhhl.hawaii.gov/hhc/
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f. Supporting DHHL Beneficiary Representation
1. Discussion and possible action regarding a resolution supporting meaningful DHHL beneficiary representation in decisions involving Hawaiian Home Lands within or affecting Nānākuli, Māʻili, Lualualei, and the Waiʻanae Coast.
DHHL Meetings: https://dhhl.hawaii.gov/meetings/
Hawaiian Homes Commission Testimony: https://dhhl.hawaii.gov/hhc/testimony/
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g. Aquarium Fishing & Community-Based Marine Resource Management
a) Aquarium Fishing / Aquarium Collection
Discussion regarding the current status and potential future reopening or regulation of commercial aquarium fishing in Hawaiʻi.
Monitor DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources rulemaking, Board of Land and Natural Resources actions, environmental review, and public hearing opportunities relating to aquarium collection.
Consider whether Neighborhood Board No. 36 should provide testimony or recommendations regarding aquarium collection and management along the Waiʻanae Coast.
DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources — Aquarium Collecting Updates: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/announcements/update-on-aquarium-collecting/
DAR Rules & Public Notices: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/rules-and-public-notices/
b) “Try Wait” / Community-Based Marine Rest Areas
Discussion of community-driven marine management models being implemented on other islands and whether similar approaches should be explored for portions of the Waiʻanae Coast.
Review the Kaʻūpūlehu “Try Wait” model on Hawaiʻi Island, where community members worked with DLNR to establish a rest period from harvesting marine life to allow coral reefs and fish populations to recover.
Consider opportunities for community-led discussions involving Waiʻanae Coast lawaiʻa, kūpuna, cultural practitioners, Native Hawaiian organizations, conservation organizations, researchers, and DLNR/DAR before considering any formal management proposal.
Learn More — Kaʻūpūlehu “Try Wait” Marine Reserve: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2026/06/26/nr26-78/
DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/
c) Potential Committee Action
Consider inviting the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources to provide an informational presentation to the Land & Water Committee regarding:
• Current status of aquarium fishing and aquarium collection
• Current aquarium-fishery rulemaking
• Health of Waiʻanae Coast nearshore fisheries
• Existing community-based marine management models
• Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Areas
• Kaʻūpūlehu’s “Try Wait” model and lessons learned
• Potential community-led management tools available for Oʻahu
• Opportunities for Waiʻanae Coast community participation
Invite Waiʻanae Coast lawaiʻa, cultural practitioners, kūpuna, conservation organizations, researchers, and other community stakeholders to participate in future discussions.
Determine whether the Committee should recommend further study, community consultation, testimony, or future Board action.
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II. BOARD BUSINESS
a. Approval of May 14, 2026 Minutes
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III. RESIDENTS’ / COMMUNITY CONCERNS
Residents are invited to raise land and water matters affecting Nānākuli, Māʻili, Lualualei, and surrounding areas, including concerns related to (2-minute limits)
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IV. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. Next Land & Water Committee Meeting: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 — 7:30 p.m.
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V. ADJOURNMENT
8:00 p.m.
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 Kapalama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160 Honolulu, Hawaii 96817; Telephone (808) 768-3710 Fax (808) 768-3711; or call Neighborhood Commission Office (808) 768-3710 or e-mail nco@honolulu.gov. Agendas and minutes are also available on the internet at www.honolulu.gov/nco.
All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours, written and/or oral testimony may be submitted directly to the board at the meeting. If submitting written testimony, please note the board and agenda item(s) your testimony concerns. Send to: Neighborhood Commission Office, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160 Honolulu, Hawaii 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 LAND, WATER, AND AIR COMMITEE MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026 at 8:00 P.M.
NĀNĀKULI PUBLIC LIBRARY — 89-070 FARRINGTON HIGHWAY, WAIʻANAE, HI 96792
Meeting Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OpQrZcPlM4-SOeAKbx0CAgcA0tazyEYf
I. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Mapuana Tector called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.
A pule was offered.
The ʻŌlelo Noʻeau, “He Aliʻi Ka ʻĀina; He Kauwā ke Kanaka” (The land is chief; man is its servant), was shared and discussed. Committee members and attendees reflected on the responsibility to mālama ʻāina and ensure healthy land and water resources for future generations. Discussion included community concerns regarding water access and resource management on the Leeward Coast.
Attendees introduced themselves and identified their community affiliations and organizations.
II. NEW BUSINESS
A. Waimanalo Gulch Special Use Permit Hearing Recap
Committee and community members discussed the recent Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill Special Use Permit hearing and reviewed concepts for a draft resolution opposing the permit extension.
Discussion topics included:
• Establishing a definitive closure date for Waimanalo Gulch.
• Concerns regarding previous community compensation agreements and benefit packages.
• Transparency regarding the administration, distribution, and oversight of community benefit funds.
• Identification of recipients of compensation funds and decision-making processes.
• Inclusion of landfill extension timelines and historical commitments within the resolution.
• Community concerns regarding long-term environmental, health, and quality of life impacts associated with continued landfill operations.
B. City Council Budget Hearing
Members discussed testimony provided at the May 11, 2026 Honolulu City Council Budget Committee hearing regarding Councilmember Andria Tupola’s amendment to remove the proposed $30 million allocation for acquisition of Makaiwa Hills.
C. Letter of Support for Resolution 26-7
The committee discussed support for Resolution 26-7 and efforts related to ending future landfill expansion on the Leeward Coast.
D. Draft Resolution in Opposition to New Landfill Location at Makaiwa Hills
Committee and community members discussed potential additions to the draft resolution opposing the proposed landfill at Makaiwa Hills.
Discussion topics included:
• Cumulative infrastructure impacts already borne by the Leeward Coast.
• Potential impacts to Native Hawaiian cultural practices, traditional gathering rights, and community resources.
• Impacts to limu, nearshore ecosystems, and marine resources.
• Environmental and public health concerns associated with landfill development.
• The need for meaningful consultation with Native Hawaiian residents and community stakeholders.
• Potential legal and legislative options available to the community.
• Documentation of existing infrastructure and industrial facilities already located on the Leeward Coast.
• Inclusion of educational information distinguishing transfer stations, landfills, and other waste management facilities.
• Environmental testing and monitoring concerns, including ash and other contaminants.
• Community advocacy, public awareness efforts, and future engagement opportunities.
• Broader concerns regarding impacts to ocean resources, agriculture, water resources, public health, and community well-being.
Committee members also discussed the possibility of requesting future presentations from state agencies and subject matter experts regarding environmental monitoring and marine resource impacts.
III. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Kuleana Coral Restoration Update
Representatives from Kuleana Coral Restoration (KCR) provided an update on restoration efforts and community engagement activities occurring at the Kalanianaʻole Beach Park muliwai.
A video presentation highlighting restoration work, partnerships, and community engagement efforts was shared. Exciting news, KCR has now planted 10,000 corals.
KCR representatives clarified that KCR is not formally partnered with the Hawaiki project and does not currently have a formal agreement, contract, collaboration, or support role related to the project. Representatives stated that comments submitted during the public review process were intended to raise questions and request additional information regarding potential impacts to coral and live rock resources and should not be interpreted as formal support or opposition to the project.
KCR is working to gain new permits to continue the work, DAR is delaying permits for the continue work from Kuleana Coral.
Board Member Tector recommended a RESOLUTION to support Kuleana Coral: A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING KULEANA CORAL RESTORATION FOR SURPASSING 10,000 CORALS PLANTED, ADVANCING COMMUNITY-BASED REEF RESTORATION, AND SUPPORTING THE CONTINUED PROTECTION AND RESTORATION OF HAWAIʻI’S CORAL REEFS
IV. COMMITTEE, BOARD BUSINESS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. May Board Recess
Members acknowledged the upcoming Neighborhood Board recess schedule.
B. Committee Chair Nominations
Discussion was held regarding Land, Water, and Air Committee Chair nominations. Members noted that nominees must be current Neighborhood Board members. Recommendations will be forwarded to Chair Agustin for consideration by the full Board.
Board Member Myers, recommended nominating Board Member Razon-Olds for Committee Chair.
C. Addition of “Air” to Committee Name
Discussion regarding formally adding “Air” to the committee title was continued and deferred to the next meeting.
D. Legislative Priorities
Discussion on legislative priorities was deferred to the next meeting.
Topics previously identified for future discussion include:
• Requiring major development projects affecting mountain, ocean, and air resources to be presented to the Neighborhood Board prior to Department of Planning and Permitting applications.
• Accountability and transparency regarding Board of Water Supply water access and usage.
• Preservation of Lualualei Naval Road and surrounding areas from additional industrial and military development impacts.
• Monitoring legislation and public policy affecting environmental, cultural, and community resources on the Leeward Coast.
V. COMMUNITY CONCERNS
Community members shared concerns regarding landfill expansion, environmental impacts, public health, cultural resources, water access, and community involvement in land use decisions affecting the Leeward Coast.
VI. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announcements included:
• Upcoming City Council and Full Council hearings related to landfill siting and Makaiwa Hills funding proposals.
• Resolution 26-7 and related community advocacy efforts.
• Future opportunities for public testimony and participation regarding landfill and environmental issues.
VII. NEXT MEETING
The next Land, Water, and Air Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 8, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned.
Minutes Prepared By Board Member Razon-Olds
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.
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