HAWAI‘I KAI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 1

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA – Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Time and Location: 7:00 p.m., Hahaʻione Elementary School Cafeteria, and Web Access:
Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=mc6784c3106d34ccaa8d4be9e29f3279f
Meeting Number/Access Code: 2498 556 8981
Password: NB01 (6201)
Join by Phone: +1-408-418-9388
Meeting Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZNUDkxp2QU3dU9HJritG0vz3iFWRBceU
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice

1. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Roberta Mayor
1.1. Introduction of Board members

2. STATUS REPORTS–Three (3) minutes maximum per department. Questions to follow.
2.1. Honolulu Fire Department
2.2. Honolulu Police Department
2.3. Board of Water Supply
2.4 Kaiser Complex Schools
2.5. Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation

3. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS – Brief announcements by board members and the public on events, activities, and general information directly relating to Hawaiʻi Kai.

4. PUBLIC-GENERATED ISSUES– Two (2) minutes per speaker. Questions to follow.
Issues/concerns not listed elsewhere on the Board’s agenda may be raised but no Board action may be taken because of the “Sunshine Law.”

5. PRESENTATIONS – Ten (10) minutes per presentation. Questions to follow. Discussion or action as needed.
5.1. 2026 Honolulu Century Ride – Presenter: Christopher Salas, Events Director, Hawaii Bicycling League
5.2. Hawaiʻi’s Legacy Land Conservation Program: What It Does, How It Works, and Where It’s Going – Presenter: David Penn, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Department of Land and Natural Resources

6. VACANCIES: Three (3) At Large Seats
Appointment through June 2027. Three minutes per candidate. See endnote.1

7. OFFICIALS’ REPORTS – Three (3) minutes per speaker. Reports should relate to issues of interest to residents of Hawaiʻi Kai. Questions to follow.
7.1. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – Amy Asselbaye
7.2. City Council Chair Tommy Waters – District 4
7.3. Governor Josh Green’s Representative – Cameron Black
7.4. Senator Stanley Chang – District 9
7.5. Senator Chris Lee – District 25
7.6. Representative Joe Gedeon – District 18
7.7. Representative Mark Hashem – District 19
7.8. Congressional Representatives

8. BOARD BUSINESS – For discussion/action. Five (5) minutes per item.
8.1. Update on Kaiwi Coast Scenic Byway
8.2. Update on Kamilo Nui Valley Agriculture
8.3. Update on Koko Crater Stables

9. BOARD COMMITTEES
9.1. Board Committees: Transportation; Education; Parks & Recreation; Planning, Zoning & Environment
9.2. Announcements by committee chairpersons or members as needed:
Joint Committee Meeting of Parks & Recreation and Planning, Zoning & Environment on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 6:00p.m.-7:30 p.m., Hawaiʻi Kai Library Meeting Room. Discussion of Wawamalu Beach on the Kaiwi Coastline: Possible change in land designation for preservation/protection, clarity of name spelling, and possible new signage. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

10. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Minutes for Wednesday, May 26, 2026.

11. OTHER BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
11.1. Board Member Announcements
11.2. Board Chairperson Announcements
11.2.1. Correspondence

12. CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS
12.1. The next regular meeting of the Hawaiʻi Kai Neighborhood Board is on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 7:00 pm at the Haha’ione Elementary School Cafeteria and on Webex.
12.2. Hawaiʻi Kai Neighborhood Board regular meetings are cablecast on Olelo Ch. 49 on the 2nd Monday of the following month at 9:00 p.m. and repeating on that month’s 3rd Friday at 7:00 a.m. Videos can also be seen online at www.olelo.org/olelonet (search “Hawaiʻi Kai Board”), or via www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards (“Board Meeting Video Archive”).

13. ADJOURNMENT

1 VACANCIES: Three (3) At-Large Seats. Appointment through June 30, 2027. Candidates must be 18 or older and reside in the district (bring official ID). Residents interested in filling a vacant board seat must bring current proof of residency to the board meeting or contact Neighborhood Assistant Anson Wu [anson.wu@honolulu.gov] to verify residency in advanceBoard majority of at least eight votes needed for appointment. More than one round of voting may occur. Successful candidate(s) will take Oath of Office upon appointment. Boundary descriptions are available online at http://www.honolulu.gov/cms-nco-menu/site-nco-sitearticles/20115-board-subdistrict-descriptions.html.

Hawaiʻi Kai Neighborhood Board

For agenda, minutes, member contact directory, and other information, go to www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards.

To receive this Board’s agenda and minutes by mail or email, visit the Neighborhood Commission Office, 925 Dillingham Blvd., Suite 160, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96817; call 768-3710 or fax 768-3711; or go to 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 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://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 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
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2026, AT 7:00 PM
IN PERSON AT HAHA’IONE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA, 595 PEPE’EKEO ST, HONOLULU, HI 96825 AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Video recording of this meeting is found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lUQRivYxhE

Meeting materials are found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZNUDkxp2QU3dU9HjritG0vz3iFWRBceU

1. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:09]: Chair Roberta Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. Quorum WAS NOT established with 7 members of the Board present. Note: This 15-member Board requires eight (8) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Paige Altonn, Lisa Bishop (online), Tiffany Donnelly (online), Greg Knudsen, Roberta Mayor, Johanna Ward, Paula Bender, and Elizabeth Reilly (7:21 p.m.).

Board Members Absent: Robbie Allen, Elijah Lee, Herbert Schreiner, and Samuel Wolff.

Guests: Lieutenant T. Nakamura (Honolulu Police Department); Iris Oda (Board of Water Supply); Principal Shannon Goo (Kaiser Complex Schools); Management Analyst Galen Wong (Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation); Steven Sung (Verizon); Aloha McGuffie (Community Climate Mandate for East Oʻahu); Executive Director Amy Asselbaye (Mayor’s Representative); Representative Joe Gedeon; Cameron Black (Governor Josh Green’s representative); Wendi White, Sue Giving, Jason Liang, Bobby Silva, Tom Cooper (Hāhaʻione Advocates for Respectful Development); Kahi Picaro, Tara Malia Gregory, James Wataru, Cleo, Mike Buck, Dick Johnson, Rachel B., and Kaleo Nakoa (Residents); and Anson Wu (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name not included if not legible or stated for the record. There were approximately 33 total participants.

2. STATUS REPORTS – [0:01:45]

Honolulu Fire Department – [0:01:48]: No representative was present; a written report was provided. Chair Mayor read the April 2026 Statistics and May 2026 Safety Tips.
• April 2026 Statistics: 0 structure fires; 0 wildland/brush fires; 1 nuisance fire; 1 cooking fire; 3 activated alarms (no fire); 91 medical emergencies; 3 mountain rescues (2 at Koko Crater Stairs/Trail, 1 at Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail).
• May 2026 Fire Safety Tip – Wildfire Prevention and Preparedness: Hawaiʻi is entering a period of increased wildfire risk. Residents are encouraged to: clear dry brush and vegetation around the home; never park on dry grass as hot exhaust can ignite it; avoid activities that create sparks or heat during dry, hot, windy weather; stay aware of weather and fire conditions. For more information, visit fire.honolulu.gov and hawaiiwildfire.org.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hr9T6YUMWNdc4bQZyGfy5z-aWTcfekcB/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:04:18]
1. Mountain Rescue Location Clarification: Member Knudsen requested that the record specify “Koko Crater Trail” for the mountain rescues, to avoid confusion with Koko Head at Hānauma Bay. Chair Mayor confirmed the correction.

Honolulu Police Department – [0:04:48]: Lieutenant T. Nakamura provided the April 2026 statistics and safety tip.
• April 2026 Statistics: 1 motor vehicle theft; 2 burglaries; 7 thefts; 2 unauthorized entries into motor vehicle (UEMV); 5,614 total calls for service.
• May 2026 Safety Tip of the Month – Emergency Alerts: Lieutenant Miura encouraged residents to sign up for HNL Alert (hnlalert.gov), the official notification system of the City and County of Honolulu, which provides alerts via text message, email, and push notifications regarding severe weather, road closures, ocean conditions, and water main breaks.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:06:17]: Iris Oda provided the report and highlighted the following: toilet rebate announcement: BWS is reminding Oʻahu residents that a $200-per-toilet rebate is now available through the Water Sensible Rebate Program for WaterSense-labeled toilets using 1.28 gallons per flush or less. The rebate amount was doubled with support from the Cityʻs Department of Environmental Services. The rebate cannot exceed the purchase price. Participating toilets can reduce water waste by 20–60%, equivalent to approximately 13,000 gallons annually.

Kaiser Complex Schools – [0:08:45]: Hāhaʻione Principal Shannon Goo, representing all Kaiser Complex Schools, provided his report and highlighted the following: he noted that all complex schools are offering summer learning hubs as a community service. Kaiser High School held its commencement on Friday, marking the first time the ceremony featured a jumbotron display, and it included a special recognition of the Class of 1976 – Kaiserʻs first four-year graduating class – celebrating its 50th anniversary; a current board member was among that class. The graduation statistics were impressive: 250 total graduates, 52 valedictorians with a 4.0 GPA or higher, 93 honor graduates with a 3.5 GPA or higher, 28 Seal of Biliteracy recipients, 26 International Baccalaureate Career-Related Program graduates, and a 95.5% graduation rate — one of the highest in the state. Additional accolades included 79 Summa Cum Laude, 35 Magna Cum Laude, 55 Cum Laude, 92 Department of Education (DOE) Academic Honors, and 71% of all graduates receiving some form of special recognition. Principal Goo encouraged the community to spread the word about the quality of Kaiser Complex schools

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:12:33]
1. Japan-America Sister Summit: Member Knudsen commended Principal Goo for bringing Niu Valley and Kaiser Complex students to the Sister State and Sister Cities Summit held the previous week. Students were the youngest participants at a gathering that included the Governor and Mayors of Hawaiʻi’s four counties as well as mayors and governors from Japanese provinces and municipalities. The event was organized by the Japan America Society, and Principal Goo noted that students from Hāhaʻione Elementary, Niu Valley Middle, and Kaiser High School were able to present their projects at a booth.
2. Student Recognition – Vera Wang: Chair Mayor noted she attended the graduation ceremony and found it inspiring. Principal Goo highlighted that Vera Wang – a humble, accomplished student – placed third at the International Science and Engineering Fair held in Arizona, with the last comparable placement achieved by a Kaiser student approximately ten years ago. Wang has been accepted to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and will attend in the fall.
3. Hurricane Shelter Inquiry: Member Altonn asked whether Hāhaʻione Elementary and Kaiser High School serve as hurricane shelters. Principal Goo noted that in past weather events Kaiser and Kalani have been opened as shelters based on their facilities, and Civil Defense can designate any school as a shelter in an emergency; however, schools in the tsunami zone would likely not be designated. He committed to researching the shelters and report back next month.

Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) – [0:17:26]: Galen Wong, Management Analyst for the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation, provided the report and highlighted the following: updates on several outstanding issues from previous meetings. Regarding the traffic signals on Kalanianaʻole Highway, HDOT received a concern from Kevin Imanaka and Member Bender, referred it to the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) — which manages and controls the signals — and a DTS staff member adjusted the signals; no further complaints have been received. For the slope and rock wall on the Mauka side by the Hālona Blowhole, HDOT is working on a bid or contract to address the slopes and rock falls. The parking lot at Hālona Blowhole is under City and County of Honolulu jurisdiction, so requests for additional trash cans at the lookout should be directed to DTS. HDOT staff will also inspect the guardrails along the highway from Hānauma Bay Road to Sandy Beach to assess what remedies or replacement projects may be needed. Finally, Wong confirmed that DTS manages the traffic flow in and out of Hānauma Bay parking in the early morning hours

Member Reilly arrived to the meeting at 7:21 p.m.; 8 members present, quorum was established.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:20:38]
1. Guardrails by Cockroach Cove: Chair Mayor asked for confirmation that guardrails near Cockroach Cove on Kalanianaʻole Highway would be included in the inspection. Wong confirmed HDOT is actively working on a project to address the rock falls and slopes on the Mauka side near Hālona Blowhole. Wong confirmed that guardrails from Hānauma Bay Road to the Sandy Beach area will be reviewed, and a major replacement project may be programmed if warranted.
2. Trash Containers at Hānauma Bay Nature Preserve Overlook: Member Bishop asked about adding trash containers at the overlook across from the Hānauma Bay Nature Preserve entrance. Wong confirmed this area falls under City and County of Honolulu jurisdiction, and the city would need to be contacted to add containers.

3. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS – [0:22:47]

Poetry from Ridge – [0:22:59]: Wendi White and Sue Giving introduced Poetry from Ridge, a new community project that connects conservation and language arts. The project places poetry posts in areas of natural and cultural significance with the goal of connecting people to place, encouraging reflection on the environment, and inspiring greater stewardship. The first post will be unveiled at Keawāwa Wetlands on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., hosted by Livable Maunalua-Hui. The original unveiling had been planned for World Wetlands Day in February 2026 but was postponed due to rain. Posts rotate to new locations every two months and feature new poems every two weeks; community members are welcome to attend the half-hour dedication ceremony or volunteer at the wetland.

Hāhaʻione Advocates for Respectful Development (HARD) – [0:24:33]: Tom Cooper, representing Hāhaʻione Advocates for Respectful Development (HARD), thanked board members and community members who attended the recent Japan-America Institute of Management Science (JAIMS) Building open house, which drew approximately 200 participants. He expressed gratitude to Kamehameha Schools Bishop Estate for granting permission to host the event, to Fujitsu Ltd as the current lessee of the property, to Representatives Gedeon and Hashem as co-sponsors, to Senators Chris Lee and Stanley Chang for their support, to media outlet Mahealani Richardson for three news packages distributed island-wide, and to Council Chair Tommy Waters and his staff for excellent public engagement and a surprise certificate of appreciation. HARD has created a community survey asking residents their preferences for the future of the JAIMS Building and adjacent properties, including the neighboring 7-Eleven, Boston Pizza, Koko Head Plaza buildings, and the preschool within the JAIMS building. The survey is available online. Cooper emphasized that the survey is distinct from the petition: the petition states what the community does not want (high-rise construction or demolition of existing buildings), while the survey captures what the community does want, such as a resiliency center, community center, satellite city hall, arts center, senior center, museum, charter school, or cultural center. Kamehameha Schools Bishop Estate has specifically asked to see the survey results, making a high response rate from community members essential; Cooper asked attendees to take the survey and to spread the word that it is different from the petition.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:29:44]
1. Survey Scope: Member Altonn expressed concern that the wide range of options in the survey (including impractical suggestions such as a bowling alley) could dilute the results and make it difficult to present meaningful findings to Kamehameha Schools. She suggested narrowing the field to the most realistic options and allowing respondents to rank their preferences. Cooper acknowledged the concern and noted that the survey does feature a ranked list of the most popular options, while still allowing write-ins; he indicated the impractical suggestions represent a very small minority of responses.
2. Survey Response Rate: Member Bender noted she took the survey at the open house and asked how many responses had been collected. Cooper reported that fewer than one-third of the approximately 200 open house attendees completed the survey, and attributed this partly to confusion between the survey and the petition. He committed to continuing outreach throughout the summer to increase participation and expressed confidence that sustained effort would yield a large response, as it did with thousands of petition signatures.

Candidates for Office – [0:33:35]: Bobby Silva introduced himself and annnounced he is running for State Senate, Distict 25; Kahi Picaro noted an adoption of a park at Sandy Beach and is running for State House District 19; Jason Liang announced his candidacy for city council; Tara Malia Gregory announced her candidacy for city council; and James Wataru introduced himself and announced he is running for State House, District 18.

Hawaiʻi Kai Baseball League / District Park Permit Pilot Program – [0:38:03]: Resident Cleo who is a coach and parent in the Hawaiʻi Kai Baseball League raised concerns about a new Parks and Recreation pilot permit program for athletic fields. Under the new system, organizations across the entire island may now bid for use of fields at Hawaiʻi Kai District Park forcing them to practice in town.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:40:27]
1. Permits Concern: Member Reilly expressed concern and supported having a larger conversation at the neighborhood board. She noted the district park should serve district residents first and asked what makes it so attractive to outside groups. The resident explained that Hawaiʻi Kai District Park is widely regarded as one of the best-maintained parks on the island, with clean facilities and strong community oversight.
2. Pilot Program Explanation: Member Altonn asked how the pilot program works mechanically. The speaker explained permits are renewed every three months via an online system open to the whole island, with a competitive point system that disadvantages local league teams compared to club teams. Member Altonn agreed the matter warrants a larger conversation and would like the Cityʻs Department of Parks and Recreation to provide an explanation for the program.
3. Permit Clarification: Resident Gregory clarified via email from Hawaiʻi Kai Baseball League president Sean Takamori. Member Altonn reiterated that the issue warrants a larger conversation and would like the Cityʻs Department of Parks and Recreation to provide an explanation for the new process. Chair Mayor will invite the city to meet with the board and explain the rationale behind the entire process.

Friends of Hānauma Bay / Koko Head Elementary Aloha in Action – [0:50:11]: Member Bishop announced a highly successful cleanup at Hānauma Bay on Saturday, May 2, 2026, hosted by the Friends of Hānauma Bay in partnership with Koko Head Elementary School for their annual Aloha in Action Day of Service. Approximately 90 participants attended, drawn primarily from Koko Head Elementary and the Friends of Hānauma Bay. Bishop thanked Koko Head Elementary Principal Lindsay Bracken, Community Liaison Officer Michelle Shawl, and Lynette Leu from Hānauma Bay Management for their coordination. She also recognized Member Altonn and Representative Joe Gedeon, who came out to support the event. The day featured great weather, enthusiastic student participation, and meaningful environmental stewardship at one of Hawaiʻiʻs most beloved natural sites.

Sid Fernandez Field Petition – [0:51:42]: Resident Gregory announced an effort to rename the Kaiser High School baseball field the “Sid Fernandez Field” in honor of the Kaiser High School alumnus widely regarded as one of the best MLB pitchers ever to come out of Hawaiʻi. The petition has gathered over 400 signatures and hundreds of online comments, with community members writing paragraphs about how Fernandezʻs legacy raises morale for the younger generation and reflects the pride of the community.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:52:56]
1. Process of Renaming: Chair Mayor recommended the organizer contact the Department of Education to learn the official process for naming school facilities, noting there is a formal procedure that should be followed before advancing further with a petition.

4. PUBLIC-GENERATED ISSUES – [0:53:16]

Conservation Funding Integrity – Legacy Land Fund and Clean Water and Natural Land Fund – [0:53:18]: Member Reilly raised concerns about the integrity of two conservation funding mechanisms that have protected natural and cultural landscapes in East Honolulu: The Legacy Land Fund and the Clean Water and Natural Land Fund. These funds have been instrumental in protecting Keawawa Wetlands, Maunalua Fishpond Heritage Center, and other significant landscapes in East Honolulu. She expressed strong concern that the Charter Commission was considering allowing a portion of these voter-approved funds to be redirected away from their intended purpose of protecting and preserving natural and cultural resources and empowering communities to care for those lands. She noted that at the state level, available funding has been reduced from approximately $10 million to $5 million, making it increasingly difficult to protect even a single landscape given individual acquisition costs that can reach $3 million or more. Reilly asked the Board to take up this issue at a future meeting, to invite speakers, and to call on elected officials and the broader public to uphold the integrity of these funds. Chair Mayor agreed to work toward getting speakers on these issues at a future meeting.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:56:40]
1. Member Reilly Dedication: Member Altonn acknowledged Member Reillyʻs decades of advocacy, crediting her for the protection of Keawawa Wetlands, Kaiwi, and other community assets. She expressed frustration that the integrity of those commitments is being eroded and urged the entire community to engage on this issue.

5. PRESENTATIONS – [0:58:52]

Verizon Proposed Telecommunication Facility at the Hawaiʻi Kai Golf Course – [0:59:12]: Steven Sun, Site Acquisition Agent for Verizon Wireless, presented a proposal to install a new cell tower on the 11th hole of the Hawaiʻi Kai Golf Course. The proposed structure is a 50-foot stealth tower designed to resemble a pine tree; with the pine needle fronds, the total height reaches 55 feet. The design was chosen specifically because existing pine and palm trees are present at the site, allowing the tower to blend naturally into the landscape as viewed from Kalanianaʻole Highway. The primary purpose of the tower is to improve Verizon coverage along the Makapuʻu Trail and to shoot coverage back toward Sandy Beach and Hālona Blowhole — a corridor where hikers, tourists, and locals currently have no cell service and have been unable to call for help in emergencies. The two-sector antenna system will cover the Makapuʻu Trail to the east/north and Sandy Beach and Hālona Blowhole to the southwest.
• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c12RRmoaNvYP1xVRhgkZLNcmVDHcMp1O/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:02:48]
1. Tower Clarification: Chair Mayor asked if they are proposing to have a tower that looks like a pine tree. Sun confirmed; Chair Mayor also questioned the towers height. Sun stated the tower will be 50 feet tall with the pine needles included it will be 55 feet tall.
2. Maintenance Plan: Member Knudsen noted that a similar stealth pine tree tower near Koko Crater Botanical Gardens has deteriorated in appearance over time. Sun explained that Verizon’s protocol is to replace faded pine needle fronds during site modification visits, and that the golf course property owner would notify Verizon when maintenance is needed. He also noted the nearby tower is being prepared for refurbishment.
3. Alternative Locations – Board of Water Supply Tank: Member Knudsen asked whether the nearby BWS water tank, which stands approximately 100 feet high, could serve as a host site. Sung explained that water tanks no longer permit antenna mounting — a policy that was changed years ago — and that water stations generally do not have sufficient space for the ground equipment and tower base required for a cell site installation.
4. Emergency Power During Disasters: Chair Mayor asked about powering the tower during disasters when the electric grid is down. Sun confirmed the site plan includes an emergency generator.
5. Number of Verizon Towers in Hawaiʻi Kai and Power Issues: Member Altonn asked how many Verizon towers exist in Hawaiʻi Kai. Sung estimated at least 6–7 (including a site near Maunalua). She asked whether these towers experienced power outages during recent storms. Sung noted that existing Verizon sites have emergency generators and sites without generators have battery backup cabinets providing approximately 6–7 hours of power. Sung said he was not aware of complaints but offered to email the chair with specific information.
6. Microplastics and Environmental Concerns: Resident Pacarro raised an environmental concern, referencing a lawsuit against Verizon in Lake Tahoe related to plastic pine needles degrading into microplastics that entered waterways. He asked how Verizon would mitigate this for a coastal site less than a mile from the ocean. Sung stated he was unaware of the specific lawsuit but said pine needles/fronds that fall are typically reported by the property owner and replaced by a technician on monthly visits.
7. Cell Tower Density in Kalama Valley Area: Resident Cleo noted there are already three cell towers in Kalama Valley (near the water tower, the shopping center, and the stables), and questioned adding a fourth within a one-to-two-mile radius. He also raised the concern that in a natural disaster, the tower’s emergency generator would be irrelevant if the power lines serving the coast—located on the ridge—go down, and reiterated the plastic pine needle issue. Sung acknowledged the concern regarding the plastic pine issue and the location issue, but reiterated the strategic need for trail coverage.
8. Stealth Design Necessity: Member Altonn asked whether the pine needle aesthetic was required or whether a plain monopole tower at the 11th hole would be acceptable. Sun explained that aesthetics are a primary concern for the community and especially for a coastal golf course setting; the stealth design was chosen to make the tower as unobtrusive as possible in a scenic, high-visibility location.
9. Pine Needles vs. Bare Tower: Resident McGuffie asked whether the tower could be installed without pine needle aesthetics. Sung explained that a bare monopole is generally opposed by communities, especially in coastal areas, and that blending with existing vegetation is the standard approach. He noted the pine tree design was chosen specifically because existing pine trees are already present at the 11th hole.

Member Altonn left the meeting at 8:15 p.m.; 7 members present, quorum was not established.

Community Climate Mandate for East Oʻahu (CCM-EO) – [1:22:24]: Aloha McGuffie, Facilitator for the CCM-EO Steering Committee, Executive Vice President of Ulumau, and At-Large Member of the Waiʻālae-Kāhala Neighborhood Board No. 3, presented Part 2 of the Community Climate Mandate for East Oʻahu. For those not present at the Tuesday, April 28, 2026 Part 1 presentation, McGuffie provided a brief overview: the mandate is the product of a Thursday, September 18, 2025 to Friday, September 19, 2025 climate resilience symposium hosted by the KISKA Hui (Kāhala Initiative for Sustainability, Culture, and the Arts), which is sponsored by Kāhala Hotel and Resort, and convened approximately 150 members including residents, educators, cultural practitioners, nonprofits, business leaders, and government partners from across East Oʻahu. Ten round tables produced solutions and ideas spanning Mauka-to-Makai challenges, which were compiled into a draft mandate, reviewed and refined by Hawaiʻi Green Growth (responsible for the state’s Aloha+ Challenge Goals Dashboard), and uploaded to the Hawaiʻi Kai Neighborhood Boardʻs Google Drive, where it is available along with a community survey and the PowerPoint presentation. The mandate is guided by three values — Mālama (stewardship), Kuleana (shared responsibility), and Hoʻomau (sustaining for future generations) — with a 2050 goal horizon encompassing focus areas such as watershed restoration, local agriculture, reef and shoreline protection, and neighborhood disaster preparedness including community resiliency hubs. All six East Oʻahu communities (Kaimukī, Palolo, Waiʻālae-Kāhala, Kuliʻouʻou, Hawaiʻi Kai, and Waimānalo) are being engaged through their neighborhood boards; the KISKA Hui currently has approximately 150 volunteer members, and interested individuals may provide their email to McGuffie to be added to the Basecamp communication platform. McGuffie distributed hard copies of the survey, noted that five had already been returned by board members, and encouraged all remaining attendees to complete and return their surveys.
• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YPfctwtb0qWYR052qFtljiW0MnI5QlES/view?usp=drive_link
• Survey: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YDk3gXhO54bN-GHKblfQB3XuPtf6Hj2Y/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:30:36]
1. Board Outreach Update: Member Reilly asked which neighborhood boards McGuffie had already visited. McGuffie confirmed she has completed Part 1 presentations at five boards — Waimānalo, Kaimukī, Waiʻālae-Kāhala, and Kuliʻouʻou — and is finalizing the date for Palolo. Hawaiʻi Kai is the first board to receive Part 2.
2. Committee Coordination: McGuffie asked if the board would consider forming a committee or Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) focused on the East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan and/or the Board of Water Supply East Honolulu Plan, and offered to coordinate with it. Chair Mayor noted the board has standing committees on Environment, Planning and Zoning, and offered to connect McGuffie with the relevant committee chair.

6. VACANCIES: THREE (3) AT-LARGE SEATS – [1:32:30]: The Chair asked if there were any volunteers who were interested in joining the board by appointment to an at-large seat. There were no volunteers.

7. OFFICIALS’ REPORTS – [1:32:54]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [1:33:15]: Amy Asselbaye provided the report and highlighted the following: regarding Kaluanui Road tree roots maintenance, a Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Division of Urban Forestry arborist inspected the lower portion of Kaluanui Road on Thursday, May 7, 2026 in response to a previous board inquiry about tree roots damaging curb gutters and the walkway; no roots were visible at the area of concern and the arborist could not substantiate that damages were directly caused by city tree roots. The Division of Urban Forestry will collaborate with the Department of Facilities Maintenance to perform any necessary tree work to assist with repairs. Regarding tree maintenance at multiple Hawaiʻi Kai locations, an arborist also inspected trees at the Hawaiʻi Kai Park and Ride, the Great Lawn at 6520 Kalanianaʻole Highway, and the Hawaiʻi Kai Postal Service. The Park and Ride has a few trees requiring maintenance and two dead trees requiring removal, with tree work anticipated by the end of June 2026. The Great Lawn and the harbor next to the Park and Ride are on private property, making maintenance the property owners’ responsibility; and the postal service is on federal land, making it the federal government’s responsibility. Regarding the Koko Crater Stables, Asselbaye reported that the Office of the Managing Director was informed the concessionaire has met with and/or may be retaining legal counsel, making it inappropriate to comment on further proceedings; she acknowledged the stables are a tremendous community asset and expressed hope for a good resolution to be shared with the board.

Member Altonn arrived to the meeting online at 8:38 p.m.; 8 members present, quorum was established.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:38:58]
1. Koko Crater Stables – Background and Status: Member Knudsen noted he had not received the relevant letter that was sent to the concessionaire and stated the city appears to be walking back its contract. Asselbaye clarified she also had not seen the letter. Chair Mayor clarified that she was informed that the concessionaire received a notice to vacate the property by Thursday, June 30, 2026, with no reason provided. Chair Mayor indicated that she had sent emails to city officials expressing concern about the lack of board notification. She noted she had been working toward a possible interim resolution allowing the horses to remain while improvements were made, but a meeting between the concessionaire and the city scheduled for earlier that day was cancelled by the concessionaire who informed the city that she (the concessionaire) would be consulting an attorney.
2. Concessionaire’s Statement: Kim Hollandsworth, concessionaire of the Koko Crater Stables, noted the stables have been waiting over four and a half years for the city to tear down a condemned building as initially promised. The last communication from the city indicated movement toward a resolution, and she was surprised by the sudden vacate notice via email. She committed to reschedule the cancelled meeting and stated she has only consulted—not retained—an attorney, and remains hopeful for a resolution. Chair Mayor suggested she contact the Department of Enterprise Services to reschedule the meeting.
3. Clean Water and Natural Lands Fund – Request for Mayor’s Support: Member Reilly asked Asselbaye to help arrange a meeting with the Managing Director or Mayor to discuss the integrity of the Clean Water and Natural Lands Fund and to potentially obtain a letter from the Mayor opposing any diversion of fund purposes. Asselbaye agreed to follow up.
4. Managing Director Transition: Member Knudsen asked when Mike Formby was leaving his position. Asselbaye confirmed at the end of the week with the Deputy Managing Director becoming Acting Managing Director. Formby will brief his successors on the stables matter. Chair Mayor noted that Mike Formby has indicated that he will be informing his successor regarding the Koko Crater Stables issues.
5. DPR Ball Field Pilot Program: Chair Mayor asked Asselbaye to help arrange for a DPR representative to present at a future meeting to explain the new pilot permitting process for ball fields. Asselbaye confirmed she would follow up.

City Council Chair Tommy Waters – District 4 – [1:51:32]: No representative was present.

Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [1:51:54]: Cameron Black provided the report and highlighted the following: regarding Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA), the emergency siren system uses one standardized tone for all hazards – the same tone heard during monthly tests – and HIEMA’s website shows the operational status of all sirens statewide. The Koko Head siren has been functioning well, with the next test scheduled for Monday, June 1, 2026. Governor Green’s newsletter includes resources for residents, businesses, and farmers recovering from recent weather events, including potential federal mortgage relief protections such as foreclosure moratoriums, forbearance options, and waived late fees under the Governor’s emergency proclamation. He committed to reporting back on the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) infestation raised by Member Reilly, which affects several coconut trees in Kamilo Nui Valley, by contacting both the Department of Agriculture and the CRB Response Team. Black also has no update at this time on the due diligence for the proposed Maunalua development near the post office triangle lot.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:56:55]
1. Governor’s Veto Window: Member Altonn asked about the governor’s current bill-signing/veto window. Black committed to clarifying the timeline and following up, including on the status of the Legacy Land Fund bill.

Senator Stanley Chang’s Office – District 9 – [1:57:58]: No representative was present.

Senator Chris Lee – District 25 – [1:58:08]: No representative was present.

Representative Joe Gedeon’s Office – District 18 – [1:58:31]: Representative Joe Gedeon provided the report and highlighted the following: the JAIMS open house had a great turnout, and he was impressed by the building upkeep, and will be working with Hāhaʻione Advocates to craft a survey. His end-of-session district survey found that 80% of respondents are concerned about development worsening traffic or infrastructure, and approximately 2% were satisfied with utility reliability; Hawaiian Electric will present at Gedeon’s Thursday, June 25, 2026 Talk Story event (6:00 p.m., Oahu Club) to address the grid and upcoming rate increases. Following a meeting with HDOT Director Ed Sniffen, several community concerns are being addressed: slopes, guardrails, and rockfall near the Blowhole; trash cans at the Hānauma Bay lookout; a full repaving of Kalanianaʻole Highway from Waimānalo to Makaupuʻu and along the scenic route anticipated to begin by year-end; left-turn issues at Koko Marina; faded double yellow lines on Hawaiʻi Kai Drive; and speeding on Lunalilo Home Road. On Maunalua Bay, he met with the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) Bruce Swartz, Representative Hashem, and Brent Chang about storm debris on Ke Iki Beach and intends to organize a volunteer cleanup. Notable bills passed this session include income tax changes, an increased film industry tax credit ($50M to $60M), a raised minimum age for riding in pickup truck beds (12 to 16), new e-bike safety regulations, and a pilot program for faster county permit approvals.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:08:12]
1. Maunalua Bay Rubbish Bins: Member Reilly asked about rubbish bins previously chained near the docks/water at Maunalua Bay that fill quickly and blow into the ocean. Gedeon committed to checking on their current status.
2. Kaiwi Scenic Shoreline Name Change: Member Reilly would like to have a conversation with Gedeon regarding the proposed Kaiwi Scenic Shoreline name change, as the Neighborhood Board has not received updates despite the Board sending a letter to Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Dawn Chang to oppose any name change. Gedeon agreed to connect with member Reilly.
3. E-bike Enforcement Concerns: Member Altonn expressed strong concern that current e-bike laws are largely unenforced, noting she regularly sees riders of all ages running red lights, riding on freeways, and performing dangerous maneuvers. She fears a serious accident may occur before enforcement is prioritized. Gedeon agreed to bring up enforcement strategies with his HPD contacts.
4. Lunalilo Home Road Yield Sign: Member Knudsen raised a concern about the yield sign at the intersection of Lunalilo Home Road and Kalanianaʻole Highway, arguing it is incorrectly placed (inside lane yielding to outside lane). Gedeon agreed to add this to his list.

Representative Mark Hashem’s Office – District 19 – [2:17:01]: No representative was present.

Congressional Representatives – [2:17:07]: No representatives were present.

8. BOARD BUSINESS – [2:17:13]

Update on Kaʻiwi Coast Scenic Byway – [2:17:20]: Chair Mayor noted no updates.

Update on Kamilo Nui Valley Agriculture – [2:17:34]: Chair Mayor noted no updates. Member Reilly noted ongoing Firewise work in the back of Kamilo Nui Valley.

Update on Koko Crater Stables – Consider Sending a Letter to the Mayor to Speedily Resolve Issues at the Stables to Make the Facility Available to the Public – [2:18:10]: Chair Mayor noted that discussion concerning the Stables occurred during the Mayor’s Representative’s report. Chair Mayor asked the board members if they wanted to send a letter to the Mayor requesting the speedy resolution of the stable’s situation.

[2:19:08] – Reilly MOVED and Bender SECONDED to send a letter to the mayor requesting the City speedily resolve issues at Koko Crater Stables and make the facility available to the public. Hearing no further discussion, the board conducted a roll call vote. The motion WAS ADOPTED; 8-0-0 (AYE: Altonn, Bishop, Donnelly, Knudsen, Mayor, Reilly, Ward, and Bender; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None) – [2:19:58]

9. BOARD COMMITTEES – [2:21:34]

Planning, Zoning & Environment Committee – [2:21:39]: Member Reilly reported that a second community meeting with Group 70 regarding Koko Villas (originally planned for July 2026) has been postponed to late summer at the applicant’s request, as they are still conducting studies and analyzing data. Chair Mayor reminded committee chairs to submit minutes from their first meeting.

10. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – [2:22:30]

Minutes for Tuesday, April 28, 2026 – [2:22:33]: Chair Mayor noted one correction on page four: “Kalani Highway” should read “Kalanianaʻole Highway” under the Public-Generated Issues section (Safety Hazards heading).

[2:23:13] – Hearing no additional revisions or objections, the minutes for the Tuesday, April 28, 2026 meeting WAS ADOPTED with one correction; 8-0-0 (AYE: Altonn, Bishop, Donnelly, Knudsen, Mayor, Reilly, Ward, and Bender; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

11. OTHER BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:23:35]: No additional board announcements.

12. CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:23:37]

Next Regular Meeting – [2:23:40]: The next regular meeting of the Hawaiʻi Kai Neighborhood Board is on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Hāhaʻione Elementary School Cafeteria, 595 Pepeʻekeo St., Honolulu, HI 96825, and on Webex.

ʻŌlelo Broadcast – [2:23:52]: Regular meetings are cablecast on ʻŌlelo Ch. 49 on the 2nd Monday of the following month at 9:00 p.m. and repeating on that month’s 3rd Friday at 7:00 a.m.

13. ADJOURNMENT – [2:24:34]: Chair Mayor adjourned the meeting at 9:26 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted By: Anson Wu, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed By: Rachael Christobal, Neighbrohood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed By: Lisa Bishop, Board Secretary
Reviewed and Finalized By: Roberta Mayor, Board 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.