HAWAI‘I KAI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 1

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA – Tuesday, May 26, 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. Verizon Proposed Telecommunication Facility at the Hawaiʻi Kai Golf Course –
Presenter: Steven Sung, Site Acquisition, Agent to Verizon.
5.2. Community Climate Mandate for East Oahu (CCM-EO) – Presenter: Aloha McGuffie, Facilitator – CCM-EO Steering Committee, Executive Vice President – Ulumau, and At-Large Member, Waiʻalae-Kāhala Neighborhood Board #3.

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 – Consider Sending a Letter to the Mayor to Speedily Resolve Issues at the Stables to Make the Facility Available to the Public

9. BOARD COMMITTEES
9.1. Board Committees: Transportation; Education; Parks & Recreation; Planning, Zoning & Environment
9.2. Announcements by committee chairpersons or members as needed.

10. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Minutes for April 28, 2026.

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

12. CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS
12.1. The next regular meeting of the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board is on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 7:00 pm at the Haha’ione Elementary School Cafeteria and on Webex.
12.2. Hawaii 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 “Hawaii 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). Board 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.

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, APRIL 28, 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=RKy6LfvoyvY

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

1. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:08] Chair Roberta Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Quorum WAS established with 10 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: Robbie Allen, Paige Altonn (online), Lisa Bishop, Greg Knudsen, Elijah Lee (online), Roberta Mayor, Herbert Schreiner, Samuel Wolff, Paula Bender, Elizabeth Reilly (online), and Tiffany Donnelly (7:06 p.m. online).

Board Members Absent: Johanna Ward.

Guests: Firefighter 1 Travis Sevier (Honolulu Fire Department); 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); Aloha McGuffie and Lianna Lam (Community Climate Mandate for East Oʻahu); Honuʻaina Nichols (Community Engagement for Resilient Neighborhoods); Executive Director Amy Asselbaye (Mayor’s Representative); Council Chair Tommy Waters, Adam Doo, and Kevin Imanaka; Zephanii Smith Eisenstat (Senator Stanley Chang); Leo Rodas (Representative Joe Gedeon); Jane Taylor (Representative of Mark Hashem’s Office); Judy Nii (Kamilo Nui); Tara Malia Gregory, Kahi Pacarro, Jason Liang, Tom Cooper, Rudy and Cheryl Park (HARD), Chaleia Tamashiro and Dylan Brown (Ocean Alliance), Rae DeCoito, Adrienne King, Steve Davidson, Cynthia, Jms, Kimberley, Johnnie-Mae L. Perry, Scot, NY, Laura, Mike Buck, and John (Residents); and Anson Wu (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name not included if not legible or stated for the record. There were approximately 46 total participants.

2. STATUS REPORTS – [0:02:06]

Honolulu Fire Department – [0:02:24]: Firefighter 1 Travis Sevier provided the March 2026 statistics and fire safety tip.
• March 2026 Statistics: 1 nuisance fire; 3 cooking fires; 17 activated alarms (no fires). Emergencies: 88 medical calls; 1 motor vehicle crash; 1 mountain rescue (Koko Crater); 1 ocean rescue at China Walls; 1 hazardous material incident.
• Fire Safety Tip of the Month – Evacuation Preparedness: Residents are encouraged to: (1) have an emergency preparedness plan for environmental emergencies, fires, or natural disasters; (2) know at least two escape routes from home; (3) leave early to avoid being trapped by fire, smoke, or traffic; (4) have a predetermined meeting place such as a trusted neighbor’s home, a low-risk area, shelter, or evacuation center; (5) stay informed via hnlalert.gov, official social media, or vetted sources; and (6) bring a go-bag with essentials for family and pets – a subset of the all-hazard 14-day disaster supply kit.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:04:26]
1. Mountain Rescue Location: Member Bishop asked whether the mountain rescue at “Koko Head” referred to the trail or the point at Hanauma Bay. Firefighter Sevier clarified it was at the local crater (Koko Crater), not Koko Head at Hanauma Bay.

Honolulu Police Department – [0:05:21]: Lieutenant T. Nakamura provided the March 2026 statistics and safety tip.
• March 2026 Statistics: 1 motor vehicle theft (vs. 2 previous month); 0 burglaries (vs. 1); 8 thefts (vs. 6); 1 unauthorized entry into motor vehicle (UEMV); 5,697 total calls for service.
• Safety Tip of the Month – Tsunami and Emergency Preparedness: Lieutenant Nakamura cited Japan’s recent tsunami scare as a timely reminder that such events can happen. He encouraged residents to use honolulu.hnl.info for emergency notifications and to visit honolulu.gov/dem to enter their home or workplace address to determine their tsunami inundation zone. He emphasized that “knowledge is power” and that understanding one’s inundation zone enables better emergency planning.

Donnelly arrived to the meeting at 7:06 p.m. 11 members present.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:07:18]
1. Notifying HPD of Large Events: Resident Tom Cooper asked for the best way to alert Hawaiʻi Kai police about a large event of 100 or more people, noting difficulty reaching anyone by phone. Lieutenant Nakamura advised calling District 7 at (808)723-3369 and asking for the Community Policing Team, available 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They can log event details and refer callers to other resources as needed.
2. Hawaiʻi Kai Police Storefront Staffing: Cooper also asked whether residents can speak with officers at the Hawaiʻi Kai storefront. Lieutenant Nakamura explained the storefront is not staffed 24 hours due to manpower limitations; those needing police assistance there should call 911 and an officer will respond.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:10:27]: Iris Oda provided the report and highlighted the following: two main breaks in March 2026 – on Friday, March 13, 2026 and Thursday, March 19, 2026 – both near the 715 Hahaione Street area, and offered five water conservation tips for the summer: watering plants in the morning, taking shorter showers, checking for toilet leaks, avoiding unnecessary faucet use, and applying for BWS rebates on water-efficient appliances. In follow-up to previous questions, repaving concerns at 1093 Wainiha Street (stemming from a 2023 main break) should now be directed to the Department of Facility Maintenance Road Division at 808-768-3343. For the Mariners Ridge erosion issue on Kaluanui Road near Kaahue Street, the Department of Facility Management (DFM), Department of Design and Construction (DDC), and BWS are collaborating on interim repairs estimated to begin in April 2026, with permanent construction anticipated to take approximately three years; the point of contact is Cindy Cromwell, DDC. The Kalama Valley water project is anticipated for completion early next year, with repaving limited to the width of the trench per BWS standard.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:16:25]
1. Mariners Ridge – Ongoing Concerns: Leo Rodas, of Representative Gedeon’s Office, thanked BWS for the update and noted the Mariners Ridge issue has been ongoing since approximately September of the previous year. He raised concerns that the installed delineators are too narrow, with vehicles striking and knocking them over, and called for more regular updates, greater transparency, and stronger collaboration across all three agencies so that Mariners Ridge residents are not forgotten. BWS directed Rodas to Cindy Cromwell at DDC for the most current updates and committed to forwarding his concerns to BWS Communications.

Kaiser Complex Schools – [0:20:06]: Hāhaʻione Principal Shannon Goo, representing all Kaiser Complex Schools, highlighted upcoming May events across the complex, including Kaiser High School’s Hoʻike on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the gym, commencement exercises on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. on the campus field, Hāhaʻione’s rummage sale on May 9 from 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (all proceeds benefit student projects), and May Day and commencement events at all six complex schools throughout the month. A fresh update on the Kaiser Visual and Performing Arts Complex (KVPAC) confirmed the final site as the Great Lawn fronting the library (Mauka of the administration building), with a total estimated cost of $65.5 million in two phases: Phase 1 (auditorium, $50.6 million, groundbreaking 2031 with 18-month construction) and Phase 2 (dance, learning center, and visual arts classrooms, $15.03 million, groundbreaking 2033), with all construction contingent upon securing funds. Goo also provided achievements of students and dates of May Day and commencement for Niu Valley Middle, Aina Haina Elementary, Hahaʻione Elementary, Kamiloiki Elementary, and Koko Head Elementary.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:22:38]
1. KVPAC Groundbreaking Clarification: Chair Mayor noted the handout referenced a 2028 start date, but Goo had stated 2031. Goo confirmed 2031 as the current groundbreaking target date.
2. Total Square Footage and Cost Contingencies: Member Wolff asked about total square footage and whether the $65.5 million estimate accounts for inflation and tariffs. Goo committed to reporting square footage next month and noted there is approximately a 10% buffer for material cost increases built in, but he would confirm.
3. Anticipated Seating Capacity: Chair Mayor asked about the auditorium’s seating capacity. Goo agreed to follow up.
4. Preliminary Renderings: Member Altonn asked whether any sketches or plans are available to help the board visualize progress. Goo confirmed no renderings exist yet – they are the next step in the process – and committed to sharing them with the board once available.
5. Hoʻike Location: Chair Mayor asked where the Hoʻike will take place and do they have to let the school know that the board would like to attend. Goo clarified it will be at the high school gym and he suggested to email the high school.
6. International Science & Engineering Fair Location: Chair Mayor asked where the International Science & Engineering Fair will be held. Goo is unsure on the location but he believes it’s at Phoenix, AZ.
7. Kaiser Class of 1976 – 50th Reunion Commencement Recognition: Member Schreiner announced that the Kaiser High School Class of 1976 recently celebrated their 50th reunion, and two graduates are coordinating to invite classmates to the upcoming commencement for a formal recognition. Interested alumni may contact Schreiner via the NCO website; names and contact information are needed to arrange parking passes and seating.
8. Vera Wang and Keawāwa Wetland: Member Reilly noted that student Vera Wang collected resources from Keawāwa Wetland for her First Place State science project, which Livable Maunalua-Hui has tracked and supported. Vera Wang will be featured on a 30-minute show airing on ʻŌlelo in the coming months.
9. Hāhaʻione Rummage Sale Details: Member Altonn asked if the Hāhaʻione rummage sale is occurring this year. Goo confirmed the rummage sale is Saturday, May 9, 2026, opening at 7:00 a.m. with a small early-entry fee, and running until 12:30 p.m. All proceeds benefit student projects.
10. Kaiser Athletic Foundation Fundraiser: Principal Goo mentioned the Kaiser Athletic Foundation is holding a fundraiser at Raising Cane’s that evening.

Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) – [0:36:20]: Galen Wong, Management Analyst, Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation reported that the two outstanding items from the previous month – adding trash cans at the lookout parking area and the traffic backup at Hanauma Bay – were not addressed because HDOT has been occupied with Kona Low storm cleanup. He committed to following up and reporting back next month.

3. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS – [0:37:00]

Community Work Day – [0:37:10]: Member Reilly announced a community workday at Keawāwa Wetlands on Saturday, May 9, 2026 and gave a shoutout to Hawaiʻi Kai Strong, Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization, Team Rubicon, Livable Maunalua-Hui, and Aloha Kamilo Nui – working in partnership with Mariners Cove, Kamilo Nui Valley, Kamehameha Schools, and Royal Construction – for firebreak work in Mariners Cove and the back of Kamilo Nui Valley. She noted the work would continue through the weekend and gave particular recognition to Team Rubicon for their volunteer contributions.

Hāhaʻione Advocates for Respectful Development (HARD) – [0:38:32]: Resident Cheryl Park announced Kamehameha Schools’ approval for a public open house at the JAIMS Building on Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with State Representatives Gedeon and Hashem, Senator Chris Lee, staff from Senator Chang’s office and City Council members expected to attend. An online survey will be posted online around Saturday, May 9, 2026 to gather community input on potential uses for the building; ideas include a year-round community center and/or resiliency hub.

State House Candidate, District 19 – [0:42:11]: Kahi Picaro introduced himself as a Democratic candidate running in the primary against Representative Mark Hashem for State House District 19.

City Council Candidate – [0:45:50]: Jason Liang introduced himself as a city council candidate and noted he would be available after the meeting to discuss his platform.

Mid Pacific Road Runners Club – [0:46:30]: Resident Steve Davidson announced the Hoʻōla 5K run on June 6, 2026 in Kalama Valley, benefiting HPCA (Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association), which operates 16 clinics for underserved and vulnerable communities. The flat, fast course starts at 7:00 a.m., ends around 8:00 a.m., and expects 100–150 runners, walkers, and strollers.

Ocean Alliance Project – [0:48:00]: Dylan Brown, Director of the Ocean Alliance Project, described the Maunalua-based nonprofit’s work in coral restoration, ecological monitoring, regenerative tourism, and integrating Hawaiian cultural values into science. He announced free Kamaʻāina programs on Saturday, May 23, 2026 to Sunday, May 24, 2026 and Saturday, May 30, 2026 to Sunday, May 31, 2026 for scuba-certified individuals, with plans to expand to the freediving community.

4. PUBLIC-GENERATED ISSUES – [0:49:27]

Traffic Light Countdown – [0:49:39]: Member Bender raised a concern about a traffic light countdown on Kalānianaole Highway toward town that counts down from 40+ seconds but then turns yellow unexpectedly, potentially misleading drivers into thinking they have more time to proceed. She asked Council Chair Waters, who was present, to investigate why this occurs and what the purpose is.

Safety Hazards at Kalani Highway / Cockroach Cove – [0:51:11]: Resident Adrienne King described multiple safety hazards along Kalani Highway to Kalaniana’ole Highway near the Blowhole Lookout at the area known as Cockroach Cove: the rock wall descending to the beach is dangerous with its danger sign obliterated; people are walking in the road; rain could cause a rockfall; a landslide on the Mauka side has deposited rocks on the shoulder; and guardrails along the stretch are rusted and in disrepair. She urged both the city and state to inspect and address these hazards.

Gaylen Wong (HDOT) shared he will have staff check those locations and look into guardrail replacement programming. Leo Rodas (Rep. Gedeon) reported sending photos of the Cockroach Cove and Mauka-side concerns to HDOT on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 with no response, followed by a second email the prior week, also unanswered. Wong invited Rodas to email him directly with the photos so he could follow up directly with the responsible HDOT staff member.

Emergency Management Planning – [0:57:12]: Resident Tara Gregory, City Council Candidate, District 4, raised concerns to Councilmember Waters about emergency management planning, questioning what the city’s plan is if Kalanianaʻole Highway is flooded or there are fires similar to other recent disasters, and stating that no clear mobilization plan was evident on the HECO website. She also cited reports that approximately 90% of island sirens are broken, asked for clarity on what different siren patterns mean, and noted HECO’s acknowledgment of infrastructure pressure issues that could affect both water and siren functionality. Member Schreiner noted that these questions should be asked during Chair Waters’ Report later on the Agenda. Gregory yielded her questions.

5. PRESENTATIONS – [1:00:00]

Community Climate Mandate for East Oʻahu (CCM-EO) – [1:00:28]: Aloha McGuffie assisted by Lyanna Lam introduced the Community Climate Mandate for East Oʻahu, a first-of-its-kind initiative rooted in KISKA (Kāhala Initiative for Sustainability, Culture, and the Arts, formed in 2022 and sponsored by Kāhala Hotel and Resort), which convened approximately 100 residents, educators, cultural practitioners, business leaders, and government partners in September 2025 to identify existing ideas for building a resilient East Oʻahu. The resulting draft mandate – called the “Plan to Thrive” – integrates the East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan and the Primary Urban Center Development Plan, and is guided by three values: Mālama (care for our communities), Kuleana (shared responsibility for East Oʻahu), and Hoʻomau (sustain and build resilience), with a goal horizon of 2050. Focus areas include watershed restoration, stream and canal cleaning, reef and shoreline protection, local agriculture and food security, and neighborhood disaster preparedness including community resiliency hubs. The draft plan has been uploaded to the Hawaiʻi Kai Neighborhood Board’s Google Drive for review, and a follow-up review and engagement session is scheduled for the Tuesday, May 26, 2026 board meeting.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:15:08]
1. Draft Plan Access and Follow-Up Format: Chair Mayor confirmed the draft plan was shared with board members and asked about the community response timeline. McGuffie explained the CCM-EO will meet with all six East Oʻahu neighborhood boards twice through July 2026, Hawaiʻi Green Growth will align the plan with state goals, it will be finalized by the end of the year, and implementation committees will form in 2027. Chair Mayor asked that the Tuesday, May 26, 2026 follow-up presentation provide a concise summary (not the full document) so the community can become familiar with the highlights; McGuffie agreed and the plan is accessible via the board’s Google Drive link on the meeting agenda.
2. Organizational Structure: An audience member asked whether CCM-EO is a nonprofit, government-funded, or grassroots organization. McGuffie explained it began as a group convened by Kāhala Hotel and Resort and has grown into a grassroots community of approximately 150 members – including Kamehameha Schools, Malama Maunalua, and multiple nonprofits – connected through the Basecamp platform. Interested individuals may provide their email to McGuffie to become a KISKA member.
3. Other Resiliency Hub Locations: Resident Tara Gregory asked whether the plan identifies proposed resiliency hub locations beyond the JAIMS Building. McGuffie deferred to Honuʻaina Nichols (the next presenter) for that discussion and noted an upcoming engagement with the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board in June 2026 and July 2026.

Oʻahu Community Resilience Hubs – [1:23:43: Honuʻaina Nichols presented the Oʻahu Resilience Hub Learning Community, a community of practice dedicated to supporting the development of resilience hubs island-wide, using the community-voted definition: “A trusted gathering site or group that supports year-round community resilience and during a disruption activates to support a coordinated response.” The Resilience Hub uses a “blue skies/gray skies” framework – in blue skies, hubs engage in everyday community-building activities (churches, fish ponds, taro patches, nursing care); in gray skies, partner organization Vibrant Hawaiʻi activates them for coordinated emergency response. The Hub Learning Community (HLC) mission is to support individual hubs, micro networks, and regions in coordinated learning and sharing best practices for community resilience. The HLC is a joint program coordinated by the Community Engagement for Resilient Neighborhood (CERENE) and the Lahui Foundation. A Resilience Hub Summit is scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2026 and Saturday June 6, 2026 at Camp Pālehua with stipends offered to participants. Monthly virtual meetings are held every third Thursday at 3:00 p.m.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:36:07]
1. Hubs in Hawai’i Kai: Chair Mayor asked if there are recognized hubs in Hawaiʻi Kai. Nichols noted that in Hawaiʻi Kai, Matt Glee (Hawaiʻi Kai Strong/CERT) is a consistent HLC member though his hub has not yet formally registered.
2. Coordination and complement with the Red Cross: Member Knudsen asked how the HLC coordinates with the Red Cross without complicating their established network and response process. Nichols clarified the HLC is not helping people to activate and the Red Cross is a partner of the HLC and are trying to relieve the burden of the Red Cross. Knudsen expressed caution about adding complexity and suggested the HLC could function as a partner to the Red Cross.
3. Value of Micro-Level Hubs: Member Wolff affirmed the complementary value of both large organizations and smaller hubs from his experience volunteering on Maui after the Lahaina fires, describing the Red Cross’ large-scale supply distribution alongside smaller hubs’ more personal offerings – native Hawaiian medicine, childcare, live music, and home-cooked meals – as equally necessary to community healing.
4. Clarifying Resiliency Hub Benefits: Member Altonn expressed confusion about how a resiliency hub differs from the Red Cross or Salvation Army and asked what concrete benefit it offers community members. Nichols explained the focus is on thriving during and out of disruptions – building community inventory and relationships so that resources can be shared rapidly at the neighborhood level without waiting for a top-down agency response. Chair Mayor added that the HLC’s goal is community self-sufficiency rather than reliance solely on outside agencies.
5. Community Experience and Advocacy: Member Reilly, a multi-year CERENE member, described the practical value of a resiliency hub: knowing and checking on elderly neighbors who live alone. She drew a parallel to the evolution of the “firewise” concept – once unfamiliar, now widely understood – and encouraged board members to attend an HLC meeting to experience the community firsthand.
6. Community Mobilization During Recent Flooding: Resident Tara Gregory described how community members mobilized within 12 hours of recent floods, setting up four hubs before the Red Cross arrived approximately 72 hours later. She referenced Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes Chapter 127A-14 – which grants the governor and mayor sole authority to determine and declare emergencies – and called for greater ground-up community coordination.
7. Legislation Supporting Resilience Hubs: A resident asked if there are any policies that CERENE is trying to push through local government that the community can support. Nichols referenced Senate Bill (SB) 21109, SB 17, and SB 2645, currently moving through the Legislature for resilience hub-specific funding.
8. Youth Perspective: A young community member expressed frustration at resistance to community-driven initiatives, questioning why solutions proposed by the younger generation encounter pushback and urging the board to make space for youth voices in these conversations.
9. JAIMS Building as Potential Hub: Dylan Brown referenced a Tuesday, January 30, 2026 email thread about the possibility of purchasing the JAIMS Building as a community operations center and resiliency hub, and asked whether there had been any follow-up. He was referred to the flyer on the upcoming JAIMS open house.

6. VACANCIES: THREE (3) AT-LARGE SEATS – [2:01:22]: Chair Mayor asked if there were any volunteers for the three vacant seats. There were no volunteers.

7. OFFICIALS’ REPORTS – [2:01:48]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [2:02:08]: Amy Asselbaye provided the report and highlighted the following: District 7 patrol officers conducted checks at Sandy Beach Park from Wednesday, April 8, 2026 to Monday, April 13, 2026, issuing one citation for an expired safety check with no other violations observed, and that follow-up checks will continue. Officers also checked the Hawaiʻi Kai Park and Ride and Great Lawn during the same period, issuing one citation for lying down at a bus stop; the Department of Community Services visited the sites multiple times between Wednesday, April 8, 2026 to Saturday, April 18, 2026 and found no homeless individuals, though acknowledged they do camp and loiter there, prompting continued HPD and Institute For Human Services (HIS) outreach. No updates were available on the Haluani Road tree maintenance or Koko Crater Stables items at this time. Asselbaye praised the community trust and relationships of resilience hub networks – particularly the Koʻolauloa Resilience Network – which served as the city’s “eyes and ears” during the North Shore Kona low storm response, enabling the city to reach residents including non-English-speaking farming communities.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:07:44]
1. Resilience Hub People during the Kona Low: Member Altonn asked whether those who mobilized during the Kona low were part of a resilience hub. Asselbaye confirmed they are part of the Koʻolauloa Resilience Network – a network of individuals and community-based organizations that know where resources are, understand how to work with government, and can respond in both “blue or gray skies” conditions.
2. Question Follow-ups: Chair Mayor asked if there will be follow-ups to questions on Koko Crater Stables asked from last month’s meeting. Asselbaye will provide the follow-ups once she recieves the updates.
3. 311 App: Asselbaye also recommended the upgraded 311 app for community members to report city-related issues, indicating a potentially faster response time than waiting for formal board requests.

City Council Chair Tommy Waters – District 4 – [2:11:30]: Council Chair Tommy Waters provided the report and highlighted the following: he addressed five topics: (1) he strongly recommended attendance at the Saturday May 9th JAIMS Building open house, noting he advocated for $34 million (the tax-assessed value) in the city budget to purchase the JAIMS property from Kamehameha Schools, though Kona low storm costs of $50–100 million citywide, make this request unfavorable for this year. He is encouraging Kamehameha Schools to partner with the community on a compatible use of the property in the interim. (2) He raised concerns that most school cafeteria evacuation sites are not structurally capable of surviving a hurricane and is advocating for $2 million per council district in the city budget for storm-resistant resilience hubs, with a public budget hearing on Friday. (3) He provided a detailed overview of Oʻahu’s landfill siting crisis, noting that community objections have been raised for each site. (4) He noted a Department of Emergency Management briefing on next steps was scheduled for the following morning at 9:00 a.m. at Council chambers. (5) He proposed a provisional fund from existing city lapse and vacancy funds (not a tax increase) for disaster preparedness and mitigation, noting that the 2019 “100-year storm” was followed by another comparable event just six years later. He also called for annual stream and ditch maintenance rather than only for pre-storm cleanup.

Altonn left the meeting at 9:19 p.m.; 10 members present.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:25:21]
1. Kamilo Nui Valley as No-Pass Zone: Member Reilly noted that Kamilo Nui Valley is a no-pass zone per the Board of Water Supply, protecting it from potential landfill consideration. Waters acknowledged this and reiterated the need for community vigilance given calls from some to site a landfill in Hawaiʻi Kai.
2. Landfill Acreage and Big Island Option: Member Wolff asked about the acreage needed for a landfill and whether shipping waste to the Big Island is an option. Waters noted every county faces similar challenges – Kāuaʻi is actually seeking to send waste to Oʻahu – and said he would explore the Big Island option with counterparts while acknowledging the 2028 closure deadline is fast approaching. He is unsure of the arcreage.
3. Location Clarification: Aloha McGuffie asked where the location of the 97-acre proposed site in Hawai’i Kai is. Waters believed it was at Kamilo Nui Valley.
4. Waste Reduction Initiative: Member Wolff encouraged the city to promote reuse through platforms like Facebook Marketplace and by discouraging junk removal companies from immediately disposing of reusable items. Waters agreed and mentioned a Re-use Hawaiʻi pilot project at the Kapaʻa transfer station, where usable materials were rescued before disposal.
5. Mariners Cove Crosswalk and Traffic Count: Member Reilly noted a traffic count underway in Mariners Cove and asked about the status of a potential crosswalk request linked to Waters’ office. Waters hasn’t received a response back, but suggested 311 may yield a faster response.
6. Comment from Waiʻanae Resident: Johnnie-May Perry, a Waiʻanae Valley resident, opposes the landfill at Waiʻanae and suggested use of eminent domain for Makaiwa Gulch.
7. Commitment to Full Term: A resident asked whether Waters would commit to completing a full term if he is re-elected. Waters confirmed to completing a full term if he gets re-elected.

Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [2:37:42]: No representative was present. An email report was provided.

Senator Stanley Chang’s Office – District 9 – [2:38:04]: Zephanii Smith Eisenstat provided the report and highlighted the following: she thanked the community for engaging in the legislative process and noted that the Legislature is in its final stretch, with community calls and emails having direct impact on legislation. The office has been in contact with Hawaiian Electric, which provided their 855 customer phone number and a webpage for outage notifications to help residents monitor the repair process. She noted that Governor Green’s emergency proclamation may make certain federal mortgage relief protections available – including foreclosure moratoriums, forbearance options, and waived late fees – and encouraged impacted homeowners to contact their mortgage servicer promptly and file flood insurance claims. The Public Access Room on the 4th floor of the State Capitol is a year-round resource for navigating the legislative process. Planning for the 2027 legislative session is already underway; residents can subscribe to newsletters and stay connected.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:42:11]
1. SB 2423 Statement: Member Allen asked whether Senator Chang had provided the statement promised last meeting regarding his introduction of SB 2423. Eisenstat confirmed that following community calls and communications, the senator moved the bill to be recommitted, and it did not advance this session. She described this as a direct example of community voices shaping the legislative process in real time.

Representative Joe Gedeon’s Office – District 18 – [2:44:15]: Leo Rodas provided the report and highlighted the following: constituent complaints about a smell near the golf course were traced to the adjacent Hawaiʻi American Water treatment facility, not the golf course itself, and that the office is working with Hawaiʻi American Water to provide updated odor control reports to the board for dissemination. The Mariners Ridge road/erosion update and Cockroach Cove/Kalani Highway concerns were already addressed earlier in the meeting; Rodas confirmed he will coordinate with Galen Wong on the highway matters. City road potholes may be reported via the 311 app or city pothole hotline; state road potholes should be directed to the HDOT Highway Division. An upcoming Talk Story event on tax legislation will feature Ted Kalis (Grassroot Institute) and Tom Yamachika (Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi) at the Talk Story Oʻahu Club at 6:00 p.m. Thursday. Board members are also invited to join Representative Gedeon’s Capitol visit Thursday at 10:30 a.m. to observe the final stretch of the legislative session.

Allen left the meeting at 9:48 p.m.; 9 members present.

Representative Mark Hashem’s Office – District 19 – [2:48:21]: Jane Taylor provided the report and highlighted the following: the office expressed enthusiasm for the Saturday, May 9, 2026 open house organized by Cheryl Park and noted the Legislature is in its busiest final stretch, with non-fiscal bills clearing the following night and fiscal bills on Friday. Representative Hashem agrees with Council Chair Waters on the need for proactive, stream maintenance and has suggested the possibility of directing green fee funds toward this concern. Taylor also endorsed the 311 mobile app for its ability to attach photos and expedite issue resolution, and invited residents to call the office with any concerns.

Congressional Representatives – [2:50:13]: No representatives were present.

8. BOARD BUSINESS – [2:50:19]

Update on Kaʻiwi Coast Scenic Byway – [2:50:22]: No update was provided at this meeting.

Update on Kamilo Nui Valley Agriculture – [2:51:00]: Resident and farmer, Judy Nii provided the report and highlighted the following: that Kona Low storm flooding closed the main valley road, requiring the emergency road to be opened, and caused significant agricultural damage including plant rot and disease due to prolonged rain and lack of sunlight, with farms still recovering. Kamehameha Schools is currently issuing only one-year licenses for valley land use, preventing new farmers from securing loans and creating financial uncertainty for the farmers.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:53:37]
1. License Renewal Notice: Chair Mayor asked when the license needed to be renewed. Nii stated that the license ends at the end of June. A resident asked how much advance notice farmers receive before a license is not renewed. Nii noted it has not been discussed, but due to the sewer system installation on the land, it makes it difficult for a new business to plant on the land.
2. Historical Agricultural Use: A community member asked whether Kamilo Nui was historically agricultural. Nii confirmed it was, long ago. Nii mentioned that native birds were spotted at a pond formed by flooding on a cleared farm lot. Member Reilly confirmed she photographed the ʻAlaeʻula at a farm lot approximately 200 yards from the Hawaiʻi Kai Marina and shared the images with Kamehameha Schools, noting the area was historically marshland and fish ponds before the Kaiser development.

Update on Koko Crater Stables – [2:58:02]: Chair Mayor noted she hopes to receive more information when Amy Asselbaye returns next month with additional updates.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:58:12]
1. Request for City Letter on Stables History: Member Schreiner asked whether the board could formally request a written letter from the city administration documenting all decisions made regarding the Koko Crater Stables and how those decisions were reached. Chair Mayor agreed to take this under advisement and follow up.

9. BOARD COMMITTEES – [2:58:40]: No committee updates.

10. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – [2:58:47]

Minutes for Tuesday, March 31, 2026 – [2:58:50]: [2:58:53] – Hearing no additions or corrections, the minutes for the Tuesday, March 31, 2026 Board meeting WAS ADOPTED as written; 9-0-0 (Aye: Bishop, Donnelly, Knudsen, Lee, Mayor, Reilly, Schreiner, Wolff, and Bender; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

11. OTHER BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:59:04]: No board announcements

12. CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:59:08]

Next Regular Meeting – [2:59:15]: The next regular meeting of the Hawaiʻi Kai Neighborhood Board is on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Hahaʻione Elementary School Cafeteria, 595 Pepeʻekeo St., Honolulu, HI 96825, and on Webex.

ʻŌlelo Broadcast – [2:59:25]: 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 – [2:59:51]: Chair Mayor adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted By: Anson Wu, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed By: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, 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.