KAIMUKĪ NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 4

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026 AT 6:30 P.M.
KAIMUKĪ PUBLIC LIBRARY MEETING ROOM
1041 KOKO HEAD AVENUE, HONOLULU, HI 96816
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=mb20e82cb4440195fb76f5cbb17fc5307
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2491 383 1782
Password: NB04 (6204 from phones and video systems)
Join by Phone: +1-408-418-9388 (United States Toll)

View Reports and Presentations: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Wt9pOrbakhHBtITFDEP84GlbdXeCis0s
View Board Meeting Recordings: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfqRwVpRroom3zp43KJkZZ4nynu8uuap1

Rules of Participation: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to raise their hand, and when recognized by the Chair, to address comments to the Chair. Online participants will be muted by the moderator. After you are recognized online, please unmute yourself and turn on your camera. You may also write comments and questions in the chat box. All Speakers are encouraged to keep their comments and questions under 3 minutes, and those giving reports are urged to keep their reports under 3 minutes, except where noted. If you exceed these time periods, you may be requested by the Chair to summarize and conclude. Please silence all electronic devices.

Note: The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (HRS 92), no item can be added to an agenda if it is of reasonably major importance and the board’s action will affect a significant number of persons. At least two-thirds of the board’s total members (present or absent) must vote in favor of amending the agenda.

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1. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Brian Kang (bak.nb4@gmail.com)

2. ROLL CALL – Neighborhood Assistant Curtis Hayashi (curtis.hayashi@honolulu.gov)

3. HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) (HFDNHB@honolulu.gov)

4. HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) (https://www.honolulupd.org/contact-us)
A. Community Question / Request for HPD: Can police regularly / automatically enforce law prohibiting parking within 20 feet of any intersection or crosswalk?
B. Sign Waving: Aliʻiolani Elementary School, HPD District 7, and Office of State Representative Jackson Sayama Drive With Aloha sign waving event to promote awareness of traffic safety – Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 7:15 a.m. to 7:50 p.m. on Waialae Avenue (between 6th and 7th Avenues)

5. COMMUNITY REPORTS (Limited to 3 minutes)
A. Board of Water Supply (BWS) (https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/contact)

6. PRESENTATIONS (Limited to 10 minutes unless otherwise noted)
A. Kaimukī Vision Zero: Road Rights and Safety for Everyone – Eric McCutcheon
B. Update on Kyudojo (Archery Training Facility) at Mauʻumae Nature Park – Robert Dewitz (20 minutes)

7. DISCUSSION (Limited to 10 minutes unless otherwise noted)
A. Update (or request for update) from DPP (Department of Planning and Permitting) on the Approval of Permits for 3615 Sierra Drive

8. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS (Limited to 3 minutes each) (on prior and current constituent concerns, legislative/office updates, newsletter updates, and general announcements)
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative (https://www.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter) (https://www.honolulu.gov/mayor/contact-the-mayor) – Department of Information Technology (DIT) Chief Information Officer (CIO) Brian McKee
B. City Council Chair Tommy Waters (District 4) (https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district4)
C. Governor Josh Green’s Representative (https://governor.hawaii.gov/contact-us)
D. Senate District 9: Senator Stanley Chang (senchang@capitol.hawaii.gov)
E. Senate District 10: Senator Les Ihara, Jr. (senihara@capitol.hawaii.gov)
F. House District 20: Representative Tina Grandinetti (repgrandinetti@capitol.hawaii.gov)
G. House District 21: Representative Jackson Sayama (repsayama@capitol.hawaii.gov)
H. U.S. Congressman Ed Case (https://case.house.gov) – Kirra Empting (kirra.empting@mail.house.gov)

9. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS
Questions for HFD, HPD, BWS, city officials, and state officials should be asked after their respective reports. Residents, not board members, can share comments and concerns that are not listed on the agenda. Per the “Sunshine Law” (HRS 92), concerns not on the agenda may be presented, but the Board cannot take action.

10. BOARD BUSINESS (Limited to 5 minutes each, except where noted)
A. Discussion of Ways to Increase Neighborhood Board Outreach
B. Request from Neighborhood Commission Office to Review Neighborhood Board Boundary and Submit Requests for Any Revisions
(Current Board Boundaries: https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards-and-sub-district-boundary-descriptions)
C. Approval of Written Summaries for Video Record: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 and Wednesday, January 21, 2026 (https://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-11630)
D. Report of Transportation Committee – Audrey Abe
E. Reports of Board Members Attending Other Neighborhood Board and Public Meetings

11. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Next Meeting: The Kaimukī Neighborhood Board No. 4 is scheduled to hold its next regular meeting on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in person at the Kaimukī Public Library meeting room and online via Webex.
B. Meeting Agenda Requests: To request a meeting agenda item, please contact Chair Brian Kang (bak.nb4@gmail.com) at least two weeks before the scheduled meeting.
C. ‘Olelo Broadcast: Meetings can be viewed on Channel 49 on the second Sunday at 9:00 p.m. and the third Monday at 1:00 p.m. (https://olelo.org/tune-in).
D. Reporting Neighborhood Issues: Use the HNL 311 app or website (HNL311.com).

12. ADJOURNMENT

A mailing list is maintained for interested persons and agencies to receive this board’s agenda and minutes. Additions, corrections, and deletions to the mailing list may be directed to the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) at Kapālama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817, by telephone on (808) 768-3710, fax (808) 768-3711, or emailing nco@honolulu.gov. Agenda documents and minutes are also available online at http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards.

All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours of the meeting, written and/or oral testimony may be submitted directly to the Board at the meeting. If submitting written testimony, please note the Board and agenda item(s) your testimony concerns. Send to: Neighborhood Commission Office, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817, fax (808) 768-3711, email nbtestimony@honolulu.gov, 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
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2026 AT 6:30 P.M.
KAIMUKĪ PUBLIC LIBRARY MEETING ROOM – 1041 KOKO HEAD AVENUE, HONOLULU, HI 96816
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Meeting Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF4sPX4DTwc&list=PLfqRwVpRroom3zp43KJkZZ4nynu8uuap1

Meeting Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Wt9pOrbakhHBtITFDEP84GlbdXeCis0s

1. CALL TO ORDER [0:00:05]: Chair Kang called the meeting to order at 7:22 p.m. He apologized for the delay in beginning the meeting due to a scheduling issue with the library.

2. ROLL CALL [0:00:12]: Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi conducted a roll call of board members. Quorum was established with 10 members present. This 11-member board requires six members to establish quorum and to take official board action.

Board Members Present: Audrey Abe (Secretary), Kelsie Aguilera, Becky Gardner, Calvin Hara, Paul Hoe (Vice Chair), Sean Koegel, James Logue (Treasurer), Carole Mandryk, Christine Otto Zaa, and Brian Kang (Chair).

Board Members Absent: John Arnest.

Guests: Lieutenant Michael Thompson (Honolulu Police Department); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Casey Abe (Department of Transportation); Daniel Dinell (Mayor’s Arborist Advisory Committee); Liz Tatola (Cell Tower Concerns); Brian McKee (Mayor Rick Blangiardi); Kevin Imanaka (Council Chair Tommy Waters); Senator Les Ihara Jr. (Senate District 10); Representative Tina Grandinetti (House District 20); Representative Jackson Sayama (House District 21); Amy Fuller, Grace O’Neal, Donna Shimabuku, Bob Dewitz, Tom Collins, and Lori Yamada (Residents/Guests); Curtis Hayashi (Neighborhood Commission Office). About 52 participants joined the meeting.

3. HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT [0:01:42]: HFD did not join the meeting.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b2oqEHxUkkLlM23k32JexYsjzGa19p3c/view

4. HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT [0:01:49]: Lieutenant Michael Thompson provided crime statistics for December 2025. There were seven motor vehicle thefts compared to eight the previous month, eight burglaries compared to eight the previous month, 22 thefts compared to 18 in December, 17 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles compared to five the previous month, and 5,968 total calls for service in District 7. Lieutenant Thompson emphasized the Safer Roads Together campaign promoting safe driving by avoiding distractions such as phones and headphones.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:03:33]:
1. Pedestrian Accident Details: Chair Kang asked about details regarding a pedestrian accident on December 23, 2025 on a sidewalk at the intersection of Waiʻalae Avenue and 11th Avenue. Lieutenant Thompson explained the pedestrian was waiting on the corner on the freeway side and the driver heading Koko Head bound on Waiʻalae Avenue in the right lane may have been blinded by the sun and veered over and collided with the pedestrian.
2. Honolulu Marathon Traffic Policy: Chair Kang inquired about police policy during the Honolulu Marathon regarding permitting vehicles to cross Kilauea Avenue at 22nd Avenue during gaps in runners. Lieutenant Thompson stated he was not aware of any specific policy change but noted officers at the marathon have discretion to allow cars through based on safety conditions.
3. ICE Activity in Honolulu: Member Gardner asked if HPD has developed a policy on handling potential increased ICE activity in Honolulu similar to what is happening in Minneapolis. Lieutenant Thompson responded he has not seen any uptick in activity and is not aware of any policy regarding the situation in Minneapolis happening in Honolulu.
4. Parking Near Intersections Safety: Member Gardner reported being in a collision at 15th and Kihei Streets where visibility was poor due to a tall car parked near the sidewalk. She expressed concern that when she called HPD to report cars parked illegally near the intersection, the officer gave incorrect information stating there was no distance needed to park from an intersection. Lieutenant Thompson confirmed there are restrictions on parking near intersections and crosswalks and suggested continuing to call if illegal parking poses a safety hazard.
5. Illegal Parking Community Issue: Member Koegel stated illegal parking at intersections throughout the entire neighborhood is a massive problem where cars parked up to corners prevent pedestrians from being seen and drivers from navigating safely. He emphasized the need for the board to address this issue more comprehensively and encouraged residents to call the police about violations.

5. BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS) [0:12:01]: Lorna Heller provided an update on expanded water rebate programs. The BWS in partnership with the Department of Environmental Services (ENV) has doubled many rebates including 150 dollars for Energy Star clothes washers, 200 dollars for water sense toilets, and 400 dollars for smart water monitors. Commercial customers may also qualify for higher rebates on plumbing and kitchen equipment. Residents can get more information at https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/watersensible.

6. COMMUNITY REPORTS [0:13:57]

[0:14:01] Chair Kang MOVED and Member Koegel SECONDED to amend the agenda to allow Casey Abe from the Department of Transportation to present a community report on the Koko Head Avenue off ramp. Without objection, the motion was ADOPTED; 10-0-0 (Aye: Abe, Aguilera, Gardner, Hara, Hoe, Koegel, Logue, Mandryk, Otto Zaa, and Kang; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) [0:14:34]: Casey Abe reported he has been temporarily assigned as the HDOT Highways representative to the Kaimukī Neighborhood Board after the previous representative retired in December 2024. He provided an update on the dangerous intersections at the Koko Head Avenue off ramp where vehicles are not paying attention and either crash into the raised concrete median or through the median into the existing monopole or bridge abutment. The Highways Division has awarded a 4 million dollar contract to modernize traffic signal systems at the off ramp and Koko Head Avenue from Hale Avenue to Harding Avenue intersections. The project will implement the 2019 study recommendation eliminating the existing double left turn movement and installing new exclusive right and left turn only lanes. Three new traffic signal standards will be installed at the off ramp including a larger type with a 28-foot mast arm. Casey Abe proposed installing yellow portable barrels on the raised concrete median to prevent out-of-control vehicles from crashing into the residential home across the off ramp and will work with the traffic branch to implement this plan.
• Slideshow: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17utHpdBFDWk2xYerUDuyiG5s_ieuuDUw/view

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:19:27]:
1. Support for Safety Barrels: Member Gardner expressed support for installing bollards or barrels on the corner as they seem effective and suggested they could be painted to be aesthetically pleasing.
2. Lane Configuration Concerns: Lori Yamada expressed initial concern about changing the lane configuration but agreed to try it if traffic signals are coordinated better to prevent backups. She asked if the pedestrian crosswalk at the off ramp would have a push button and Casey Abe confirmed the modernized signal system would synchronize with pedestrian crossings.
3. Traffic Flow Improvement: Secretary Abe stated many people turn left off Koko Head Avenue to Hale Avenue which blocks Koko Head Street and creates traffic hazards. She believed the new configuration would improve both right turns to 12th Avenue and left turns down Hale Avenue.

7. PRESENTATIONS [0:25:24]

City and County of Honolulu Exceptional Tree Program [0:25:24]: Daniel Dinell from Trees for Honolulu’s Future presented on the Exceptional Tree Program as a volunteer with the Mayor’s Arborist Advisory Committee. He explained the program is 50 years old and property owners with exceptional trees are eligible for a 3,000 dollar state tax deduction every three years. There are 1,400 exceptional trees around the state and trees can qualify based on historic or cultural value, age, rarity, location, size, aesthetic quality, or endemic status. Any pruning must be done by a qualified arborist and exceptional tree status runs with the property. Dinell noted there are zero exceptional trees on the registry in the Kaimukī area and encouraged nominations.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:30:24]:
1. Row of Exceptional Trees: Member Mandryk asked if a row of exceptional trees such as on an avenue could be nominated. Dinell confirmed groves of trees can be nominated but noted they are almost always on public property which requires landowner permission.
2. Heritage Trees Discussion: Member Gardner referenced work done on heritage trees a couple years ago and shared a resolution she drafted encouraging people to keep large heritage trees on their property. Dinell noted heritage trees are an intermediate designation that Hawaiʻi does not currently have but is something the Arborist Advisory Committee has looked at.
3. Insurance Company Tree Removal: A community member asked if exceptional tree designation provides help with insurance companies wanting to remove large trees around houses. Dinell explained trees can be de-listed for public safety if diseased but the City would not allow removal of a healthy exceptional tree and likely would not have leverage with insurance companies on protecting homeowners.

Cell Tower Concerns [0:34:29]: Liz Tatola presented concerns about the number of cell towers installed since 2019 and potential radiation increases. She shared studies linking cell towers to health impacts including headaches, concentration difficulties, memory changes, dizziness, tremors, depressive symptoms, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and increased cancer incidence for those living in proximity. Tatola referenced California firefighters who opposed cell towers on fire stations until studies prove they are not hazardous after firefighters experienced health issues. She presented evidence of tree damage from cell towers showing asymmetrical leaf loss and discussed how 5G differs from 4G with higher frequencies and greater energy consumption. Tatola raised concerns about autism links to radio frequency emissions and noted the Big Island recently passed an ordinance requiring 600-foot setbacks from schools and residences. She shared Senator Gabbard will introduce a bill on cell tower topics and requested board support and additional Department of Health oversight.
• Slideshow: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MNHtP6dlZ2PuMjjy7L7efgTKpR02E2uV/view

Kaimukī Vision Zero Road Rights and Safety for Everyone [0:46:05]: No presentation.

8. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED RESOLUTION REGARDING AIRCRAFT FLIGHT PATHS AND NOISE IN KAIMUKĪ [0:46:32]: Chair Kang explained the FAA is considering issues relating to current and future airspace needs and identifying where updates are necessary to flight paths in and around the community. The proposed resolution before the board is based on the Diamond Head Neighborhood Board resolution with revisions to reflect it is from the Kaimukī Neighborhood Board. Member Otto Zaa MOVED and Member Gardner SECONDED to adopt the resolution.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:48:24]:
1. Aircraft Noise Impact: Member Otto Zaa stated helicopter and plane activity is out of control from three or four in the morning until late at night near Diamond Head and she wholeheartedly supports the resolution.
2. Previous Helicopter Resolutions: Member Gardner noted there were several helicopter resolutions before all boards about five or six years ago and while this may be duplicative, it bears repeating as the issue persists.
3. Aviation Safety Expertise Needed: Member Koegel suggested having someone with aviation background present to explain traffic patterns before taking a position, noting that pushing all helicopters and planes into one area over water increases collision risk and he would like more details about safety for air traffic.
4. Community Flight Path Presentation: Amy Fuller presented FAA Hawaiʻi Airspace Modernization Project information, showing heavy aircraft traffic over Kaimukī. She said flights increase about 5% annually, urged comments to FAA, and explained slight offshore shifts or reverse operations could significantly reduce airplane noise.
5. Alternative Route Suggestions: Member Koegel asked about suggested alternative routes. Fuller explained even pushing flight routes out a little further or redirecting slightly would reduce noise substantially, and eliminating one flight path could cut noise by 50%. She emphasized the importance of making voices heard during the FAA comment period.
6. Nighttime Aircraft Noise: Fuller noted prop planes flying the highway route at 2:30 in the morning are extremely loud and suggested questioning why aircraft are flying over neighborhoods at that hour.
7. Research on Path Changes: Lori Yamada asked if there have been instances somewhere in the world where flight paths were changed successfully. Fuller responded she would need to research that but noted from experience when wind shifts and planes are reduced by 50%, it makes a substantial difference.
8. Safety Concerns: Member Otto Zaa added it is not just about noise but most importantly about safety as there have been crashes in residential neighborhoods.

[01:01:04] This resolution was ADOPTED; 9-0-1 (Aye: Audrey Abe, Kelsie Aguilera, Becky Gardner, Calvin Hara, Paul Hoe, James Logue, Carole Mandryk, Christine Otto Zaa, and Brian Kang; Nay: None; Abstain: Sean Koegel).
• Adopted Resolution: https://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-355611/_4%202026-01%20Aircraft%20Noise%20Resolution.pdf

9. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS [1:02:18]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative [1:02:32]: Department of Information Technology (DIT) Chief Information Officer (CIO) Brian McKee provided City updates. Kurt Lager was sworn in as the Chief of Ocean Safety. New flood risk maps take effect on June 1, 2026 and are available on the City website and FEMA website. Construction begins at the Waiʻanae Police Station and transit-oriented housing is coming to Kapolei and Kalihi. The City launched a new improved HNL 311 system (HNL311.com) which has been a huge success. McKee shared that Point Loma in San Diego has a curfew where planes cannot take off after 11:00 p.m. and can only land until midnight as precedent for cities taking action on flight patterns.
• Mayor’s Newsletter: https://www.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:04:44]:
1. Overgrown Grass on Sunset Avenue: Chair Kang shared written public comments requesting grass be trimmed on both sides of Sunset Avenue near 12th Avenue (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1APR_q63w0wJS3ntIKymwIYWnx5ynjwnE/view).

City Council Chair Tommy Waters (District 4) [1:05:35]: Kevin Imanaka, Chief of Staff for Council Chair Waters, provided updates. A constituent reported vegetation overgrowth behind Mauʻumae Nature Park and the Department of Parks and Recreation has a fire break project estimated for late March and early April. The office received multiple reports of a houseless encampment under the H-1 pedestrian bridge and is working with the governor’s homeless coordinator to assess and coordinate outreach on state land. Bills 64 and 65 requiring detailed information on appropriations, transfers, and lapsed funds have been passed into law. Bill 76 requiring a searchable online database of City revenues and expenditures in an open checkbook style was reported out for second reading.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gMNa7wzXqZEkNWe-F0tNsgHqFMhhLDuQ/view

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:07:35]:
1. Heritage Tree Ordinance: Member Gardner asked if Council Chair Waters or City council would consider exploring a heritage tree ordinance and shared a resolution with citations and models from other jurisdictions. Imanaka agreed to follow up with Chair Waters on the proposal.
2. Fire Break Project Details: Lori Yamada asked if the fire break project in late March and April at Mauʻumae Nature Park is in response to a request from 2024. Imanaka was not sure but agreed to follow up and provide specific information for the next meeting.

Governor Josh Green’s Representative [1:10:08: No report.

Senator Stanley Chang (State Senate District 9) [1:10:15]: No report.

Senator Les Ihara Jr. (Senate District 10) [1:10:37]: Senator Ihara reported the legislature opened that day with the bill introduction deadline next Wednesday. He is working on facilitating relations with House and Senate leadership to ensure the conference committee period works smoothly. Senator Ihara noted the Senate President called him out in the opening day speech as the longest-serving member and he will use that experience to help the House and Senate agree on bills addressing public concerns. He announced his full-time staff started and residents can call his office.

Representative Tina Grandinetti (House District 20) [1:12:36]: Representative Grandinetti provided updates on her committee assignments. She will serve on the committees of Housing and Transportation and as Vice Chair of the committee on Consumer Protection. Her bill package includes protecting homeowners from foreclosure, protecting renters from displacement, lowering prescription drug costs through reforming pharmacy benefit managers, and promoting sustainability and affordability. The Consumer Protection Committee hosted two interim info briefings on fraud targeting seniors and retirees and on the proposed partnership between Hawaiʻi Pacific Health and HMSA which could impact Medicare and Medicaid populations.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:15:24]:
1. Tenant Displacement Prevention: Member Gardner asked about proposals preventing tenant displacement. Representative Grandinetti explained she introduced bills last session on increased notice periods for lease non-renewals and rent increases and more aspirational proposals on rent stabilization and just cause evictions. This session she is introducing a politically feasible bill requiring a tenant notice of rights published by the Office of Consumer Protection and provided at the beginning of every lease. She is also reintroducing a bill providing relocation assistance to tenants displaced by 201H projects.

Representative Jackson Sayama (House District 21) [1:18:14]: Representative Sayama introduced his staff Mark as committee clerk and Ariel as legislative aide. He will continue to chair the House Labor Committee focusing on expanding workforce development pipelines and exploring policies to recruit and retain qualified employees. His legislation includes expanding qualifications for the healthcare preceptor tax credit to connect medical, nursing, and social work students with qualified preceptors. He is working with the Department of Labor, unions, and stakeholders to create new incentives for apprenticeship programs providing good paying jobs for local graduates. Sayama will continue addressing feral chicken issues by changing how they are categorized in statutes to make it easier for pest control without liability for animal abuse. His office reached out to HPD about speeding incidents along Waiʻalae Avenue and is coordinating on a speeding awareness event along Waiʻalae Avenue in front of Aliʻiolani Elementary School.

U.S. Congressman Ed Case [1:22:27]: No report.

10. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS [1:22:38]

Kyudojo at Mauʻumae Nature Park Concerns [1:23:22]:
1. Community Notification and Safety Concerns: Dr. Grace O’Neal learned of the Kyudojo project informally and questioned the lack of broad notice or meetings. She highlighted daily park use, safety risks to people and animals, and the name Mauʻumae meaning forever. She felt the dojo serves few and preferred walking trails instead.
2. Community Outreach Concerns: Donna Shimabuku said her neighbors only learned of the project from television and were not directly notified. She noted uneven outreach, emphasized Mauʻumae as a forever grassy area, and suggested the dojo benefits a few rather than the community. She cited long-term neighborhood ties and desire for genuine input.
3. Project Awareness Concerns: A resident was troubled to learn of the project after approvals and permits were reportedly in place. She cited limited responses from 63 contacted households, with concerns about parking and injury. She first learned details from a post-presentation flyer and remains worried about risks to people and animals.
4. Public Safety and Park Usage: A resident stressed Mauʻumae is a passive-use nature park in a dog-heavy community. He warned that an archery range near a roadway could endanger dogs and people, and said government must protect public welfare. While respecting cultural aspects, he opposed the project on safety grounds and favored preserving the natural setting.
5. Firearm Classification Concern: A resident raised concern that bows and arrows are considered firearms under the law that can wound and work, which is one of the main concerns about safety.
6. Drainage and Environmental Concerns: A resident asked if anyone considered drainage issues when it rains heavily and floods down 16th Avenue making it hard to navigate.

Project Response from Hawaiʻi Kyudo Foundation [2:47:22]: Bob Dewitz from the Hawaiʻi Kyudo Foundation responded to community concerns. Dewitz stated that he followed the process the City outlined, including approaching the Neighborhood Board multiple times and sending surveys to 60 surrounding residents. He explained they approached the City about multiple locations but due to zoning rules and heavy usage of other parks, the City said Mauʻumae was the preferred location due to undeveloped land. Dewitz emphasized safety is their primary concern and the design has barriers all around including overhead to prevent arrows from going over the top. He stated dojo designs are well proven in Japan in heavily urbanized areas. Dewitz clarified dog walking will not be disturbed, parking will be provided, and the facility will have a community meeting room that the community can use. He stated it will not be a private facility but will be owned and administered by the City with reservations made through the City website. Dewitz emphasized he lives in the community and runs by the park and wants to make this good for the community.
• Commercial Operation Questions: Tom Collins asked if this is a commercial operation going into a residential area. Dewitz clarified it is a non-profit organization but Collins expressed concern about bringing more traffic to the neighborhood which already experiences dangerous accidents at 16th and Waiʻalae Avenue.
• Board Process Concerns: A resident expressed concern about finding out after the fact and stated the organizers seemed to have everything set up with approvals and permits and the neighborhood board had voted to approve it without broader awareness. The resident questioned why they were not given the privilege of a comment period similar to the FAA process.
• Project Timeline Questions: Dewitz explained that assuming the permit is submitted by mid-February 2026, there is a 30-day review period afterward, so mid-March or April could be the start of construction. The construction period would be five months as it is a small structure.

Motorized Vehicles on Koko Drive Path [3:00:22]: A resident raised a neighborhood concern about motorized vehicles, including mopeds and motorcycles, coming through the path between upper and lower Koko Drive despite a no motorized vehicles sign. The path has a blind turn and several people have almost been hit by younger people speeding through. The resident suggested installing poles on each side to prevent motorized vehicles from speeding through. The issue concerns the 4100 block of Koko Drive and the walkthrough connecting to the 4000 block. Chair Kang suggested residents concerned about the Kyudojo speak with Bob Dewitz and noted the draft environmental assessment is online with a link and email address to provide comments in the board announcements.

11. BOARD BUSINESS

Approval of Written Summary for Video Record Wednesday November 19, 2025: This agenda item was postponed to the next meeting.

Report of Transportation Committee: This agenda item was deferred to the next meeting in the interest of time.

Report of Board Members Attending Other Neighborhood Board and Public Meetings: This agenda item was deferred to the next meeting in the interest of time.

12. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS

Kyudojo Japanese Archery Range at Mauʻumae Nature Park Draft Environmental Assessment: The draft environmental assessment and anticipated finding of no significant impact determination for this project is available at https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/erp/Doc_Library/2026-01-08-OA-DEA-Kyudojo-Japanese-Archery-Range-Mauumae-Nature-Park.pdf. Comments are due by Monday, February 9, 2026 to dori.amanomitsui@honolulu.gov.
• Letter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1stYYLR2PdqAPd648HwtZdyqtjpw4KuVL/view

Next Meeting: The Kaimukī Neighborhood Board No. 4 is scheduled to hold its next regular meeting on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in person at the Kaimukī Public Library meeting room and online via Webex.

ʻŌlelo Broadcast and Reporting Neighborhood Issues: This neighborhood board may be viewed on ʻŌlelo Channel 49 at 9:00 p.m. on the second Sunday of the month. Residents can report neighborhood issues using the HNL 311 website or mobile app (HNL311.com).

13. ADJOURNMENT [1:46:30]: Chair Kang adjourned the meeting at 8:58 p.m.

Submitted by: Curtis Hayashi, Neighborhood Assistant, Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO)
Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO)
Final approval by:

To view agenda and minutes, visit our board website.

Event shows physical location; however, other options of participation may also include WebEx and phone.  If available, instructions for WebEx and phone can be found at the top of the agenda.