KULI‘OU‘OU – KALANI IKI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 2

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026
6:30 PM VIA IN PERSON & WEBEX

IN PERSON
ʻĀina Haina Library Meeting Room
5246 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96821
Other available options include participating by WebEx and phone; instructions listed below

WEBEX
Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=ma6159b26be049fc54ccf1a89ce26bd02
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2484 622 4053
Password: NB02 (6202 from phones and video systems)
Join by phone: 1-408-418-9388

For Neighborhood Board Announcements, Correspondence, and Monthly Reports please go to the NB#2 Google drive link: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1wezRyARsyx1JlCFN56ejBuKud14s8u5P

Recordings: Recordings of Board meetings can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice

Rules of Speaking: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to raise his/her hand, and when recognized by the Chair, to address comments to the Chair. Speakers are allowed two (2) minutes, those giving reports are asked to keep them under three (3) minutes, and presenters under five (5) minutes. Comments should be brief and to the point. Please silence all electronic devices. Participants on WebEx please be sure to mute yourself when you are not speaking to avoid any background noise. When attending the meeting via cell phone press *6 to mute and unmute.
Note: The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (HRS 92), specific issues not noted on this agenda cannot be voted on, unless added to the agenda.
Privacy: This meeting is being recorded for future telecast. Comments made will be part of the video presentation.

1.CALL TO ORDER – Vice Chair Kaui Lucas

2. CITY / STATE MONTHLY REPORTS–Three (3) minutes maximum per department.
2.1. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) https://www.hfd.honolulu.gov/
2.2. Honolulu Police Department (HPD) https://www.honolulupd.org/
2.3.Board of Water Supply (BWS) https://www.boardofwatersupply.com – Jimmy Yanos

3. BOARD BUSINESS – For discussion/action
3.1. Vacancies: SD#1(1), SD#2(1), SD#5(1), SD#7(1), SD#8(1)
3.2. Approval of regular meeting minutes from February 4, 2026
3.3 NP §2-14-106 Three Absences Notice for Board Member Healani Sonoda-Pale
3.4. Resolution – Pia Valley Ungulate Fence
3.5. Kalanianaʻole Highway Speed Calming Measures

4.PUBLIC INPUT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Two 2) minutes each
(Because of the State “Sunshine Law”, concerns may be discussed, but no Board action may be taken until
a subsequent meeting.)

5. OFFICIALS’ REPORTS – Three (3) minutes per speaker. Reports should relate to issues of interest to residents of the Kuliʻouʻou Kalani Iki area.
5.1. Congressman Ed Case Representative
5.2. Mayor Rick Blangiardi Representative – Dita Holifield
5.3. Governor Josh Green Representative – Dave Day
5.4. City Council Chair Tommy Waters – District 4- Adam Doo
5.5. Senator Stanley Chang – District 9
5.6. Representative Mark Hashem – District 19
5.7. Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) – Casey Abe https://hidot.hawaii.gov/

6. PRESENTATIONS
6.1. James Matichuk, Architects Hawaii – Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for 1105 Hind Luka Drive.
6.2. Micah Kahiwa – Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Legislative priorities.
6.3. Chad Wasden- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) changes affecting airspace over our neighborhoods.

7. CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS
7.1. The next regular meeting of the Kuliʻouʻou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board is Wednesday, April 1, 2026,
6:30 p.m., at the ʻĀina Haina Library and via Webex.
7.2. Audio and Video Recordings: Informal audio and video recordings of the meetings are available to the
general public via ʻŌlelo On Demand at https://olelo.org/olelonet/. Search for “Kuliʻouʻou Kalani Iki Board”
and you can download an mp3 file or watch a video of the meetings online. Recordings of Board meetings can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice.

8. ADJOURNMENT

Kuliʻouʻou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board
A mailing list is maintained for interested persons and agencies to receive Neighborhood Commission agendas and minutes. Additions, deletions, and corrections to the list may be directed to the Neighborhood Commission Office, Kapālama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817; please call the Neighborhood Commission Office at 1(808) 768-3710 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or send an email to nco@honolulu.gov, or fax 768-3705 to be added to the mailing list.

All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours, written and/or oral testimony may be submitted directly to the board at the meeting. If submitting written testimony, please note the board and agenda item(s) your testimony concerns. Send to: Neighborhood Commission Office, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160 Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96817. Fax: (808) 768-3711. Email: nbtestimony@honolulu.gov.

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, FEBRUARY 4, 2026 at 6:30 P.M.
ʻĀina Haina Library Meeting Room – 5246 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96821
AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING

Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNXPvQ949Ss&t=8s

Reports & other meeting materials can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1wezRyARsyx1JlCFN56ejBuKud14s8u5P

CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:08] Chair Clarissa Burkert called the Kuliʻouʻou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board No. 2 meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Quorum was established with nine (9) members present. Note: This seventeen-member Board requires nine (9) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present: Clarissa Burkert, Jeannine Johnson, Mecca Monson-Gere, Tim Stanton, Kaui Lucas, Frank Fujii, Sheridan Spangler, Shelley Ham, and Doorae Shin

Members Absent: William Kilcoyne, Kevin Palmer, and Healani Sonoda-Pale

Guests: Captain Alejandro Cisternas, Firefighter Jason Arnold (Honolulu Fire Department – HFD); Lieutenant Leonard Nishimura (Honolulu Police Department – HPD); Jimmy Yanos (Board of Water Supply); Dita Holifield (Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Office); Dave Day (Governor Josh Green’s Representative); Council Chair Tommy Waters, Adam Doo (Council Chair Tommy Waters’ Office); Zephanii Smith Eisenstat (Senator Stanley Chang’s Representative); Jane Taylor (Representative Mark Hashem’s Office); Casey Abe (HDOT); Kendra Oshiro (City and County of Honolulu Elderly Affairs Division); Craig Gorsuch (Ko’olau Mountains Watershed Partnership); Kahi Pacarro, Karen Kriesel, Meymo Rego, Mary Chung, K. Takemoto, Steve Sullam, Stephanie Spangler, Mike Buck (C.O.R.E.), Cris Cramer (Maunalua Fispond Heritage Center), AP (Guest/Resident); Zhoydell Magaoay (Neighborhood Commission Office – NCO) Note: The names of any attendees who were illegible were not included. There were 39 total participants.

CITY / STATE MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:00:31]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:00:49]: Captain Alejandro Cisternas reported the January 2026 incident statistics.
January 2026 Statistics: In January 2026, HFD responded to one (1) broken hydrant, one (1) ocean rescue, four (4) motor vehicle collisions, one (1) auto extrication, three (3) smoke sightings, 15 activated alarms, four (4) structure fires, and 70 medical emergencies.
Monthly Safety Tip: The Honolulu Fire Department reminded the public to call 911 first in an emergency rather than driving to the nearest fire station, as crews may be out on other emergencies. When calling 911, the first question will always be police, ambulance, or fire; the second question will be the address of the emergency; and finally, the nature of the emergency. For those in areas with poor reception, such as when hiking, text information to 911. Website: https://fire.honolulu.gov Contact: hfdnhb@honolulu.gov
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jWkx59j13vBlYUq9M_XpA-6ml6KITejd/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:03:02]
1. Coast Guard Wailupe Housing Facility: Secretary Jeannine Johnson asked if the fire department had any opinion on the Coast Guard plan for their property for housing. Captain Cisternas responded that HFD is very interested because the Wailupe fire station is right next door, but they are often the last to know about information regarding the facility. He suggested forwarding questions to HFDNHB@honolulu.gov for a more official response.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – District 7 – [0:06:02]: Lieutenant Nishimura presented the statistics.
January 2026 Statistics: There were three (3) motor vehicle theft, three (3) burglaries, six (6) thefts, one (1) unauthorized entry to motor vehicle, and 5,804 total calls for service in the district.
Safety Tip: Lieutenant Nishimura covered scams, noting a recent DMV scam where individuals receive texts claiming to be from the DMV. He assured residents this is definitely a scam and advised not to respond or send any information. Other common scams include people claiming to be law enforcement demanding payment of fines, money transfer and sweepstakes scams, car accident scams, and home improvement scams. Residents suspicious of any email or contact should call 911 to speak with an officer.
January 10th Incident at ʻĀina Haina Library: Lieutenant Nishimura reported on an incident involving a homeless individual at the library who was found to be in violation of library rules and asked to leave. The individual became angry, belligerent, and disorderly, and was ultimately arrested after fighting back and being tased. The individual was a known character to patrol officers and has not returned to the area.

Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:09:36]
1. Library Security: Chair Burkert asked about reinstating a security officer at the library, noting that the library used to have one and it was helpful for children dropped off after school and kūpuna who use the library. Lieutenant Nishimura agreed that having a security guard present during operating hours would be very beneficial.
2. Library Incident Follow-up: Mary Chung from Friends of the Library expressed concern about the January 10th incident, stating it was very disturbing and hoping security could be restored. She noted they had asked legislative representatives for assistance.
3. Trespass Warning Procedures: Member Fujii asked if the individual was trespass warned. Lieutenant Nishimura confirmed he was and suggested that if someone is trespass warned, library staff should take a picture and post it so workers and volunteers know who he is if he returns.
4. Crime Statistics: Secretary Johnson noted she tracks crime statistics for Niu Valley and observed that although there was less crime in 2025, including no crime in December, there were four (4) rapes last year, which is unusual. She asked if there was a sex offender on the loose. Lieutenant Nishimura responded that sometimes these incidents are hard to explain without details, but he could confidently say there isn’t a serial rapist or serial offender. He noted detectives investigate these crimes and can determine if there’s a serial offender.
5. Exposure Incident: Secretary Johnson mentioned being told about an exposure incident in Niu Valley where a neighbor exposes himself frequently. She asked if this was related to the sex assaults. Lieutenant Nishimura advised calling 911 and requesting to meet with an officer to thoroughly investigate. He noted it’s possible the incident was reported in Niu Valley but may not have occurred there, which could affect statistics. Board Member Fujii clarified that there are four degrees of sex assault, ranging from actual rape down to inappropriate touching, and it’s important not to immediately interpret sex assault as rape. Member Stanton also noted that exposure has far more ramifications than people suspect, particularly for children under 12.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:17:58]: BWS Representative Jimmy Yanos reported one (1) water main break in January 2026, which occurred on January 14. 2026 involving an 8-inch diameter pipe at 5896 Haleola Street that was originally installed in 1966. Yanos announced that the BWS has launched its 2026 Poster and Poetry Contest with the theme “Everyday Conservation,” open to students in grades K-6 for the poster contest and grades 7-12 for the poetry contest, with submissions due by February 27th (more information available at www.boardofwatersupply.com/wccontest). Additionally, BWS invites the community to join their Kāwai Wednesday Instagram Contest on February 11, 2026, at noon on Instagram @BWSHonolulu for water conservation trivia, where participants can win a 35-gallon rain barrel and BWS swag bag (details at www.boardofwatersupply.com/kawai). For comprehensive reports and additional information, visit www.boardofwatersupply.com.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JMSylOi993RKFlLzGlUq6Ajl2Y1eUMXX/view?usp=drive_link

BOARD BUSINESS – [0:20:12]
Vacancies – [0:21:34]: Chair announced continued vacancies: Subdistrict #1 (Lower Waiʻalae Iki), Subdistrict #2 (Mid-Waiʻalae Iki Ridge – two vacancies), Subdistrict #5 (Kainani/Wailupe Peninsula), Subdistrict #7 (Hawaiʻi Loa Ridge/Niu Valley), and Subdistrict #8 (Kuliʻouʻou). No volunteers came forward.

Approval of regular meeting minutes from December 3, 2025 – [0:22:54]: With no corrections noted, the minutes were approved.

Resolution supporting LGBTQIA Commission – [0:23:14]: Board Member Mecca Monson-Gere drafted a resolution supporting Proposal 239, a city council amendment or city charter amendment that creates a permanent LGBTQ+ commission. The resolution has been distributed and is available on the Neighborhood Board Google Drive. Member Stanton MOVED and Member Fujii SECONDED to “adopt the resolution supporting the establishment of a permanent LGBTQ+ Commission”. Hearing no discussion, the Board conducted a hand vote, 9-0-0; (Aye: Fujii, Ham, Johnson, Lucas, Monson-Gere, Shin, Spangler, Stanton, Burkert; Nay: None; Abstain: None – [0:26:05]. The motion was ADOPTED.
• Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rO65hQqIahN4DzEE4puKc3nEkso57q4B/view?usp=drive_link

Announcement – Extension of public comment period on USCG Wailupe Housing Facility to Feb 28 – [0:26:15]: Chair announced that the public comment period regarding the use and potential concerns about the Wailupe family housing facility is open until February 28, 2026. This is an extension of the original deadline. Information regarding the scoping request is on the Neighborhood Board Google Drive with links where comments can be sent. Chair noted this is a good opportunity to support the fire department being able to extend their facility.

Presentation announcement – [0:27:13]: Chair announced that anyone who would like to make a presentation at the next meeting on March 4, 2026 should contact Zhoydell or Vice Chair Lucas, as they will be finalizing the agenda in Chair Burkert’s absence.

PUBLIC INPUT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA – [0:27:53]
1. Kahi Pacarro Introduction – [0:28:19]: Kahi Pacarro introduced himself as running for House of Representatives for the district. He has been in the area for almost eight years, is the founder of Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, and chairs the Clean Water Natural Lands Commission. He expressed his desire to be a conduit for the community and be available to help.
2. Housing Scams – [0:29:44]: Karen Kriesel, an anthropologist who came from Cambodia due to a medical condition, reported that about 50% of responses she received from a the app NextDoor were fraudulent. She warned people to be wary of scams where individuals use the name of real estate agent David Buck. She also shared an incident at Starbucks where a homeless gentleman with many tattoos was banging on her window, noting it would be scary for the average person. She expressed the pain of being at risk for homelessness despite being an educated woman who has traveled the world.

OFFICIALS’ REPORTS – [0:32:16]
U.S. Congressman Ed Case – [0:32:20]: No representative attended and no report was submitted.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi – [0:32:40]: Director Dita Holifield delivered the Mayor’s report highlighting several city initiatives and updates, including proposed renovations for Kāhuku District Parks, Black History Month celebrations, the Honolulu Fire Department’s 175th anniversary, the appointment of Jim Burrows as Ocean Safety Department’s new deputy chief, a new off-leash dog park opening in Mākiki, and a UV system protecting Kailua waters. She announced the launch of the improved HNL 311 system on December 1, 2025 which allows residents to submit service requests through a more intuitive mobile app or website at hnl311.com. Director Holifield noted upcoming events featuring Josh Groban’s Valentine’s Day performance and The Stylistics with The Manhattans at the Blaisdell Arena.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AwzNib7-HLIQgr5SC9pc5TEG1eXR-Z_r/view?usp=drive_link
• HNL 311: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ASY3oeMCCwWCnVshy-Uu5YaN8YXalss6/view?usp=drive_link
•
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:36:41]
1. Hawaiian Electric Property Access: Member Tim Stanton reported that Hawaiian Electric has been working in the area on Poʻolā Street, with equipment and cherry pickers visible. He noted that while Hawaiian Electric is entitled to access private property, they are supposed to knock on doors, show badges, and explain why they want to go onto the property. Several residents were perturbed by workers wandering around back gardens without notification. Director Holifield appreciated the concerns and agreed to speak to HECO personally and report back next month.
2. Frank Fasi Park Barriers: Secretary Jeannine Johnson asked about barriers around Frank Fasi Park next to Mission Memorial Hall that have been boarded up with nothing happening for months. Director Holifield explained that construction is ongoing and will take about two years. She will provide more detailed information next month about the design, construction, and actual pieces of the property.
Governor Josh Green – [0:41:04]: Dave Day provided updates on Paikō Lagoon management, noting that Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officers patrol the sanctuary most days to address complaints of unauthorized access and fishing. Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) maintains partnerships with community stewards, and given the biological resources and urban development, community collaboration is being prioritized as the most effective immediate strategy to encourage responsible behavior. Interested parties can contact the community collaboration initiative at 808-587-0396.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xcR4b2GCWpaipGEwyCpEG4HL5nxR9T5x/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:43:49]
1. ICE Enforcement and Sensitive Locations: Secretary Johnson suggested following Illinois’ example with the Bivens Act, which requires people to be 1,000 feet from courthouse buildings, preventing immigration officials from entering sensitive locations like hospitals and churches. The Act also allows residents to sue ICE officers if they do something wrong. Day responded that there are multiple bills in both the Senate and House that address these concerns, including sensitive location bills that prohibit state workers from voluntarily assisting immigration enforcement activities at places like hospitals and libraries, and provisions similar to section 1983 that allow residents to sue state and local officials who violate federal law. Both bills are currently alive in both chambers.
City Council Chair Tommy Waters – [0:47:31]: Council Chair Tommy Waters reported the Paikō Ridge conservation transaction closed late last year, shifting focus to the Pūowaina/Wailupe closing and stewardship discussions with OHA. He introduced Bill 12, establishing a six-month due diligence process for property gifts to the Department of Land Management, and Bill 11, requiring an inventory of all developer incentives to evaluate their effectiveness. Waters addressed the Lawelawe Street situation where a resident set fire to his and a neighbor’s home, coordinating with multiple agencies on emergency demolition and exploring acquisition of the adjacent US Coast Guard facility for fire station expansion. He also requested Wailupe Stream be cleaned and introduced a bill requiring the Department of Environmental Services to create a public infrastructure dashboard to assess sewer and water capacity, particularly for ADUs.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pLhe5s4M2sVSzXWhwKRs37wd96s1_cEF/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:55:43]
1. Empty Homes and Landlord Protections: Vice Chair Kaui Lucas spoke about housing issues, noting there are many empty homes and homes under capacity because protections are not there for landlords. She asked how to make it easy for homeowners to open up their homes without being subject to difficult landlord-tenant rules. Council Chair Waters acknowledged the empty homes tax he introduced has many exceptions and was aimed at stopping people from the continent or foreign lands from buying property and leaving it empty. He noted the landlord-tenant code is statute and would require legislative amendment.
2. Tax Breaks for Affordable Rentals: Member Frank Fujii asked about providing tax breaks for homeowners who put their property up for affordable rental. Council Chair Waters responded that a bill is moving through the City Council that would give landlords who are renting a tax break, as rental properties currently pay residential A tax which is significantly higher than the residential rate. He plans to address repealing residential A during budget season (March-June) to see if the additional expense is just being passed to renters.
3. Kahala Court Traffic and Parking Issues: Member Tim Stanton reported two concerns on Poʻolā Street near Kahala Kua. First, vehicles exiting the private property at the top of Poʻolā Street accelerate to 50–60 mph along the only straight stretch before Kalaniana’ole Highway, posing a serious safety risk. Second, a Kahala Kua HOA resolution prohibiting multi-vehicle driveway parking has pushed residents to park along Poʻolā Street, reducing the road to one car width. Council Chair Waters agreed to schedule a site visit with Adam Doo and explore a traffic engineering assessment.
4. Lawelawe Street Resident Concerns: Resident Steve Sullam expressed concern about the gentleman on Lawelawe Street who started his house on fire, noting he seems to be at high risk for becoming another person on the street. He hoped the process would be done in a skilled and careful manner. He also raised concerns about highway noise, noting he has spent thousands of dollars on double-pane windows to keep the noise out and hoped it could be attenuated for others living along the highway.
5. Vacant Monster Home: Secretary Johnson stated that Council Chair Waters was correct about developers developing property and leaving them vacant from foreign buyers. She noted a monster home in Niu Valley built in 2017 after cutting down the biggest tree in the valley, and no one has lived there since. Council Chair Waters responded that when they receive complaints, they pull building plans, review them, and point out issues to DPP. His neighbor, an architect, volunteers to review plans, and Dawn Apuna has been actively reviewing plans as well.
6. Housing Challenges for Disabled: Karen Kriesel, an anthropologist from Cambodia with a rare neurological condition, reported that her rent has doubled and she has been unable to find housing. She noted predatory men requesting sexual favors just to rent out a room, and that the concept of affordable housing is a fallacy for those on disability. Council Chair Waters acknowledged this is a nationwide problem and noted the Department of Community Services has a disability section that may be able to help.
Senator Stanley Chang – [1:13:40]: Zephanii Smith Eisenstat provided the report. January and February newsletters are available with information about bill priorities this legislative session. Senator Chang chairs the housing committee. The office is tracking issues raised at the meeting, including the January 10, 2026 incident at Starbucks which she witnessed with her 5-year-old. The office manager has been in contact with representatives from Friends of the Library regarding security concerns.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jRz1zSnFBY-jC0l0iTpdvJ-NtEjjN0Pg/view?usp=drive_link

Representative Mark Hashem – [1:19:19]: Jane Taylor reported on the Maunalua Bay Beach Park Improvement Project, noting that phase one is nearing completion and includes seawall renovation and beach renovation in front of the canoe hale with added sand. Funding for phase two is being sought through the 2026 bill and will encompass complete parking lot repaving to accommodate large trucks and vehicles towing canoes and boats, complete restriping, installation of a floating dock, and two gangways to facilitate unloading without interfering with those launching from the boat launch. Taylor also mentioned that Representative Hashem chairs the committee covering water, land, storm drain management, coastal erosion, transit-oriented development, and affordable housing.

Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) – Casey Abe – [1:23:46]: Casey Abe raised safety concerns along Kalaniana’ole Highway between Paikō Drive and Kuliʻouʻou Road. Abe reported 72 accidents between 2015 and 2024; however, a traffic evaluation determined the roadway meets current standards with no identified infrastructure deficiencies. Abe requested the board vote on two proposed solutions: installing new Chevron signs before the Paikō Drive intersection or installing a speed table similar to the effective one at Kalaniana’ole Highway and Portlock Road.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1caShYqfIgyvmRz9YC50KEPAPKZk_ysof/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments and concerns followed – [1:30:18].
1. Visual Options for Safety Improvements: Chair Burkert asked if it would be possible to send the board the options mentioned (Chevron signs and speed table) with a map, noting they’re not familiar with the speed table terminology. Abe explained that if the board decides they want the state highways to look into installing a speed table, he would work with the traffic branch to do a study to determine the most effective location, likely right before the curve where accidents have been occurring.
2. Guard Rail Aesthetics: Resident Steve Sullam noted that the steel guard rails recently replaced along the highway are federal funding standards, but suggested there might be a more imaginative solution that maintains safety while preserving the beauty of Hawaii, considering tourism is the number one industry. He recalled coconut trees lining the median strip in the past, which was beautiful.
3. Highway Safety Concerns: Chris Cramer supported restoring coconut trees, suggesting locations like Niu Valley Shopping Center. He emphasized serious safety concerns along the highway, noting frequent accidents, narrow sidewalks near ancient fish ponds accessed by children, and dangerous conditions from passing buses with minimal clearance between sidewalks and traffic. Cramer described parking difficulties requiring backing against traffic flow and frequent vehicle collisions with fire hydrants and walls on curves, urging traffic engineers to conduct a site visit and implement safety measures like a raised shoulder to address the fixable hazards.
4. Kalanianaʻole Highway Drainage Concerns (Eastbound, near Calvary by the Sea): Member Stanton reported that recessed storm drains on the left-hand side of the newly expanded section, just past Calvary by the Sea, sit approximately one foot below road grade. Vehicles frequently swerve to avoid them, nearly causing accidents, and motorists have reported damaged wheels and tires. Member Stanton requested that all drains be raised to road grade level.
5. Community Input Before DOT Action: Treasurer Spangler recommended placing the matter on next month’s agenda to allow for broader community discussion before voting or requesting DOT to fund any studies. She cautioned that speed humps have faced strong opposition in other O’ahu communities, such as Pali Highway and Kailua, due to noise and vibrations affecting nearby residents. Treasurer Spangler noted chevrons were used on Kalaniana’ole Highway as an alternative but emphasized that any solution warrants wider community input before DOT commits funding.
PRESENTATIONS – [1:47:40]
Kūpuna Care Program – [1:47:48]: Kendra Oshiro from the City and County of Honolulu Elderly Affairs Division presented on the Kūpuna Care Program, which operates as a resource center with a Kūpuna Helpline (808-768-7700) serving as the first point of contact for community members seeking information about services for kūpuna aged 60 and above. The program utilizes state, federal, and county funds to partner with community organizations and provide supportive supplemental services including home-delivered meals, transportation services separate from Handy Van or city bus, and in-home services such as personal care, bathing, household cleaning, and attendant care to aid people in aging in place. Eligibility requires being 60 years or older, residing in Hawaii, being a U.S. citizen or qualified alien, and having a level of care need based on daily activities, with priority given to those facing the highest socioeconomic needs including financial hardship, low income, rural residence, or limited English proficiency.
• Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/112fPbVTJA0IIHqmRFO-bFcARQdJtdbvV/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [1:53:28]
1. Funding Sources: Chair Burkert asked where the funding comes from for the program. Oshiro explained that funding is widespread from state, federal, and county sources, which drives eligibility requirements depending on the service.
2. Cost of 24-Hour Care: Resident Stephanie Spangler asked about the rate for 24-hour care for an 80-year-old not very ambulatory person. Oshiro clarified that the program’s services are supplementary and cannot provide 24-hour care or full care. The program provides services at no cost to qualified individuals because they have the funding. She encouraged people to call the helpline to discuss individual circumstances.
3. Meals on Wheels Availability: Secretary Johnson asked if they provide meals on wheels. Oshiro confirmed yes, they partner with at least four local agencies and one outside Hawaii. Many providers direct people to call the Kūpuna Helpline first to see if they qualify for subsidized meals.
4. Predatory Cash Buyouts: Resident Pacarro reported that community members have told him about people knocking on doors like politicians but offering cash buyouts for kūpuna housing, with offers like $1 million and promises to take care of closing costs and help them move to other housing. He warned the community about these predatory investors.
Proposed Ungulate Fence in Pia Valley – [1:59:12]: Craig Gorsuch, Program Manager for the Ko’olau Mountains Watershed Partnership (KMWP), presented on a proposed 21,000 ft hooved animals exclusion fence project in upper Pia Valley within the Kuliʻouʻou-Kalani Natural Area Reserve and State Forest Reserve. The project, supported by Department of Land & Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and community partners, aims to protect 522 acres of koa forest watershed that replenishes water aquifers and supports diverse ecosystems. The fence will include up to seven pedestrian stepover gates to maintain hiker access while protecting endangered species such as silversword, kāhuli tree snails, Hawaiian hoary bat, native forest birds, and native plants including ʻōhiʻa and lama. The project also supports traditional cultural practices, with public hunting prioritized.
• Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VUdGCeyrXSRHQN0DuMUdf4TgsYTEkXdw/view?usp=drive_link
• Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EzLu4ywMVAMQsCKPGAfrmCtfH9pFVyPB/view?usp=drive_link
• Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZkjaBI5dIq6ngjAJvJMMoiSve64jpm6I/view?usp=drive_link
• Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oBvqi5rPjSBtcCGXhIeesu5chI75bvpN/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [2:07:02]
1. Resolution Draft Request: Chair Burkert asked if Gorsuch has a resolution ready for community organizations that lists the background, damage taking place, scope of the project, and who they would like support from. Gorsuch agreed to draft this and email it to the board.
2. Animal Population: Member Shin asked about the population of animals up there, specifically feral pigs. Gorsuch did not know but is working with the Pig Hunters Association of Oʻahu and will try to find out. Member Shin noted that Volcanoes National Park was really struggling but was able to control the problem within a decade after fencing, which is a great fact.
3. Budget and Approval: Member Shin asked if they have the budget already and need approval, or if this is informational. Gorsuch explained they have funding from NOAA going through DLNR and through Mālama Maunalua, hopefully enough to build a fence. They are looking for support from the community, and NOAA is doing an environmental assessment.
4. Project Timeline: Member Shin asked how long the fencing project will take. Gorsuch responded it will take at least a year to construct.
5. Government Agency Status: Member Stanton asked if they are a government agency. Gorsuch clarified they are a state agency under the umbrella of the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit.
CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:11:03]
Next Meeting: Chair Burkert announced that the next meeting will be on March 4, 2026 at the same place. She encouraged the community to let the board know what should be added to the agenda and to contact Vice Chair Lucas or Neighborhood Assistant Zhoydell Magaoay with suggestions.