When
Where
5246 Kalanianaʻole Highway, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, 96821
Events
KULI‘OU‘OU – KALANI IKI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 2
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2025
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: 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 – Chair Clarissa Burkert
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)
3.2. Approval of regular meeting minutes from October 1, 2025
3.3. Resolution Regarding Disaster Preparedness
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 18
5.7. Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) – Casey Abe https://hidot.hawaii.gov/
6. CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS
6.1. The next regular meeting of the Kuliʻouʻou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board is Wednesday December 3, 2025,
6:30 p.m., at the ʻĀina Haina Library and via Webex.
6.2. NCO and Toys for Tots – Toy Drive: Your Neighborhood Assistant will be collecting new, unwrapped toy donations
for children at tonight’s meeting on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
6.3. 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.
7. 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 at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. It may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2025 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=yHwOoyMANkI&t=4359s
Reports & other meeting materials can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wxdR6xNlTizXlldmPYPTfHohyApWixsV
CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:13]
Chair Clarissa Burkert called the Kuliʻouʻou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board No. 2 meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Quorum was established with 12 members present. Note: This seventeen-member Board requires nine (9) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.
Members Present: Clarissa Burkert, Kaui Lucas, Jeannine Johnson, Sheridan Spangler, Tim Stanton, Doorae Shin, Frank Fujii, Shelley Ham, William Kilcoyne, Mecca Monson-Gere, Will Duke, and Kevin Palmer.
Members Absent: Healani Sonoda-Pale.
Guests: Captain Alejandro Cisternas (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Mike Thompson (Honolulu Police Department); Enterprise Services Director Dita Holifield (Mayor Rick Blangiardi); Adam Doo (Councilmember Tommy Waters); Steven Norstrom (Board of Water Supply); Dave Day (Governor Josh Green); Nate Dube (Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee); Jessica Miura (Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture & Biosecurity – HDAB); Ryan Chang (Division of Forestry and Wildlife); Doug Harper (Mālama Maunalua); Iokepa Frederick (University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa); Yvonne Yoro (Representative Perruso’s Office); Mary Chung, Meymo Rego, Kathleen Takemoto, Bill, Seeley, Sandra Pfund, Michiko Wada, Karen Buzzard, Steve Sullam, Stephanie Spangler, Mike Buck (C.O.R.E), Alex Shu, Cindy(Residents/Guests); Zhoydell Magaoay (NCO). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were approximately 44 total attendees.
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS – [0:00:23]
Honolulu Fire Department – [0:00:45]: Captain Alejandro Cisternas provided the incident statistics for September 2025 and shared safety tips regarding holiday decorations.
Report: Previously requested information regarding stream maintenance was provided. For debris and pollution from runoff due to structure fires, the property owner is responsible for containing potential debris or pollution. The city agency in charge of stream maintenance is the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM), which can be contacted at (808) 768-3600 or www8.honolulu.gov/DFM. For storm and wildfire preparedness information, visit honolulu.gov/DEM and fire.honolulu.gov.
September 2025 Statistics: Engine 23 responded to 29 medical emergencies, two (2) activated fire alarms, three (3) motor vehicle collisions, and one (1) structure fire.
Safety Tip: For the upcoming holiday season, only use lights in good condition, especially LED lights rather than old halogen or incandescent bulbs. Only use decorations that are Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listed. Do not overload extension cords and power strips. Always turn off lights before leaving home or going to bed.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MlPwBMkLkJfs1hWWIyQm4Ohpu5zyYGk5/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:04:11]
1. Wailupe Stream Fire Hazard: Board Member Kilcoyne expressed concern about the dry Wailupe Stream with weeds six to seven feet high creating a major fire hazard. Captain Cisternas responded that while HFD regularly monitors the area, DFM is responsible for stream maintenance. Chair Burkert shared that DFM’s Division of Road Maintenance has confirmed vegetation overgrowth and prepared a tentative schedule for maintenance to be initiated by the end of November 2025, weather and resources permitting.
2. Brush Fire Concerns on Poola Street: Board Member Stanton reported a brush fire last year on Poola Street that damaged a home, noting that the area is worse this year and the street is very steep. Captain Cisternas acknowledged the concern.
Honolulu Police Department – [0:08:30]: Lieutenant Mike Thompson provided the crime statistics for September 2025 and shared residential security tips.
September 2025 Statistics: There was one (1) motor vehicle theft (down from two (2) in August 2025), one (1) burglary (down from three (3) in August 2025), eight (8) thefts (up from six (6) in August 2025), six (6) unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (up from one (1) in August 2025), and 5,864 total calls for service.
Safety Tip: For residential security, use safes to protect valuables and bolt them down. Do not leave valuables in plain sight. Know your neighbors and their vehicles. Report suspicious persons or vehicles immediately by calling 911. Consider alarm systems. Secure louvered windows, which are a common entry point for burglars.
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:10:34]
1. Parking Issues on Poola Street: Board Member Stanton reported that neighbors have removed signs on the big bends with double yellow lines to park their cars, creating safety hazards. He also mentioned disturbances from workers at the Kahala Koa lot arriving early with loud radios. Lieutenant Thompson said he would have both issues checked.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:12:58]: Steven Norstrom reported on water main breaks and conservation efforts.
September 2025 Statistics: Two main breaks occurred on the same street – one on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 6147 Kawekiu Place and another on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 6133 Kawekiu Place.
Announcement: BWS is asking residents to conserve water by 20% due to lower-than-normal rainfall and high-water demand. Conservation tips include turning off taps while brushing teeth or washing hands, taking shorter showers, using garden nozzles on hoses, and irrigating early in the morning to reduce evaporation. More tips are available at boardofwatersupply.com.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1grYsxMsLlUfoqoO7L_pzUX-OYqxQ9oKM/view?usp=drive_link
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12TDEhNQi_UL5QflShT3rr7hgVSOXKVn0/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:14:05]
1. Water Tank Construction: Secretary Johnson asked about construction work on the water tank above Waiʻalae Iki. Nordstrom was aware of the work but will follow up with specific details at the next meeting.
2. Pearl Harbor Water Contamination: Keith Sullam asked about the Pearl Harbor water leakage issue. Norstrom clarified that the Board of Water Supply system is completely separate from the Navy system, and BWS water is safe for drinking. As a precaution, BWS has shut down water sources in the Aiea and Hālawa areas, including the Hālawa shaft which provided 20% of the water supply from Moanalua to Hawaiʻi Kai.
BOARD BUSINESS – [0:16:51]
Vacancies – [0:16:55]: Chair Burkert announced vacancies in lower Waiʻalae Iki (one vacancy), mid Waiʻalae Iki Ridge (one vacancy), Kainani, Wailupe Peninsula (one vacancy), and Hawaiʻi Loa Ridge, Niu Valley (one vacancy). No candidates came forward at this meeting.
Approval of September 3, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes – [0:17:30]: With no corrections noted, the minutes were approved unanimously.
Resolution Regarding Leashed Dogs in Waiʻalae Iki Park – [0:17:59]: Chair Burkert introduced a resolution to support allowing leashed dogs in Waiʻalae Iki Park, noting that the Department of Parks and Recreation had invited communities to recommend suitable parks for leashed dogs. Sandy Pfund and Michiko Wada drafted the resolution and collected 187 signatures (now up to 200) in support. [0:19:07] – Board Member Stanton MOVED and Board Member Monson-Gere SECONDED to adopt the resolution regarding leashed dogs in Waiʻalae Iki Park. Discussions followed.
• Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QzUjd_ozKfJxWDjiibUWsltKcpI-9c51/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:19:38]
1. Enforcement Concerns: Board Member Kilcoyne asked about enforcement if dogs are off-leash and potential liability for dog bites. Michiko Wada responded that dogs and soccer players already coexist in the park without problems, and any biting incidents would be handled by HPD. She noted that Hawaiʻi has strict dog bite laws, and Act 224 (effective July 1, 2025) strengthens penalties for owners of dangerous dogs.
2. Signage and Implementation: Board Member Shin asked if the resolution would take immediate effect. Sandy Pfund explained that the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) would consider the petition and board resolution before making changes, and that DPR had previously indicated they would provide signage and possibly poop stations.
3. Resident Impact Concerns: Treasurer Spangler expressed concern about the impact on Analii Street residents, noting historical complaints about parking issues from soccer players and potential additional impacts from dog walkers as posted on Nextdoor Laukahi. Michiko Wada responded that most petition signatures came from residents of Analii Street and nearby areas, and that dog walkers are neighborhood residents who walk to the park, not adding to parking issues.
4. Current Usage: Board Member Ham noted that the resolution simply makes legal what residents already do, as people already walk their dogs in the park harmoniously with other users.
[0:33:02] – The Board conducted a show of hands vote; 12-0-0 (Aye: Burkert, Lucas, Johnson, Stanton, Shin, Fujii, Ham, Kilcoyne, Monson-Gere, Duke, Palmer, Spangler; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [0:33:44]. The motion was ADOPTED.
Resolution Regarding Pesticide Use in Hawaiʻi – [0:34:00]: Chair Burkert introduced a resolution regarding pesticide use in Hawaiʻi, thanking Board Member Shin and Yvonne Yoro for their work on drafting it. [0:34:17] – Board Member Stanton MOVED and Board Member Monson-Gere to support the Resolution Regarding Pesticide Use in Hawaiʻi. Discussions followed.
• Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BY0WAIYlKZv2l-atMx02Fuq_4An1Hc8H/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:34:34]
1. Resolution Amendments: Treasurer Spangler asked if the resolution had been amended to address concerns about the Rhinoceros Beetle raised at the previous meeting. Vice Chair Lucas confirmed that the resolution does not mention the Rhinoceros Beetle.
[0:37:27] – The Board conducted a show of hands vote; 12-0-0 (Aye: Burkert, Lucas, Johnson, Stanton, Shin, Fujii, Ham, Kilcoyne, Monson-Gere, Duke, Palmer, Spangler [with reservations]; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [0:38:00]. The motion was ADOPTED.
Resolution Regarding Noisy Racing on Kalanianaʻole Highway – [0:38:04]: Chair Burkert introduced a resolution regarding noisy racing on Kalanianaʻole Highway, thanking Board Member Palmer for his work on drafting it. [0:38:26] – Board Member Stanton MOVED and Board Member Monson-Gere to support the Resolution Regarding Noisy Racing on Kalanianaʻole Highway. Discussions followed.
• Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qI5AGMEqAjIYfAfvT4EDM1ZVSSxhhsvh/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:38:30]
1. Longstanding Issue: Treasurer Spangler expressed support for the resolution, noting that racing has been a concern since 1989, with racers continuing from the freeway onto Kalanianaʻole Highway.
2. Noise Camera Program: Board Member Shin noted that the state is testing noise detection cameras but the area was not included in the original testing locations.
3. Resident Impact: Steve Sullam, a resident at 5350 Kalanianaʻole Highway, described how the noise has forced residents to keep windows closed and install soundproof windows, significantly impacting quality of life.
4. Speed vs. Noise Cameras: Board Member Monson-Gere discussed whether to include speed cameras in the resolution. Vice Chair Lucas noted that according to the Department of Transportation (HDOT), the noise camera pilot program will collect data for two years but not issue tickets. Resident Alex Shu suggested focusing only on noise cameras to avoid controversy, noting that noise comes from deceleration, popping, and engine revving, not just speed.
5. Enforcement Needs: Board Member Stanton suggested that officers should have decibel meters to measure noise when apprehending violators.
6. Camera Locations: Adam Doo reported that Council Chair Waters had already requested a camera for the end of the freeway and start of Kalanianaʻole Highway, with the H1 freeway Waiʻalae offramp now being proposed as an alternate location.
7. Decibels Readers: Board Member Fujii asked What are the chances we could draft a resolution requesting decibel readers for beat officers as a trial project? Officers could carry them or keep them in patrol cars to start issuing citations immediately. If successful, we could expand it island-wide.
[1:00:57] –The Board conducted a show of hands vote; 12-0-0 (Aye: Burkert, Lucas, Johnson, Stanton, Shin, Fujii, Ham, Kilcoyne, Monson-Gere, Duke, Palmer, Spangler [with reservations]; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [1:01:29]. The motion was ADOPTED to support the resolution regarding noisy racing on Kalanianaʻole Highway.
• Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qI5AGMEqAjIYfAfvT4EDM1ZVSSxhhsvh/view?usp=drive_link
PUBLIC CONCERNS – [1:02:19]
1. ʻĀina Haina Library Security: Mary Chung from the ʻĀina Haina Public Library reported that security guard services for the library were terminated at the end of September 2025 due to budget cuts and a new security contract with higher costs. She expressed concern because the library is near schools, is designated as a safe place for youth, and serves many senior citizens. A petition with approximately 700 signatures has been collected, and they are seeking a meeting with Governor Green. Dave Day (Governor’s representative) offered to raise the issue with the Governor’s office.
2. Tree Hazard on Analii Street: Sandra Pfund reported that a street tree in the planter strip at 4734 Analii Street is leaning into the roadway. Neighbors are concerned that the leaning tree poses a hazard to tall trucks, vans, and wide vehicles, particularly given the narrow travel lanes created by two-way traffic and on-street parking. The current residents are renters who indicated they would inform the property owner of the issue.
3. Street Lights Still Out: Sandra Pfund noted that five street lights are still out on Analii Street and Analii Place.
4. Shopping Center Parking Directive: Treasurer Spangler reported that the ʻĀina Haina Shopping Center has posted notices directing employees to park outside the shopping center on Nenue Street, which has been a contentious issue in the past. She will contact Jeannie Oda of the ʻĀina Haina Community Association about the issue.
ELECTED OFFICIALS – [1:14:24]
Congressman Ed Case – [1:14:29]: No representative in attendance; no report provided.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [1:14:41]: Director Dita Holifield, Department of Enterprise Services, provided updates on concerns from the previous meeting:
1. Fire debris concerns: The Honolulu Fire Department takes hazardous materials from combustible products seriously and will contain hazardous materials if there is immediate danger, then call the Department of Health for removal.
2. Street lights follow-up: DPP confirmed receipt of a trenching permit application from Hawaiʻian Electric for cable replacement, but permit requirements have not been met, including providing minimum 6-inch vertical clearance between the proposed electric cable and an existing sewer line. DPP does not have a timeline for repairs.
3. Fire-related safety on Lawelawe Street: A site inspection revealed fire damage exceeding 50% of the structures. Letters were sent to property owners requesting permits to repair or remove structures. Follow-up inspections will be conducted within 120 days.
4. Fiji concert success: Over 30,000 people attended with no arrests or major incidents.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nPZnQDGgh6zo3b0dSXXc1_f6TUTwK3fO/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [1:20:46]
1. Street Light Repairs: Chair Burkert asked what residents of Analii Street should do about navigating in the dark. Holifield committed to providing action steps at the next meeting.
2. LGBTQ Support: Board Member Monson-Gere thanked Mayor Blangiardi for his support of the LGBTQ community, including raising the pride flag at the municipal building and supporting city employees attending the Saturday, October 18, 2025 Pride Parade.
3. Street Light Permit Issue: Board Member Duke asked whether the delay in street light repairs was due to Hawaiian Electric not filing permits or DPP’s permitting backlog. Director Holifield confirmed that Hawaiian Electric had submitted the application to DPP but would follow up for more information.
Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [1:24:03]: Dave Day, Special Assistant to the Attorney General, provided an update on the potential land exchange with the US Army: Governor Green and US Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll announced a non-binding statement of principles on land use. This framework sets the stage for discussions about restoring lands, protecting culture, supporting national security, and strengthening Hawaiʻi’s communities. They anticipate working toward a memorandum of understanding by the end of the year. Authority for land grant decisions rests with the Board of Land and Natural Resources, not the Governor.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1boUX9zrOvDqyXW6nzmtu0TKoba0T3QJ/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [1:26:47]
1. COVID Vaccination Support: Secretary Johnson expressed appreciation for Hawaiʻi joining the Western Alliance with California, Washington, and Oregon to set standards for COVID vaccines, providing direction for healthcare workers.
2. MADD Event: Board Member Ham thanked Governor Green for participating in the Mothers Against Drunk Driving event.
City Council Chair Tommy Waters’ Representative – [1:29:23]: Adam Doo provided updates on several issues:
1. Property on Lawelawe Street: The VA has been in contact with the property owner, and the Red Cross and the city’s Crisis Outreach and Response Engagement team have been involved. The homeowner has the right to refuse care, but the city will issue notices of violation if the situation remains hazardous after 120 days.
2. Recent resolutions: Resolution 25-279 reaffirming support for the Red Hill Water Alliance Initiative and Resolution 25-280 supporting Kamehameha Schools’ mission were passed.
3. Property tax relief: Bills 49 and 50 will increase home exemptions to $140,000 and kūpuna exemptions to $180,000 starting in 2027.
4. Analii Street lights: Hawaiian Electric has submitted revised drawings to DPP’s Wastewater Branch, and they are working to get the lights back on before Halloween.
5. Library security: Six libraries are affected by security cuts, including ʻĀina Haina and Hawaiʻi Kai, due to upgraded security management costs.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WNIK8V0MHwiYONVEprlKz-Ag3_Ngsqtc/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [1:35:34]
1. Mental Health Hold: Board Member Ham asked about the possibility of issuing a mental health hold (MH1) for the property owner on Lawelawe Street. Doo responded that the individual had been evaluated but was deemed safe to return to their property.
2. Traffic Signal Project: Treasurer Spangler requested information about the Kalanianaʻole-Waiʻalae Street traffic signal modernization project timeline, as residents along the corridor are unaware of the upcoming changes. Doo committed to providing this information.
3. Appreciation for Resolutions: Secretary Johnson expressed thanks for the bills providing property tax relief and the resolution supporting Kamehameha Schools.
Senator Stanley Chang – [1:40:23]: No representative in attendance; no report provided.
Representative Mark Hashem – [1:40:32]: No representative in attendance; no report provided.
Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation – [1:40:39]: No representative in attendance; no report provided.
PRESENTATIONS – [1:40:49]
Coqui Frog Update – [1:41:14]: Nate Dube (Oahu Invasive Species Committee), Jessica Miura (Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture & Biosecurity), and Ryan Chang (Division of Forestry and Wildlife) provided an update on coqui frog control efforts: Drone spraying in Waimānalo was not as effective as hoped. The coqui population in Kuliʻouʻou is expanding and coming down the drainage toward neighborhoods. They may reach residential areas within 6-12 months. The frogs are spreading east and west along the summit line into natural area reserves. High school students conducting eDNA studies found that coqui frogs may be impacting native species. The frogs also carry rat lungworm disease.
• Citric Acid Drone Summary:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JFkbMU3CQUVBP0TiPMmznWQMqSkaIR4M/view?usp=drive_link
• Map: https://drive.google.com/file/d/146rd-32C-ZvjFyoGNR_7dXW8orhxcr5L/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [1:45:11]
1. Wailupe Stream: Board Member Kilcoyne asked if coqui frogs had been detected in Wailupe. Ryan Chang responded that no reports had been received for the Wailupe-ʻĀina Haina area.
2. Treatment Methods: Board Member Duke asked if the same treatment methods could be used in residential areas. Chang confirmed that citric acid is the only legal control method, and they also use hand-capturing. They have a volunteer program in Waimānalo but would need to develop one for this area if the frogs spread to residential neighborhoods.
3. Rat Lungworm Disease: Vice Chair Lucas expressed concern about the rat lungworm disease risk. Chang confirmed this is a serious concern.
4. Reporting Frequency: Board Member Kilcoyne suggested quarterly updates rather than annual ones due to the severity of the issue. Dube offered to have outreach staff provide more frequent updates while keeping field staff focused on control efforts.
5. Volunteer Support: Board Member Ham asked how residents could support control efforts. Chang suggested interested volunteers could first join efforts in Waimānalo to gain experience before developing a program for this area.
6. Greenhouse Frogs: Treasurer Spangler asked about controlling smaller greenhouse frogs that appear after heavy rains. Miura explained these are cousins to coqui frogs and can be treated with the same 16% citric acid solution, but only when actively present, not as a preventative measure.
Green Infrastructure Opportunities – [1:57:25]: Doug Harper (Mālama Maunalua) and Iokepa Frederick (University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa) presented on green stormwater infrastructure opportunities: Mālama Maunalua received a grant from the Department of Health to install rain barrels on homes in the Wailupe watershed. When it rains, paved surfaces cause runoff that carries pollution to the bay and increases flooding risk. Green infrastructure like rain barrels, rain gardens, and trees can mimic natural systems and reduce runoff. A study showed that idealized green infrastructure could reduce runoff by 90%. They have 150-200 rain barrels available for residents in the Wailupe area. Frederick explained that applications are available on the Mālama Maunalua website (www.malamamaunalua.org). The Google form collects basic information and details about installation requirements.
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [2:03:22]
1. Rain Barrel Installation: Board Member Stanton asked if the tanks come with pumps. Harper explained that the barrels are elevated for gravity drainage, but pumps are separate.
2. Policy Opportunities: Board Member Shin asked about potential bills or policies to encourage permeable surfaces. Harper noted that many proposals exist, including the storm water utility fee the city has been considering.
3. Eligibility: Secretary Johnson mentioned that Niu Valley did not qualify for the program. Harper explained that only areas with state-approved watershed management plans (currently only Wailupe) are eligible for this funding, but they are looking to expand to other watersheds in the future.
ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:08:28]
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the ʻĀina Haina Library and via WebEx.
ADJOURNMENT – [2:09:09]: The meeting was adjourned at 8:39 p.m.
Submitted by: Zhoydell Magaoay, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Lindon Valenciano, Public Relations Assistant
Finalized by: Jeannine Johnson, Secretary and Clarissa Burkert, 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.
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