WAI‘ALAE – KĀHALA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 3

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.
ALA WAI GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE
404 KAPAHULU AVENUE, 2ND FLOOR, HONOLULU, HI 96815
AND VIA WEBEX

WEBEX MEETING LINK: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m90ba0cc0c06385379f06455c91322e2f
MEETING NUMBER/ ACCESS CODE: 2499 473 0796
PASSWORD: NB03 (6203 from phones and video systems)
JOIN BY PHONE: +1-408-418-9388

Other available options include participating by WebEx and phone; instructions listed above.

Meeting Materials: Find a monthly archive of handouts and referenced materials concerning to the Waiʻalae-Kāhala Neighborhood Board No. 3 at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17LXJxz95TzKD5-I_NellIitTwSrY6MBr

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

Rules of Speaking: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to raise their hand, and when recognized by the Chair, to address comments to the Chair. Speakers are encouraged to keep their comments under three (3) minutes, and those giving reports are urged to keep their reports under three (3) minutes. Please silence all electronic devices.

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. A two-thirds (2/3) vote six (6) of this nine (9)-member Board is needed to add an item to the agenda. Items may not be added if they are of major importance and will affect a significant number of people.

I. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Christian de Quevedo

II. CITY / STATE MONTHLY REPORTS: Limited to three (3) minutes each
a. Honolulu Fire Department
b. Honolulu Police Department
c. Board of Water Supply – Lorna Heller
d. Department of Transportation Services – Casey Abe

III. FILLING OF VACANCIES
a. (One Vacancy) Subdistrict 1 – Residents interested must provide current proof of residency or contact Neighborhood Assistant Anson Wu (anson.wu@honolulu.gov) in advance.
b. Election of Board Secretary: Board member Aloha McGuffie has volunteered to serve as Board Secretary. The Chair will call for any other interested members and conduct the election. Possible board action.

IV. REPORTS OF MEMBERS’ ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS

V. ELECTED OFFICIALS’ REPORTS: Limited to three (3) minutes each
a. Governor’s Representative
b. Mayor’s Representative – Hong Li
c. Councilmember Tommy Waters
d. Representative Mark Hashem
e. Representative Tina Grandinetti
f. Senator Stanley Chang

VI. RESIDENTS’ COMMUNITY CONCERNS: Limited to three (3) minutes each

VII. BOARD BUSINESS / UNFINISHED BUSINESS / PRESENTATIONS
A. Board Business
a. Approval of Thursday, May 21, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
b. Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) Update: Primary Urban Center Development Plan (PUCDP) and East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan (EHSCP) review, including the Climate and Resiliency Mandate for East Oʻahu (CRM-EO). Update to the board and community by board member Aloha McGuffie.

B. Unfinished Business / New Business / Presentations
a. 949 Kealaolu Place, Non-Permitted Fence and DPP Enforcement Status: Discussion of the Department of Planning and Permitting enforcement status on the non-permitted fence at 949 Kealaolu Place. Possible board correspondence or action.
b. Department of Education (DOE) Lot Sidewalk Safety and Maintenance, Puʻu Panini Avenue: Presentation by Randy Port and Barrett Francis regarding sidewalk safety, vegetation maintenance, and ongoing DOE lot conditions along Puʻu Panini Avenue. Possible board action or referral.
c. 235 Kulamanu Place, Special Management Area (SMA) Major Permit: Presentation by Wilson Okamoto Corporation. An update is requested regarding the community concerns voiced by neighbors at the last meeting. Possible board action.
d. Shangri La (Doris Duke Foundation), Community Update: Community update from the Doris Duke Foundation regarding Shangri La, its operations, and programming, presented for the board’s and community’s awareness.
e. Na Wahine Festival Sprint Triathlons and 5K Fun Run (July 26, 2026), Event Notification: Notification from Na Wahine Triathlon LLC regarding the event passing through the Waiʻalae-Kāhala area, provided to satisfy City and County permit requirements.

VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. The board will be recessing for the month of July 2026; the next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2026, 7:00 p.m. at Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse, 404 Kapahulu Avenue, 2nd Floor, Honolulu, HI 96815, and via WebEx.

IX. ADJOURNMENT

Waiʻalae Kāhala Neighborhood Board
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, Hawaiʻi 96817; Telephone (808) 768-3710 Fax (808) 768-3711; or call (808) 768-3710 or e-mail. Agendas and minutes are also available on the internet at www.honolulu.gov/nco.

All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours, written and/or oral testimony may be submitted directly to the board at the meeting. If submitting written testimony, please note the board and agenda item(s) your testimony concerns. Send to: Neighborhood Commission Office, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817, fax (808) 768-3711, or complete the form on https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/board-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 MEMORANDUM FOR VIDEO RECORD
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.
ALA WAI GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE 404 KAPAHULU AVENUE, 2ND FLOOR, HONOLULU, HI 96815
AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING

Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgIRMIaocX4

Reports & other meeting materials can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17LXJxz95TzKD5-I_NellIitTwSrY6MBr?usp=drive_link

I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:01]: Chair De Quevedo called the Waiʻalae-Kāhala Neighborhood Board No. 3 meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Quorum WAS established with 6 members present. Note – This (9)-member Board requires (5) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action. Board members must be in-person or have video access.

Members Present: Christian De Quevedo, John White, Richard Turbin, Brian Wong, Aloha McGuffie, Lee Castonguay, Colin Fujiki (7:07 p.m.), and Peter Dudgeon (7:20 p.m.).

Members Absent: None.

Guests: Lieutenant Miura (Honolulu Police Department); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Casey Abe (HDOT); Councilmember Tommy Waters; Kamy Arakawa (American Heart Association); Marion Cadora (Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts); Keola Cheng (Wilson Okamoto Corporation); Nicholas Capria (Ethos Architects); Representative Tina Grandinetti; Barrett Francis; Jason Liang, Dalan Kam, Lucinda Pyles, James Nicolay, Keenan Kinimaka, Kahi Pacarro, John Black, John Black, Harlee M., P. Suganuma, Johnnie-Mae L. Perry, Mike Buck, Denby Fawcett, and Anson Wu (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were approximately 33 total attendees.

II. CITY / STATE MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:00:19]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:00:20]: No representative was present, a report was provided.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iRDILNs9Puo8u3wAC7gMCaRUhLkEi7Ww/view?usp=drive_link

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:00:42]: Lieutenant Miura provided the April 2026 statistics and May 2026 safety tip and highlighted the following:
• April 2026 Statistics: 4 motor vehicle thefts; 4 burglaries; 12 thefts; 8 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs); 5,614 total calls for service.
• May 2026 Safety Tip: Sign up for HNL Alert App – Oʻahu’s emergency notification program covering severe weather, emergency information, road closures, ocean conditions, water main breaks, and more. The app is customizable for alert type and delivery method (text, email, push notification).

Fujiki arrived to the meeting at 7:07 p.m. 7 members present.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:02:21]:
1. Burglary and Crime Update for Subdistricts 3 and 4: White reported that following last month’s discussion of four burglaries in the area between the Kāhala Post Office and Triangle Park, the area has had zero burglaries month-to-date, with only two vandalism cases and two fraud cases. White then raised three illegal parking-related questions received from neighborhood members.
2. Driveway Blocking: White asked whether blocking a driveway is illegal. Lieutenant Miura confirmed driveway blocking is illegal regardless of neighbor consent, citing additional Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sidewalk compliance concerns.
3. Anonymous Parking Complaints and Enforcement: White asked whether residents must file a formal complaint to obtain parking enforcement, and whether the cited party would be notified of who called. Lieutenant Miura explained that for clear violations, callers do not need to meet with officers; however, meeting with the officer helps in ambiguous situations. Caller identity is not disclosed, and a specific complaint call is more effective than relying on a random patrol drive-by.
4. City Grass Strip Ownership and Loitering: White asked whether the grass strip between the sidewalk and the street constitutes public or private property, after a neighbor experienced a stranger placing a lounge chair on the strip. Turbin clarified the strip is city property but the abutting homeowner is legally responsible for its maintenance and may call police on anyone loitering there, asserting their maintenance obligation under city law.
5. Commercial Vehicle Enforcement: Port commended HPD – and specifically Officer Kamacho – for successfully enforcing the commercial vehicle parking ordinance on Puʻu Panini Avenue following last month’s discussion.
6. Homeless Vehicles on Kīlauea Avenue and Kāhala: Chair De Quevedo raised community complaints about homeless individuals living in vehicles along Kīlauea Avenue, Kāhala, and near Kāhala Mall, including unsanitary conditions and debris. He requested increased patrols and vehicle marking for potential towing. Lieutenant Miura agreed to pass the request to the sergeant responsible for that area.

Dudgeon arrived to the meeting at 7:20 p.m. 8 members present.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:14:44]: Lorna Heller provided the report and highlighted the following: reported no main breaks for the past month and announced the WaterSense Toilet Rebate Program. Rebates of up to $200 per toilet are now available for WaterSense-labeled 1.28-gallon-per-flush toilets through BWS’s Water Sensible Rebate Program, in partnership with the City Department of Environmental Services; the rebate amount has doubled from the prior offering and cannot exceed the purchase price of the product. These water-efficient toilets reduce water use by 20 to 60 percent and can save up to 13,000 gallons annually.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:16:12]:
1. Median Sprinkler Running Continuously on Kīlauea/Malia: Liang reported that median sprinklers along Kīlauea and Malia Streets had been running continuously, generating multiple neighborhood complaints and significant water waste. Heller acknowledged the issue, confirmed she had personally called, emailed, and used the BWS website to report it, and stated BWS’s communications office received over 10 contacts. She advised residents to email contactus@hbws.org, noting that the communications office responds on weekends, though other lines may not have 24/7 service.
2. Follow-Up on Kaikoo Place Sprinkler Leak: White reported that, following last month’s report of a continuous sprinkler leak at 4240 Kaikoo Place, he contacted the resident through the neighborhood security watch; the resident was unaware of the issue.

Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) – State Highways – [0:19:09]: Casey Abe provided his report and highlighted the following: new tactile mats have been installed at both the Kīlauea Avenue and Hunakai Street intersections as previously committed, remaining graffiti is being painted over by maintenance crews, and storm-related potholes have been addressed. Homeless encampments within the state highway right-of-way remain an ongoing challenge, as individuals tend to temporarily relocate when HDOT crews arrive and return afterward; a joint sweep with the city is needed for a lasting solution, and HDOT’s homeless coordinator conducts weekly sweeps of the area. Abe also noted that photographs of current homeless encampments along the Waiʻalae Nui Stream corridor – relevant to agenda Item VII.B.M – were included in his field inspection materials. Abe noted he will be on vacation and unable to attend the June 2026 meeting.

III. FILLING OF VACANCIES – [0:21:54]

Subdistrict 1 – One Vacancy – [0:21:55]: No volunteers.

IV. REPORTS OF MEMBERS’ ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS – [0:22:12]: No members reported attendance at other meetings.

V. ELECTED OFFICIALS’ REPORTS – [0:22:22]

Governor’s Representative – [0:22:25]: No representative present.

Mayor’s Representative – [0:22:43]: No representative present

Councilmember Tommy Waters – [0:23:12]: Councilmember Waters provided his report and highlighted the following. Chief Clerk Glen Takahashi has retired and City Auditor Arushi Kumar has departed to care for family on the mainland; nationwide searches via Permitted Interaction Groups are underway for both positions, and a Youth Commission seat is open for residents ages 14–24. The city budget is wrapping up with third reading scheduled for Friday, July 3, 2026, and Waters proposed setting aside lapsed funds and savings from vacant positions into a rainy-day fund accessible by the mayor during emergency proclamations, given anticipated Kona Low storm risks. A new police chief was selected from San Francisco by the Police Commission following a six-candidate process, and a Charter Commission proposal may place a mayor-appointed police chief question on the November 2026 ballot. The city has pulled back from the Mauʻumae Nature Park kyudo dojo location; Waters expressed willingness to work with the proponent on an alternative site such as Koko Crater, subject to community input from that neighborhood.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:29:07]:
1. Waikīkī Homelessness Reduction – “Safe and Sound” Program: White asked about a newspaper headline reporting a 91% drop in Waikīkī homelessness. Councilmember Waters described the “Safe and Sound” program: individuals cited for any crime in Waikīkī are prohibited by the court from returning during their probation period (6 months for petty misdemeanors, 1 year for misdemeanors, up to 5 years for felonies); returning constitutes a probation violation. He credited Commander Okamoto and the prosecutor’s office and suggested a similar pilot in Kāhala.
2. Potential Migration of Homeless Individuals to Kāhala: White noted that prior Diamond Head enforcement had caused visible migration through Kāhala. Waters acknowledged the concern but noted recent crime rates in the area have generally declined.
3. Aligning HPD District Boundaries with Neighborhood Boards: Chair De Quevedo asked what would be needed to align HPD patrol districts with neighborhood board boundaries. Waters stated it would require the new police chief to act on the idea, which was proposed by a finalist candidate who was not selected, and committed to sharing the proposal with the incoming chief.
4. Transitional Housing Funding Cut by Legislature: Councilmember Waters noted the legislature cut funding for transitional housing. Councilmember Waters confirmed he is seeking city budget funds to help fill the gap and expressed personal support for the concept when sites are appropriately selected.
5. Long-Term Homeless Individual Near Dudgeon Residence: Turbin raised concern about an individual who has been living on the slopes below Dudgeon’s residence for approximately eight years and has started fires, posing a serious risk.
6. Traffic Light Repaired at Pueo and Kīlauea: Turbin reported that after approximately two years of malfunction, the traffic light at Pueo and Kīlauea is now functioning properly. Councilmember Waters attributing the resolution to Department of Transportation Services (DTS) Deputy Director Hong Li’s attendance at prior board meetings.
7. Downtown Traffic Light Synchronization and Bike Lane: Turbin noted unsynchronized traffic lights on King Street/Alakea Street cause severe backups at closing time and urged the city to synchronize these signals. He also noted a low-use bike lane on Alakea Street removes a vehicle travel lane. Councilmember Waters agreed to look into the issues.
8. Overgrown Vacant Lots in the 4,400 Block of Kāhala Avenue: A resident reported three lots in the 4,400 block near ʻElepaio Street had become increasingly overgrown with a history of illegal seawall construction attempts, and she had been unable to reach the city about it. Councilmember Waters agreed to investigate the ownership and noted any seawall-related work would require a City Council Special Management Area (SMA) permit, creating an opportunity to address vegetation and compliance simultaneously.
9. Appreciation for Kyudo Dojo Handling and Homeless Walkthrough: Chair De Quevedo thanked Waters for his direct engagement with Bob Dewitz during last month’s kyudo dojo presentation and for the community walkthrough of Kāhala homeless encampment sites alongside city homeless coordinator Roy Miyahira.

Representative Mark Hashem – [0:43:05]: No representative present.

Representative Tina Grandinetti – [0:43:27]: No representative present at this time, was revisited later in the meeting.

Senator Stanley Chang – [0:43:42]: No representative was present.

VI. RESIDENTS’ COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [0:43:58]

City Council Candidacy Announcement – [0:44:11]: Liang announced his candidacy for City Council.

House District 19 Candidacy – [0:44:42]: Pacarro announced his candidacy for the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives, Turbin asked what Pacarro’s position on attending neighborhood board meetings would be if elected; Pacarro expressed strong support for regular attendance out of respect for the community.

Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) Proposal for At-Large Board Seats – [0:46:09]: Kam asked whether the board has a position on a reported NCO proposal to limit all boards to nine members and make seats at-large rather than by subdistrict. Chair De Quevedo noted that as an NCO commissioner he could not provide an opinion. Turbin stated he is against the proposal, preferring subdistrict representation. Fujiki noted that a survey was sent by the NCO. McGuffie stated she had voted in favor in a prior survey, citing a Waimānalo Board presentation arguing that all members share kuleana for the entire community and that persistent subdistrict vacancies support an at-large approach.

VII. BOARD BUSINESS / UNFINISHED BUSINESS / PRESENTATIONS – [0:49:41]

A. Board Business – [0:49:42]

Approval of Thursday, March 19, 2026 and Thursday, April 16, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes – [0:49:42]: [0:49:56] –White MOVED and Castonguay SECONDED to approve the Thursday, March 19, 2026 and Thursday, April 16, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes. Hearing no discussion, the board conducted a voice vote. The motion WAS adopted ; 8-0-0 (AYE: De Quevedo, Dudgeon, White, Turbin, Wong, Fujiki, McGuffie, and Castonguay; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None) – [0:50:01]

Election of Board Secretary – [0:50:10]: No members volunteered. Item deferred.

Recess Reschedule – [0:50:26]: [0:50:52] – McGuffie MOVED and Wong SECONDED to reschedule the Kāhala recess schedule to July 2026. Hearing no discussion. The motion WAS adopted; 8-0-0 (AYE: De Quevedo, Dudgeon, White, Turbin, Wong, Fujiki, McGuffie, and Castonguay; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None) – [0:50:59]

Update – Alternative Venues for Future Board Meetings – [0:51:11]: Chair De Quevedo reiterated support for using the Kapiʻolani Community College (KCC) Culinary School once it opens. The board agreed to also pursue Kāhala Elementary School as an option to bring the meeting back into the Kāhala neighborhood.

Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) Update – Primary Urban Center Development Plan (PUCDP) and East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan (EHSCP) – [0:52:16]: McGuffie reported that the May 2026 PIG meeting was postponed; the next meeting will be in June 2026. No update at this time.

B. New Business / Presentations – [0:52:30]

American Heart Association – 2026 Honolulu Heart Walk Presentation – [0:52:38]: Kamy Arakawa, Event Planning Director for Hawaiʻi, announced the 2026 Honolulu Heart Walk on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Kapiʻolani Park. The event offers two walk routes: a Survivor Route around the park perimeter and a Heart Challenge Route through the Diamond Head Road area. Event grounds open at 6:00 a.m. with approximately 4,000 attendees expected, followed by a health fair upon walkers’ return. GP Roadways will post signage several days prior to notify the neighborhood of potential traffic delays, and postcards were mailed to the surrounding community in advance.

Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts – Wahi Pana Event at Triangle Park – [0:55:27]: Marion Cadora, Curator of Public Art, announced a free community event at Triangle Park on Friday, June 12, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. as part of the Wahi Pana Story Places public art project, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies. The event features a commissioned mele about Lēʻahi by TJ Tario, a Juilliard-trained Native Hawaiian pianist, along with poetry, an unamplified music trio, and complimentary food.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:58:10]:
1. Event Information: Turbin asked about the event start time. Cadora noted the event start at 5:30 p.m. the formal program will begin at approximately 6:30 p.m., followed by a short talk story at 8:00 p.m. Turbin asked if there will be food trucks. Cadora clarified there will be no food trucks but they will provide some food.
2. Parking: Cadora noted they are currently working with Parks and Recreation and noted there are available street parking in the area. They also will plan on blocking a few spots for loading trucks and for performers.
3. Expected Attendance and Parking Impact: Francis asked for an estimate of expected attendance given limited parking in the Triangle Park area. Cadora stated she would monitor RSVPs and make accommodations if turnout is significantly higher than anticipated.
4. Event RSVP: White asked if the event is only RSVP. Cadora clarified its not required but they plan on using EventBrite to get a sense of the number of participants.
5. Public Notification Channels: McGuffie asked how the public would be informed about the event. Cadora stated notifications would go out via social media, the Wahi Pana mailing list, and the Mayor’s Office communications team. White offered to distribute event information through the 360-household Kāhala neighborhood security watch network and provided his contact information to Cadora.
6. Appreciation for Wahi Pana Bus Wraps: Chair De Quevedo commended the Mayor’s Office for the Wahi Pana bus wraps on public transportation, noting the historically accurate and culturally direct approach to public art as a meaningful educational tool for residents and visitors alike.

235 Kulamanu Place – SMA Major Permit Application – [1:02:40]: Keola Cheng, Director of Planning at Wilson Okamoto Corporation (planning consultant for the property owner), presented on the proposed construction of a new two-story, four-bedroom, four-bathroom single-family residence of approximately 3,928 sq. ft. on a vacant beachside flag lot at 235 Kulamanu Place. The lot is approximately 13,664 sq. ft., accessed via Kulamanu Place, located within the Diamond Head Special District but outside its core area, and zoned urban/R-75 with a low-density residential land use designation. The project requires an SMA Major Permit under Chapter 25 of the Revised Ordinances; this neighborhood board presentation constitutes Stage 3 of the process, with a public hearing before the City Council to follow. The SMA assessment will evaluate coastal resources, geology, hydrology, climate change and sea level rise, scenic and cultural resources, and consistency with applicable plans and regulations.
• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mn1wNByvn_zrNnpQVuuSlxEaU6ZDrKBg/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:08:59]:
1. Full-Time Residence Confirmation: White asked whether the owner will be there full time. Cheng confirmed the owner intends it to be the family’s full-time primary residence.
2. Neighbor’s History with the Property Owner: John Black, owner of adjacent properties at 237 and 237A Kulamanu Place (sharing 178 linear feet of property line), addressed the board via video. Black described a four-year period during which the vacant lot was leased as a construction staging area, resulting in diesel fumes, dust, rat and feral cat infestations, and 7:00 a.m. heavy equipment noise outside his wife’s bedroom. His wife has advanced Alzheimer’s. Black stated his intent is not to stop the development but to ensure it proceeds with proper respect for neighboring families.
3. Council Chair Waters’ Offer of SMA Permit Conditions: Waters offered to coordinate with Black and noted that protective conditions for neighboring residents can be incorporated into the SMA permit when it comes before the City Council.
4. Change of Property Ownership and Control: Cheng stated the property is owned by a family entity whose internal control has transitioned to a different family member. He acknowledged prior management may have been less attentive and characterized the current development effort as a genuine attempt to proceed properly.
5. Legality of Prior Construction Staging Use: Chair De Quevedo asked Black, in his professional capacity, whether the four-year use of the lot as a commercial construction staging area was legal. Black confirmed it was arranged through a lease with a property manager and was difficult to stop; he noted Councilmember Waters’ office was involved but there was little legal recourse at the time.
6. Construction-Phase Street Parking and Staging Plan: Chair De Quevedo asked whether work vehicles would park in the street during construction. Cheng stated all staging and parking should be contained within the property, as the narrow street serves as a fire department emergency access lane.
7. Board Request for Pre-Meeting Discussion and Updated Renderings: Chair De Quevedo requested that Cheng and Black meet before the June 2026 meeting to seek common ground and that Cheng provide closer-range renderings of the proposed structure. The item was set for the June 2026 meeting agenda, and both parties agreed to meet and report back.

Waiʻalae Country Club – Office Extension, SMA Major Permit Application – [1:29:49]: Nicholas Capria of Ethos Architects LLC presented on behalf of Waiʻālae Country Club (4997 Kāhala Avenue) regarding a proposed approximately 1,500 sq. ft. addition to the administrative office area, nestled between the main clubhouse and the fitness center and tennis courts in the central corridor, plus a small interior renovation. The property is located in a preservation zone and within the Special Management Area, requiring an SMA Major Permit and City Council review; the addition will not add a second story or alter the existing roofline. The project is driven by health, safety, and employee welfare: current administrative staff are overcrowded or scattered across the club, and no additional employees are anticipated as the project consolidates existing staff. Construction is expected to take approximately one year following permitting and hearings. An archaeological and cultural monitoring plan will be provided by Scientific Consultant Services due to the property’s proximity to the ocean.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:35:08]:
1. Plumbing and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Impacts: Wong asked whether additional plumbing would be installed. Capria confirmed no new plumbing. Wong asked about HVAC; Capria confirmed additional units will be integrated with the existing roof infrastructure without increasing building height.
2. Employee Count and Parking Impact: Nicollay asked whether the expansion would bring additional employees and create parking impacts. Capria confirmed no new employees are anticipated; the project gives existing staff more appropriate workspace, and additional parking spaces will be officially designated within the club’s existing lot.
3. Future Change of Use: Chair De Quevedo asked whether the office space might be converted to another use within 10 years. Capria stated the footprint is too narrow for any significant use other than office space.
4. Contractor Staging and Parking: Chair De Quevedo asked whether contractors would park in the street or on club premises. Capria confirmed all staging and parking will be contained within the club’s property.

[1:41:25] – McGuffie MOVED and White SECONDED to support the Waiʻalae Country Club Office Extension. Hearing no discussion, the board conducted a show of hands. The motion WAS adopted; 5-0-3 (AYE: De Quevedo, White, Wong, McGuffie, and Castonguay; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: Dudgeon, Turbin, and Fujiki) – [1:41:29]

Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design – Operator Update and Community Correspondence – [1:43:00]: White summarized a Tuesday, February 24, 2026 incident in which a high-profile diplomatic event at Shangri La involving foreign dignitaries with federal law enforcement security resulted in significant vehicle congestion on Pāpū Circle and resident complaints about traffic backup and idling security vehicles throughout the event. Department of Planning and permitting (DPP) was subsequently contacted regarding the museum’s conditional use permit conditions. Shangri La management acknowledged they were unprepared for the scale of the federal security presence and committed to coordinating with the Governor’s Office in advance of any similar future events. White uploaded the formal DPP complaint to the board’s Google Drive for reference.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:44:57]:
1. Board Assessment of the Incident: Chair De Quevedo asked if White find the complaint reasonable. White noted he was on the far side of Pāpū Circle and did not observe the full situation firsthand, though his home’s license plate reader camera confirmed multiple federal and HPD vehicles had passed.

Representative Tina Grandinetti – [1:45:57]: Representative Tina Grandinetti provided her report and highlighted the following: the 2025 legislative session has concluded, expressing pride in accomplishments including the budget response to federal funding cuts and landmark legislation addressing Citizens United and protecting immigrant communities’ due process rights. A district newsletter recapping the session will be mailed to constituents. She appeared specifically to address community questions about Kīlauea District Park following legislation that included the park in a set of transfers to the Department of Education (DOE). The DOE has issued a statement declining to exercise the transfer option, which the bill grants it discretion to do; a permanent legislative fix will be included in the Governor’s executive package next session. All parties remain committed to keeping the park under City management, with no programs or activities facing imminent disruption.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:47:18]:
1. Kīlauea District Park – DOE Transfer Bill: Liang asked about potential program and access impacts if Kīlauea District Park were transferred to DOE jurisdiction. Representative Grandinetti confirmed the DOE has declined to exercise the transfer (the bill grants DOE that discretion), that a permanent legislative fix will be in the Governor’s executive package next session, and that all parties are committed to keeping the park with the city with no programs at imminent risk.
2. How the Transfer Language Was Inserted: Pacarro asked how significant park transfer language ended up in legislation without community awareness. Representative Grandinetti stated the provision was originally intended to create pathways for state funding, that adequate community consultation did not occur, and that the language remained through the conference committee process; she acknowledged she should have caught it as the district representative.
3. Committee Accountability: Chair De Quevedo asked who is responsible to this action. Representative Grandinetti noted the names of the Committee Chairs who the bill passed through. Pacarro added that conference committee decisions are made behind closed doors.

Department of Education Property at 22nd Avenue / Puʻu Panini Avenue – Maintenance and Access – [1:53:27]: Barrett Francis reported on a Tuesday, May 12, 2026 on-site meeting at the 6.5-acre DOE property with DOE Assistant Superintendent Audrey Hidano and approximately four to five staff members to discuss the unkept property. DOE committed to weed whacking the property perimeter at least every six weeks, though Francis stated this is insufficient; DOE also acknowledged staffing only two groundskeepers when three are needed, and a third position is not budgeted. DOE agreed to solicit three landscape contractor bids but provided no parameters for contractors, leaving scope undefined; the community has requested the right to review proposals before DOE proceeds. The property was cleaned the day before the meeting, and a homeless individual residing on the site was evicted in advance and relocated to the surrounding neighborhood. Francis noted that approximately 5.5 of the 6.5 acres are largely inactive and that DOE indicated broader discussions about property utilization were outside the scope of the meeting.
• Presentation:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ebuuzi9b7nH-oi5RDxk3oYqP2IXSZM5U/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:00:50]:
1. History of DOE’s Acquisition of the Property: Turbin asked how DOE came to own the property. Francis explained that circa 2015, under legislation allowing DOE to lease state properties to generate revenue, the property was transferred from the Hawaiʻi Department of Defense (National Guard training area). The Board of Education later removed it from the development list due to inadequate water and sewer infrastructure, and it has since sat largely unused.
2. Drafting a Letter to DOE: McGuffie proposed drafting a strongly worded letter to DOE outlining the decade-long community concerns and the property’s history, requesting a substantive meeting – not a sidewalk conversation – in which board leadership can participate.
3. Clarification on Site Visit Scope: Representative Grandinetti clarified that her original meeting request was limited to the pedestrian easement maintenance issue; the broader underutilization question was raised by community members at the meeting and was not anticipated by DOE staff. She suggested requesting more information from DOE about current plans before characterizing the property as underutilized.
4. Board’s Frustration with DOE’s Stewardship: Chair De Quevedo expressed strong frustration with DOE’s ongoing lack of engagement, noting that Port, his wife, and other community members have attended meetings with patience and meticulous record-keeping for over a decade with little result. He described the pre-meeting cleanup as disrespectful.
5. Proposal for a Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) on the DOE Property: Chair De Quevedo proposed forming a PIG to investigate community use options for the property and to formally request substantive DOE engagement. The board agreed to bring the PIG proposal to the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO); Francis and Port were invited to participate if formed, and the item will appear on the next meeting agenda pending NCO approval.

Climate & Resiliency Mandate for East Oʻahu (CRM-EO) – [2:12:53]: Aloha McGuffie presented the draft Climate & Resiliency Mandate for East Oʻahu on behalf of the KISCA Hui (Kāhala Initiative for Sustainability, Culture and the Arts), a grassroots organization sponsored by the Kāhala Hotel and Resort and developed through a two-day invitation-only convening in September 2025 of approximately 100 participants with 32 speakers and 10 roundtable sessions. The mandate covers all six East Oʻahu neighborhood board districts, which share the Koʻolau Mountain watershed, streams, and ocean resources, and addresses topic areas including coastal resilience, clean streams, cultural heritage, disaster preparedness, education and youth engagement, food security, and policy alignment. The draft has been reviewed by Hawaiʻi Green Growth and aligned with the state’s Aloha Plus Challenge goals; following this round of neighborhood board presentations, the document will be revised and finalized, with project implementation targeted to begin in 2027. McGuffie has already presented to five of the six East Oʻahu boards, with Pālolo scheduled for June 2026; the next presentation to this board is tentatively scheduled for August 2026 due to the July 2026 recess. A community survey on local climate challenges and resilience priorities will be distributed via Chair De Quevedo and posted on the NCO platform.
• Presentation:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-bDmcw-LaWeoeDThKdlm-a67QjjU4Xgg/view?usp=drive_link
• Draft Mandate:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j8BGNGA7Wax5GetbVeFUMuWKkyEeih_Z/view?usp=drive_link

Department of Transportation Services (DTS): Postponed due to time.
TheBus Service Changes: Postponed due to time.

Kīlauea Avenue: Postponed due to time.

Waiʻalae Nui Stream: Postponed due to time.

VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:28:09]

Next Regular Meeting – [2:28:13]: Thursday, June 18, 2026, 7:00 p.m., Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse, 404 Kapahulu Avenue, 2nd Floor, Honolulu, HI 96815, and via WebEx.

IX. ADJOURNMENT – [2:28:25]: Chair De Quevedo adjourned the meeting at approximately 9:33 p.m.

Submitted by: Anson Wu, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Lindon Valenciano, Public Relations Assistant, NCO
Finalized 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.