LILIHA – PU‘UNUI – ‘ĀLEWA – KAMEHAMEHA HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 14
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2025 at 6:30 P.M.
MAʻEMAʻE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA
319 WYLLIE STREET, HONOLULU, HI 96817
IN-PERSON AND VIA WEBEX
This meeting location is open to public participation.
Other available options include participating by computer, phone or by video system.
Webex and phone-in instructions are as follows:
Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m96a8456fd63adb2683b259cf58f22b09
Meeting Number: 2495 230 4056
Password: NB14 (6214 from phones and video systems)
Join by video system: Dial 24952304056@cchnl.webex.com
Join by phone: +1-408-418-9388
Rules of Speaking: There is a 5-minute time limit on presentations and three (3) minutes on all other reports unless authorized by the Chair. The Chair must first recognize any board member or guest desiring to speak. Questions/testimonies are limited to one (1) minute per speaker and no speaker may comment more than twice on each subject. Those who interrupt another speaker are out of order and will not be allowed to comment.
Meeting Materials: To view NB 14’s reports, presentations, and other meeting materials visit: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14NHDPlCeVLKfUh3ZE-qR4B2PrWYzprSp?usp=sharing
Meeting Recording: Can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1DZJTKor6TTNYiqx5U-P2w
I. CALL TO ORDER: Chair, Wesley Fong
II. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES FORUM (Three (3) minutes each):
A. Honolulu Fire Department (Kuakini Station)
B. Honolulu Police Department (Kalihi Station)
C. Board of Water Supply (BWS)
III. FILLING OF VACANCIES:
A. Subdistrict 4 – One (1) vacancy
IV. ELECTION OF BOARD OFFICER
A. Secretary
V. RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS
VI. REPORTS OF MEMBERS ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS
VII. OAHU METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (OMPO) CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC)
• Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) Email: OahuMPO@OahuMPO.org
• CAC Meeting Information: https://oahumpo.org/citizen-advisory-committee/
VIII. PRESENTATIONS
A. Walk, Bike, Drive – Hawaiʻi Bicycling League
B. Use of Pesticides in Hawaiʻi – Office of Representative Amy Perruso
IX. ELECTED OFFICIALS AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
A. Mayor’s Representative – Aedward Los Banos
1. Status of installation of painted crosswalk at Nuʻuanu Ave./Bates St.
2. Status of installation of four way stop at Hala Dr./Kapalama Ave
3. Trash pickup at end of Skyline Drive
4. Open storm drain – Alani St./Aupuni St. – hazard
5. ʻĀlewa Neighborhood Park – Status of basketball court and retaining wall project
6. Na Pueo Mini Park childrens playground request
7. Reported abandoned vehicles status
B. District 6 Councilmember – Tyler Dos Santos Tam
1. Action on Judd St. sidewalks
2. Status of vacant Alzheimer House at Na Pueo Park
C. 13th Senatorial District – Karl Rhoads or rep
D. 14th Senatorial District – Donna Mercado Kim
E. District 27 Representative – Jenna Takenouchi
F. District 28 Representative – Daniel Holt
G. District 29 Representative – Ikaika Hussey
H. Governor’s Representative – Dallis Ontiveros
I. 1st Congressional District Representative – Ed Case
X. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Monday, April 14, 2025 regular meeting minutes
XI. NEW BUSINESS
A. Liliha/Palama Christmas parade
B. Good Governance Reforms Resolution discussion and consideration to take board action – Aria Castillo, Reclaiming Democracy
XII. COMMUNITYORGANIZATIONS
A. Maluhia
B. St. Francis
C. Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center – Carole Kaapu/Brandon Mitsuda
D. Friends of Liliha Library – Brandon Mitsuda
E. Other non-profit organizations
XIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
B. Ōlelo – NB 14 monthly meetings can be viewed on ʻŌlelo channel 49 on first Saturdays at 9:00 p.m. and second and fourth Thursdays at 2:00 p.m.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
References:
1. Report Potholes: (City) 768-7777 (State) 536-7852
2. Report Abandoned Vehicles: 768-2530
3. Report Illegal Dumping to Office of Environmental Services: 768-3401/3203
4. To report illegal dumping, find collection schedule information, or for more information about collection services and notices of violation: 768-3300/5220 or https://www.honolulu.gov/opala
5. Advance Traffic/Travel Information Website: http://goakamai.org/
6. Hawaii Drug Take-Back Program: http:/goakamai.org/
7. Homeless Hotline: 791-9359
8. Community Policing Team: 723-8230
9. Complete Streets: https://www.facebook.com/hnlcompletestreets/
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 Kapalama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160 Honolulu, Hawai’i 96817;
Telephone (808) 768-3710; Fax (808) 768-3711; or emailing nco@honolulu.gov
Agenda documents and minutes are also available at http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards.html
All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours of the meeting, written and/or oral testimony may be submitted directly to the board at the meeting. If submitting written testimony, please note the board and agenda item(s) your testimony concerns.
Send to: Neighborhood Commission Office, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160 Honolulu, Hawai’i 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 INITIAL CONVENING MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
MONDAY, JULY 14, 2025 at 6:30 P.M.
MAEMAE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA – 319 WYLLIE STREET, HONOLULU, HAWAII, 96817
AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING
Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkTQxPD6QBs
Meeting materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/125C2jWWt50_3648LIvBJAX3l2UibCfKZ
I. CALL TO ORDER [0:00:34]: Chair pro tem Wesley Fong called the Liliha/Puunui/Alewa/Kamehameha Heights Neighborhood Board No. 14 regular meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Quorum was established with eleven (11) board members present. Note – This 13-member Board requires seven (7) members to establish a quorum and take official board action. Board members must be in-person or have video access.
Board Members Present: Darren Cantrill, Wallyn Christian, Wesley Fong, Ronald Higa, Carole Kaapu, Loy Kuo, Christy MacPherson, Zhoydell Magaoay, Brandon Mitsuda, Donald Nitta, and Cora Yamamoto.
Board Members Absent: Chance Naauao-Ota
Guests: Firefighter Michael Jutt Jr. and Captain R. Carvalho (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant Robert King (Honolulu Police Department); Iris Oda (Board of Water Supply); Deputy Director Aedward Los Banos (Mayor’s Representative); Senator Karl Rhoads (District 13); Senator Donna Mercado Kim (Senate District 14); Representative Jenna Takenouchi (State House District 27); Dallis Ontiveros (Governor’s Representative); Roberta Hickey Gomez (Mediation Center of the Pacific); Michael Fujiwara (Natsunoya Tea House); Ryan Lim, Bixby Ho, Keith C., Douglas Bennett, Liana Ben (Resident); Camilia Epa Gomes (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 18 total participants.
[0:01:50] – Chair pro tem Fong requested for the N.A. to assist with administering the Oath of Office for Board members that didn’t attend the induction ceremony last month.
II. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES FORUM [0:04:50]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:05:00]: Firefighter Michael Jutt Jr. provided the report and highlighted the following: monthly fire statistics for June 2025; five activated alarms but no actual fires; 104 medical emergencies; one motor vehicle collision; one hazardous materials incident; and shared monthly safety tips for wildland fire awareness, prevention, and preparedness.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ifFZ1sQMgD1AP1p3ExIqC_4Fvcka3phd/view?usp=drive_link
• To access the fire response search tool and incident trend dashboard, please visit: https://fire.honolulu.gov/news-and-info/
• HFD Community Relations Office: hfdnhb@honolulu.gov
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:08:00]
• Chair pro tem Fong asked if ʻĀlewa Heights area is susceptible to wildfires and what can be done about it. Response was provided by Firefighter Michael Jutt Jr., who explained that any area has potential for wildland fires, with the west side being more prone due to drier conditions.
• Member Nitta asked about the location of the recent fires in Waiʻanae. Response was provided by Firefighter Michael Jutt Jr., who clarified there were two fires – one in Miley and one in Nanakuli along Lualualei Naval Road.
• Member Kuo asked about the impact of the new State Fire Marshal appointment and day-to-day operations. Response was provided by Firefighter Michael Jutt Jr., who stated that no changes had been seen at the operational level yet, and any impacts would likely be at the administrative level first.
• Member Christian thanked HFD for their service.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:13:36]: Sergeant Robert King provided the monthly crime statistics for June 2025 compared to May 2025: one aggravated assault (down from two); seven auto thefts (down from nine); three burglaries (down from five); zero robberies (unchanged); one sex assault/rape (down from two); four simple assaults (down from five); twelve overall thefts (down from sixteen); three unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (unchanged); and 1,206 total calls for service (down from 1,251). Sergeant King also provided a follow-up on complaints about illegal parking at Natsunoya Tea House.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:15:30]
• Board Member Kuo reported cars parked on the shoulder of Lanakila Avenue between Kamaka Lane and Laki Road, impeding pedestrians. Response was provided by Sergeant King, who said he would have officers check the area and recommended residents call 911 non-emergency for immediate assistance with parking violations.
• Nuʻuanu resident Liana asked about the annual gathering for neighborhood watch and civilian patrol groups. Response was provided by Sergeant King, who suggested contacting Sergeant Brian Aato from the community policing team for information.
• Chair Fong thanked HPD for monitoring parking around Natsunoya Tea House.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:21:16]: Iris Oda provided the report and highlighted the following: no water main breaks in June 2025; July is Smart Irrigation Month; tips for water conservation including checking for leaky sprinkler heads, watering early in the morning, attaching shut-off nozzles to garden hoses, installing weather-based irrigation controllers (eligible for BWS rebate), and capturing rainwater in rain barrels (also eligible for rebate); and free water storage bags available for emergency preparedness.
• To see more eligible residential rebates, please visit: https://boardofwatersupply.com/residentialrebates
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:23:00]
• Chair Fong thanked BWS for providing toilet leak detection tablets
• Member Yamamoto asked about the free water storage containers mentioned on the radio. Response was provided by Iris Oda, who described collapsible water storage bags with nozzles that BWS was offering and said she would bring some to the next meeting.
• Member Nitta asked where to purchase the 55-gallon barrels for rainwater catchment to qualify for a rebate. Response was provided by Iris Oda, who said she would look up the information and provide it to the Chair to distribute to the Board.
III. FILLING OF VACANCIES [0:28:23]
Liliha Sub-District 4 – One (1) Vacancy [0:28:31]: No volunteers at this time.
IV. INITIAL CONVENING BUSINESS [0:28:36]
Election of Officers – Chair [0:29:00]: [0:29:28] – Kuo nominated Wesley Fong for Board Chair. Hearing no other nominations, the board conducted a roll call vote. Wesley Fong was elected Chair; 10-0-0 (Fong: Cantrill, Christian, Higa, Kaapu, Kuo, MacPherson, Magaoay, Nitta, Yamamoto, Fong; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [0:31:37].
Election of Officers – Vice Chair [0:32:00]: [0:32:24] – Yamamoto nominated Darren Cantrill for Board Vice Chair. [0:32:33] – Kuo nominated Nitta for Board Vice Chair. Hearing no other nominations, the board conducted a roll call vote. Darren Cantrill was elected Vice Chair; 7-2-1 (Cantrill: Cantrill, Christian, Kaapu, MacPherson, Magaoay, Nitta, Yamamoto; Nitta: Higa, Kuo; Abstain: Fong) – [0:34:48].
Election of Officers – Secretary [0:34:57]: Hearing no nominations at this this time, this item was deferred to the next regular meeting in August 2025.
Election of Officers – Treasurer [0:35:50]: [0:35:59] – Kaapu nominated Loy Kuo as Board Treasurer. Hearing no other nominations, the board conducted a roll call vote. Loy Kuo was elected Treasurer; 10-0-0 (Kuo: Cantrill, Christian, Higa, Kaapu, Kuo, MacPherson, Magaoay, Nitta, Yamamoto, Fong; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [0:37:40].
Meeting Date, Time, Location, and Format (Virtual Component) – [0:39:09]: [0:39:28] – The board voted to retain their previous term’s meeting date/time/location/format as the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Maʻemaʻe Elementary School Cafeteria and virtually via Webex; Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED by unanimous consent; 10-0-0 (Aye: Cantrill, Christian, Higa, Kaapu, Kuo, MacPherson, Magaoay, Nitta, Yamamoto, Fong; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [0:39:49].
Determination of Recess Schedule – Up to three (3) per year [0:39:49]: [0:41:43] – The board voted to recess in December 2025 and June 2026. Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED by unanimous consent; 10-0-0 (Aye: Cantrill, Christian, Higa, Kaapu, Kuo, MacPherson, Magaoay, Nitta, Yamamoto, Fong; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [0:42:12].
Adoption of Oral Testimony Rules [0:42:31]: [0:43:00] – Kaapu MOVED AND Magaoay SECONDED to retain their previous term’s rules of speaking: five (5) minutes per presentation, three (3) minutes per report, and one (1) minute per public testimony. Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED by unanimous consent; 10-0-0 (Aye: Cantrill, Christian, Higa, Kaapu, Kuo, MacPherson, Magaoay, Nitta, Yamamoto, Fong; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [0:43:27]
Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OahuMPO) Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) Representative [0:43:44]: [0:43:55] – Nitta nominated Cora Yamamoto as the Board OahuMPO CAC Representative. [0:44:35] – Yamamoto nominated Cantrill as the Board’s Secondary OahuMPO CAC Representative. Hearing no other nominations, Cora Yamamoto was elected as the Board’s Primary and Darren Cantrill as Secondary OahuMPO CAC Representatives by unanimous consent; 10-0-0 (Yamamoto and Cantrill: Cantrill, Christian, Higa, Kaapu, Kuo, MacPherson, Magaoay, Nitta, Yamamoto, Fong; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [0:45:15].
V. RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS [0:45:28]
Concerns For Gender-Affirming Care – [0:45:30]: Resident Ryan Lim expressed concerns about the LGBTQ Commission advocating for the governor to consider an executive order to make Hawaii a sanctuary state for people from other states seeking gender transitioning procedures.
Trash Pick-up and Collapsed Storm Drain – [0:47:23]: Board Member Kaapu raised concerns about trash pickup at the end of Skyline Drive and a collapsed storm drain at the intersection of Alani Street and Aupuni Street.
Functions of NCO Testimony Submission Function – [0:49:30] Board Member Kuo asked about the Neighborhood Board website’s testimony submission function. He mentioned he submitted multiple items through this page and would like to know where it goes. Responses followed from Neighborhood Assistant (NA) Camilia and Chair Fong.
ʻĀlewa Neighborhood Park Basketball Court – [0:52:58]: Board Member MacPherson raised concerns about the ʻĀlewa playground basketball court with orange netting and suggested a playground for keiki at Na Pueo Mini Park. Board Member Yamamoto provided a follow-up comment on a longstanding issue with the retaining wall for the basketball court. Chair Fong noted he will add the concerns to the agenda for next monthʻs meeting.
Kamehameha School – [0:55:44]: Chair Fong provided an update on a upcoming meeting between Kamehameha Schools representatives and residents regarding community concerns. Representative Takenouchi noted that a follow-up meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 18, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at the State Capitol, room 423.
VI. REPORTS OF MEMBERS ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS [1:01:04]: No reports at this time.
VII. Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OahuMPO) Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) [1:01:40]:
OahuMPO Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) Report – [1:01:44]: Member Yamamoto provided the report and highlighted the following: May 7, 2025 meeting featured a presentation on the Safe Routes to Schools project; a June 12, 2025 walk audit was conducted at Lanakila Elementary School with the principal, DOE representatives, and board members; no major safety issues were identified; the school has staggered pickup times to reduce congestion; and an issue with rental car pickups near the school entrance was noted. Yamamoto also reported on the July 2, 2025 meeting where planning amendments were approved and membership was cleaned up by removing inactive members.
VIII. PRESENTATIONS [1:07:56]
Early Eviction Mediation Program – [1:08:00]: Roberta Hickey Gomez from the Mediation Center of the Pacific provided a presentation on the Early Eviction Mediation Program. The program began during the COVID-19 eviction moratorium under Act 57, initially targeting 6,000 tenants in arrears on Oʻahu, and has continued with private funding. The program benefits both landlords and tenants by providing faster resolution than court proceedings (3-5 days versus 1-4 months), reducing costs for landlords (who typically spend $500-$10,000 per eviction), fostering relationships, providing housing stability, and preventing homelessness. The program has an 89-93% agreement rate and is free for both landlords and tenants. Meetings are held remotely via Zoom, with interpreters available if needed. Senate Bill (SB) 825 (now Act 728) will expand the program starting in 2026 as a two-year pilot program.
• Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16mbfZa_uOujL6X9iu18BnB_VoWcjqzNd/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=111917663458444584436&rtpof=true&sd=true
• Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16HR4s8BsC7vLujEp8-qBOKMQayEt59Ak/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:16:35]
• Chair Fong expressed support from mandatory mediation before litigation.
• Board Member Yamamoto asked how to get a copy of the PowerPoint presentation. Response was provided by Roberta Hickey Gomez, who said Camilia (the Neighborhood Assistant) had it on the board’s Google Drive.
• Board Member Kuo asked about the organization’s source of funding. Response was provided by Roberta Hickey Gomez, who explained they were currently privately funded by organizations interested in addressing houselessness issues.
• Chair Fong inquired on other mediation programs that are offered through the organization. Response was provided by Roberta Hickey Gomez, who mentioned they handle domestic issues, condo issues, landlord-tenant disputes, and neighborhood disputes.
IX. ELECTED OFFICIALS AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES [1:23:55]
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [1:23:59]: Aedward Los Banos provided the report and highlighted the following: Mayor’s Newsletter for July 2025 including the 80-acre master planning effort in the Iwilei-Kapalama sub corridor; Mayor Blangiardi signed into law three bills, specifically Bill 11, Bill 12, and Bill 13 (2025) to help increase public safety by targeting illegal gambling; the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts unveils three new Wahi Pana art installations at Koko Crater, Kapiolani Park, and Hanauma Bay which were funded by Bloomberg Foundation; entrepreneurs on the Waianae Coast beginning the Idea2Biz Small Business Incubator Program; and the City brings driver’s license learner’s permit tests online, with no appointment needed.
Los Banos also provided updates on two agenda items: 1) The crosswalk at Nuuanu Avenue and Bates Street – DTS proposes reducing travel lanes from four to three and installing a pedestrian refuge island, with work anticipated to be completed by summer 2026; 2) The all-way stop at Kapalama Avenue and Hala Drive – design work is complete, with notification letters to be sent by the end of July 2025 and installation to follow.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/122RheFXpB46DrUqcoSa8TdruMcC3mC0R/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:28:18]
• Nuʻuanu resident Liana expressed concern about the proposal to reduce Nuʻuanu Avenue from four to three lanes and requested immediate repainting of the crosswalk at Nuʻuanu Avenue and Bates Street. Response was provided by Aedward Los Banos, who noted the concerns but explained the current plan was part of safety improvements.
• Board Member Nitta asked what is the completion date of the work order for the four way stop at Hala Drive and Bates Street. Response was provided by Aedward Los Banos, who stated the expected completion date was the end of July 2025.
• Board Member Kuo asked about reporting graffiti on traffic signal poles. He reported graffiti on a traffic signal pole at the corner of the intersection of Kuakini Street and Lanakila Avenue. He also inquired about the grassy area near along side Keola Street. Response was provided by Aedward Los Banos, who recommended using the 311 app to report graffiti and explained that the grassy area was designated for Maluhia parking.
Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam (Council District 6) – [1:34:29]: No representative at this time.
Senator Karl Rhoads (Senate District 13) – [1:34:43]: Senator Rhoads provided the report and highlighted the following: Senate Bill 405 (now Act 72) allowing neighborhood boards to discuss and receive information on matters raised by third-party reports from government officials not included on the agenda; relaunch of the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund to help qualified condo associations meet their master policy insurance requirements with coverage up to $90 million; Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 128 requiring the Attorney General to catalog all leases federal entities have with the state; and a reminder about the effectiveness of the 311 app for reporting problems on city land.
• Report: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tEecf5LurazOxFVwFkEXe1dovoo8NuPi/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=111917663458444584436&rtpof=true&sd=true
Senator Donna Mercado Kim (Senate District 14) – [1:38:54]: Senator Kim shared that her community report was distributed digitally and her community bulletin was mailed to all registered voters in Senate District 14. She highlighted Senate Bill 1252 (now Act 283) which appropriates $525,000 in each fiscal year 2026 and 2027 to fund Alzheimer’s and dementia-related education and training at UH Manoa John Burns School of Medicine. She also provided budget highlights from the executive biennial budget. Senator Kim announced an upcoming e-waste recycling event at Pālolo Chinese Home on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to noon.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/122RheFXpB46DrUqcoSa8TdruMcC3mC0R/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:42:53]
• Chair Fong expressed appreciation for the Alzheimer’s funding
• Chair Fong asked about Senator Kim’s involvement with Pālolo Chinese Home. Response was provided by Senator Kim, who explained she was supporting an e-waste recycling event there organized by a constituent.
• Nuʻuanu resident Liana asked about enforcement of child support payments for state licensees. Response was provided by Senator Kim, who recalled vaguely that legislation had been passed in previous years, and Senator Rhoads offered to look into the matter further.
Representative Jenna Takenouchi (State House District 27) – [1:47:57]: Representative Takenouchi provided the report and highlighted the following: The Department of Transportation is accepting public comments for their Climate Resilience Plan and Energy Security and Waste Reduction Plan; and upcoming informal “park talks” across the district, including one at Lanakila District Park on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in the meeting room, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
• For additional information about the public comment period and the DOT Energy Security & Waste Reduction Plan, please visit: https://highways.hidot.hawaii.gov/stories/s/h9gp-xxmt?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
• July Park Talks Schedule: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WK53a-D3roSxvHk8jYogBB_23a-14FnhEi50yf2tb9w/edit?tab=t.0
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:50:51]
• Board Member Kuo thanked Representative Takenouchi for the opportunity to attend her town hall meeting at Liliha Library.
Representative Daniel Holt (State House District 28) – [1:51:38]: No representative at this time.
Representative Ikaika Hussey (State House District 29) – [1:51:48]: No representative at this time.
Governor Josh Greenʻs Representative – [1:51:50]: Dallis Ontiveros provided the report and highlighted the following: The Hawaii Green Business Program honored 45 organizations for their efforts in energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, pollution prevention, and resource preservation; the 2025 Sun Bucks program providing eligible families with $177 in food benefits per child to support in nutrition during the summer; Hawaiian Telecom installing fiber optic internet at 81 Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) properties across Hawaii, providing over 5,500 units with discounted internet options and free 1GB Wi-Fi service at community hubs; and an update on the School Street affordable housing project, which is currently working on the 8th floor and expected to be completed by September 2026.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K5EJQyuDV-ql5ypaEupxDTxmuB5AqyF4/view?usp=drive_link
Congressman Ed Case (Hawaiʻ 1st Congressional District) – [1:55:35]: No representative at this time.
X. APPROVAL OF MINUTES [1:55:45]
Approval of Monday, June 9, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes [1:55:41]: [1:55:57] – Kaapu MOVED and Cantrill SECONDED to approve the June 2025 regular meeting minutes as written. Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED by raise of hands; 7-0-0 (Aye: Cantrill, Christian, Higa, Kaapu, Magaoay, Nitta, Yamamoto; Nay: None; Abstain: Kuo, MacPherson, Fong) – [1:56:26].
XI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS [1:56:32]
Status of Natsunoya Tea House Liquor License [1:56:32]: Chair Fong acknowledged the public attendees who were present to provide comments on the item and noted the public hearing for the liquor license that occured last month. Board Member Yamamoto reported on attending the Liquor Commission public hearing on Thursday, June 26, 2025, where Natsunoya Tea House’s liquor license was approved contingent on reporting back to the commission every six months for one year. The commission suggested that Natsunoya Tea house maintain a log of community concerns and their resolutions. Michael Fujiwara, representing Natsunoya Tea House, addressed the board regarding liquor licensure and parking concerns. He explained that they have limited parking but encourage guests to carpool, use rideshare, or take public transportation. They have explored options for additional parking with nearby churches and schools but haven’t secured arrangements yet. Representative Takenouchi confirmed that Natsunoya Tea house has a conditional permit allowing them to park cars up to the roadway.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [2:01:11]
• Board Member Nitta asked about the easement between Natsunoya’s property and the street and whether they had permits for paving to the roadway. Response was provided by Michael Fujiwara, who stated they had worked with HPD on parking boundaries but didn’t have specific information about the permitting for the pavement. Representative Takenouchi later clarified that Natsunoya has a conditional permit allowing them to park up to the roadway.
• Board Member Kuo asked if the liquor license would change business hours and expressed concern about potential drunk driving. Response was provided by Michael Fujiwara, who explained they had no plans to extend business hours beyond their current 5-9 PM schedule and that the liquor license would allow them to charge corkage fees, potentially helping to prevent overconsumption.
• Board Member Cantrill asked about reports of cones blocking city streets and charging for parking on public streets. Response was provided by Michael Fujiwara, who stated he was not aware of cones being placed on city streets or charging for parking on public streets, and that their valet company was instructed to use only their parking lot. Board Member Yamamoto added that she had never seen cones in the street, only on what would be sidewalks next to residential properties.
• Representative Takenouchi requested contact information for residents to report concerns to Natsunoya Tea house operation. Response was provided by Michael Fujiwara, who shared the phone number (808-595-4488) and email address (info@natsunoya.com).
XII. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS [2:17:54]
Maluhia – [2:17:54]: No report.
St. Francis [2:17:54]: No report.
Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center [2:18:02]: Member Kaapu provided the report and highlighted the following: upcoming Show and Sell event on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; various food offerings including Korean and Okinawan dishes; upcoming classes including “Spot a Scam” cybersecurity on Saturday, July 26, 2025; field trips to various locations; and the center now serves over 2,000 seniors and has become a model for other senior centers on the island.
Friends of Liliha Library – [2:21:50]: No report.
XIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS [2:22:04]
Next Regular Meeting: The Liliha/Puunui/Alewa/Kamehameha Heights next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 11, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
Chair Fong announced that board members received NCO shirts and requested that members wear them at the next meeting for a group photo.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT [2:24:17]
[2:24:17] – Cantrill MOVED and Kaapu SECONDED to adjourn the meeting. Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED by unanimous consent; 10-0-0 (Aye: Cantrill, Christian, Higa, Kaapu, Kuo, MacPherson, Magaoay, Nitta, Yamamoto, Fong; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [2:24:29].
Chair Fong adjourned the regular board meeting at 8:24 p.m.
Submitted by: Camilia Epa Gomes, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy, NCO
Reviewed and finalized by: Darren Cantrill, Vice Chair, Neighborhood Board No.14
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.