KAHALU‘U NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 29
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2024
6:00 P.M.
Via WebEx or Call-In
In Person Venue
KEY Project
47-200 Waiheʻe Road Room 105
Kāneʻohe, HI 96744
This venue has been facilitated to comply with Sunshine Law and give the public a venue to attend the meeting if personal internet connection is not available.
Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m2bad181dba8fb9cebfca7d3e2252500c
Meeting ID / Access Code: 2486 006 8469
Passcode: NB29 (6229 from phones and video systems)
Join by Video System: Dial 24860068469@cchnl.webex.com
Dial by your location: 1-408-418-9388
Meeting Materials: Find a referenced archive of handouts and materials for Neighborhood Board No.29 at:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1T530VW69IeAahTHy9svOIVH4gGqNA4bB?usp=drive_link
Recordings of Board meetings can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1DZJTKor6TTNYiqx5U-P2w
Rules of Speaking: To ensure the maximum opportunity for all attendees to be heard, the following guidelines apply: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to type their question in the chat box or raise their hand using the “raise hand” function in the online platform – which is indicated by a hand. If accessing the meeting using your phone and you have a comment, indicate this by pressing the symbols *9 – this will show the moderator that the person calling from that number wishes to speak. To mute/unmute your phone, press *6. In-person, please raise your hand. Please wait until recognized by the chair to begin comments and address those comments to the chair. All official reports, comments or concerns shall be five (5) minutes or less.
Please Kōkua: To help all attendees the opportunity to hear presentations & comments, please place your device on mute until you would like to speak. When you are recognized, unmute yourself and make your comments.
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 vote (10) of this 15-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 Parker Spencer
II. EMERGENCY RESPONDER MONTHLY REPORTS (Limited to three (3) minutes each)
A. Honolulu Fire Department
B. Honolulu Police Department
III. FILLING OF VACANCIES ON THE BOARD (Residents must present I.D. & proof of address)
A. Election of Officers
i. Secretary
B. Board Member Vacancies
i. Sub-District Six (6): Two (2) Vacancies
IV. CITY / STATE / FEDERAL REPORTS
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi Representative
B. Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina
C. Councilmember Matt Weyer – Kelly Anaya
D. Board of Water Supply – Barry Usagawa
E. Governor Josh Green Representative – Katie Lambert, Deputy to the Chairman, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
F. Senator Brenton Awa
G. Representative Lisa Kitagawa
H. Windward Community College – Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg
I. Kāneʻohe Bay Regional Council – Clifford Loo
J. U.S. Congress Representative Jill Tokuda
K. Kāneʻohe Marine Corps Base – Kristi Kaluhiwa
V. COMMUNITY TOPICS (Limited to ten (10) minutes each)
A. Kahaluʻu Fishpond Lūʻau
i. Community concern
ii. Pedestrian safety/Traffic Issues
VI. RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS (Limited to two (2) minutes each)
VII. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Board Recess Schedule: Determine whether the Board plans to recess only in December 2024 or if it intends to recess for up to two additional months
B. Approval of Wednesday, July 10, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes
C. Kahaluʻu Regional Park Homeless Encampment
i. Letter of Advice
VIII. SUBDISTRICT REPORTS (Limited to two (2) minutes each)
Kahaluʻu Board Boundary Map: https://www.honolulu.gov/rep/site/nco/maps/29_Kahaluu.jpg
IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Next Regular Board Meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at KEY Project.
X. ADJOURNMENT
A mailing list is maintained for interested persons and agencies to receive this Board’s agenda and minutes. Additions, corrections, and deletions to the mailing list may be directed to the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) at Kapālama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96817; Telephone (808) 768-3710 Fax (808) 768-3711; or Email nco@honolulu.gov. Agendas and minutes are also available on the internet at www.honolulu.gov/nco
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.
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
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 2024 AT 6:00 P.M.
KEY PROJECT ROOM 105, 47-200 WAIHEʻE, KĀNEʻOHE, HI 96744
AND VIA WEBEX
Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyVdmcI1ylU
Reports & other meeting materials can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1T530VW69IeAahTHy9svOIVH4gGqNA4bB
I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:14]
Pro Tem Chair Spencer called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.; Quorum was NOT established with 6 members present. Note – This fifteen-member Board requires 8 members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.
Board Members Present: Arthur Machado, Ken LeVasseur (virtual), Parker Spencer, Hiʻiaka Jardine (virtual), Jessie Makainai, Edwin Ige, Jarrett Machado (joined at 6:15 p.m.), John Reppun (joined at 6:21 p.m.), Rick Towill (joined at 6:21 p.m.), Rocky Kaluhiwa (joined at 6:34 p.m.), Clifford Loo (joined at 6:35 p.m.), Dan Bender (joined at 6:46 p.m.), and Ian Masterson (joined at 6:59 p.m.).
Board Members Absent: None.
Guests: Captain Clay Madrona (Honolulu Fire Department); Officer Sanford Yue (Honolulu Police Department); Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina; Katie Lambert (Governor Green’s Representative); Emily Natori (U.S. Congresswoman Jill Tokuda’s Office); Elizabeth Tatofi-Tavake (Senator Awa’s Office); Representative Lisa Kitagawa; Kristi Kaluhiwa (Kāneʻohe Marine Corps Base); Donald Sakamoto, Kim Ryan, and Martha German (Residents & Guests); Rachel Cristobal (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 34 total participants.
II. EMERGENCY RESPONDER MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:00:22]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:00:56]: Captain Madrona provided the monthly statistics for June 2024. The safety tip provided was regarding heat safety.
● Resources on Heat Illnesses: www.heat.gov
● Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEdl0PEqUHXOYt_fawWSy1I833ruGt3W/view?usp=drive_link
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:02:49]: Officer Yue provided the monthly statistics for June 2024.
III. FILLING OF VACANCIES ON THE BOARD – [0:03 36]
Pro Tem Chair Spencer announced that the item will be deferred due to quorum has not been met [0:03:36].
IV. CITY / STATE / FEDERAL REPORTS – [0:03:41]
Mayor Rick Blangiardi Representative – [0:03:47]: No representative present. Pro Tem Chair Spencer read the memo that was provided by the Neighborhood Commission Office. The Mayorʻs Newsletter highlighted several key updates: hosted the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC), acquired 400 acres in Kalaeloa for future recreation, and opened a facility for homeless with medical needs. The City also launched a solar panel canopy project and celebrated its rail transit system’s first anniversary with its one millionth rider. Summer job opportunities in childcare were announced. Responses to concerns that were raised from the previous meeting were provided.
● Memo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OPCR3LqRQbcoNEfbdvAdAXhQ5hv_cxv7/view?usp=drive_link
● Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qp9_VBXzEscXYE1kHpD65UTzZeVsY7wp/view?usp=drive_link
Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina – [0:08:18]: Councilmember Kiaʻāina informed the community about an educational briefing that will be hosted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. at Waimānalo Elementary and Intermediate School, discussing offshore wind projects in Hawaiʻi’s federal waters. She stressed the importance of community involvement in understanding the Bureau’s role in these processes.
● Bill 64 (2023), FD1 – Amending the Land Use Ordinance on Agricultural Use – Committee on Planning and the Economy, Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.: https://hnldoc.ehawaii.gov/hnldoc/document-download?id=19659
Member Keone Machado joined at 6:15 p.m.; 7 members present.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:11:50]
Member Towill and Member Reppun joined at 6:21 p.m.; 9 members present.
Pro Tem Chair Spencer announced that quorum has been established – [0:26:03].
Councilmember Matt Weyer – [0:28:45]: No representative present.
Board of Water Supply – Barry Usagawa – [0:28:56]: No representative present.
Governor Josh Green Representative – [0:29:09]: Katie Lambert reported that the Governorʻs newsletter highlighted several key updates: Celebrated recent graduations across the Neighbor Islands and the signing of bills aimed at easing the cost of living in Hawaiʻi. It also acknowledged bills supporting Native Hawaiian communities and healthcare accessibility, along with honoring the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC), a historic event showcasing Pacific Islander cultural heritage. The festival’s success was attributed to dedicated efforts of cultural practitioners, commissioners, and community support. Updates on the Kahaluʻu roundabout construction project were also shared, with completion expected by March 2025.
● Link For Closures for Scheduled Pavings: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/hidot/subscriber/new
● Project Hotline: (808) 476-0490
● Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eoVlcQ1VzY8WPCERs6umeDH-I9V8Xmsd/view?usp=drive_link
Member Kaluhiwa joined at 6:34 p.m.; 10 members present.
Member Loo at joined at 6:35 p.m.; 11 members present.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:32:24]
Senator Brenton Awa – [0:34:05]: Elizabeth Tavake highlighted that Senator Awa secured $293,000 in agricultural grants to combat Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles (CRB) and to support green waste management across seven groups, benefiting districts including Kahaluʻu. The Department of Agriculture continues to accept applications for micro-grants under the food security program until Monday, August 12, 2024. Elizabeth also shared transportation updates regarding discussions with the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation relating to concerns about street lighting and traffic congestion.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:37:25]
Representative Lisa Kitagawa – [0:50:55]: Representative Lisa Kitagawa reported that there was an organized e-waste drive in June 2024, which successfully collected electronics, clothing, and food items such as canned goods for donation to Key Project and the Kahaluʻu Lions Club. They recycled numerous televisions and computers; aided community needs while promoting environmental responsibility. She also informed about the 4th Annual Castle Complex School Supply Drive at Windward Mall to aim to support 1,500 students across eight schools. This initiative welcomes both physical and monetary contributions. Windward Community College will host a Little Fire Ant workshop on Friday, July 26, 2024 to raise awareness and provide information about addressing this issue in the community.
Member Bender at joined at 6:46 p.m.; 12 members present.
Member Masterson at joined at 6:59 p.m.; 13 members present.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:54:22]
Windward Community College – Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg – [1:00:33]: No representative present.
Kāneʻohe Bay Regional Council – Clifford Loo – [1:00:46]: Clifford Loo announced that there was no meeting, but they did catch a few boats at the pier.
U.S. Congress Representative Jill Tokuda – [1:02:04]: Emily Natori announced that Representative Tokuda recently introduced the Lahaina National Heritage Act, which aims to designate Lahaina as a national heritage area in collaboration with local partners. Representative Tokuda also proposed the Native Arts and Culture Promotion Act to expand grant access for Native Hawaiian organizations involved in cultural and artistic endeavors, addressing previous barriers. In addition, Representative Tokuda visited Koʻolauloa Health Center and Queenʻs Medical Center in Wahiawā, organized talk story sessions with healthcare providers and stakeholders to address rural community needs.
Kāneʻohe Marine Corps Base – Kristi Kaluhiwa – [1:03:52]: Kristi Kaluhiwa reported that the Marine Corps Base supported the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) where Polynesian voyaging canoes were prominently featured. Kristi shared that there will be an open-base event called “Pick Up Paddle,” inviting families to witness the race and enjoy the fair and even course conditions. There is an increase in air exercises for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises until late July. There have been upgrades in their communication systems, which may have caused delays in handling concerns. For reporting noise issues, there are new contact methods, including an online form accessible via QR code, ensuring efficient data collection for effective follow-up and implementation of changes.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:08:29]
III. FILLING OF VACANCIES ON THE BOARD (CONTINUED) – [1:18:52]
Sub-District Six (6): Two (2) Vacancies – [1:18:59]: A resident inquired how does an individual sign up for the Neighborhood Board. Pro Tem Chair Spencer and Neighborhood Assistant Rachel Cristobal briefly explained the process and requirements on becoming a Board Member.
V. COMMUNITY TOPICS – [1:21:42]
Hōkūloa Crosswalks/Speedbumps – [1:21:49]: Pro Tem Chair Spencer informed that the resident(s) could not attend the meeting, however he had received emails from Hōkūloaʻs residents and the resident manager requesting for speed bumps and/or crosswalk. This item was deferred to the next meeting.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:22:29]
Kahaluʻu Fishpond Lūʻau – [1:23:02]: Board members raised concerns and updates regarding community events and access issues related to the Kahaluʻu Fishpond Lūʻau. Member Reppun mentioned ongoing interactions with Linda Wong regarding program activities at Key Project and she will be attending the August 2024 Neighborhood Board meeting. Member Jardine shared that she requested to have the item on the agenda due to the Board having to find out through social media about the event. This would allow the owner to come and have the Board and community ask questions and to be educated. Member Kaluhiwa mentioned that she recalled that previous community discussions about events at the Neighborhood Board and highlighted issues of notification and community access regarding recent activities.
VI. RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [1:32:15]
Follow Up on Walking Path/Paved Shoulder for 47-419 Ahuimanu Place – [1:32:26]: Member Reppun mentioned that Priscilla requested to have the walking path/paved shoulder for 47-419 Ahuimanu Place to be added to the agenda. This is so that the Board and community can get details from the Department of Transportation and the Board of Water Supply. Neighborhood Assistant (NA) Rachel Cristobal shared that the response to the concern was provided at the last Neighborhood Board meeting, but due to there being no Mayorʻs Representative, Chair Spencer read from the memo. Member Reppun acknowledged that the concern was answered, but there were still some issues. NA Rachel Cristobal requested if Member Reppun could let Priscilla know to email her and Pro Tem Chair Spencer regarding
her request so that it could be added to the next meeting agenda.
Keep Dogs Within Fenced Yard and on a Leash – [1:35:05]: Pro Tem Chair Spencer informed that he and his family members were harassed for walking their dog on Ahuimanu road although their dog was leashed. He expressed that it is okay to walk your dog as long as it is not at a park that does not allow dogs and owners are being responsible with cleaning after their pets. There were also a couple of concerns about hunting dogs being loose and going onto other residents’ properties.
Traffic Concern Around Kahalu’u 7 Eleven – [1:39:01]: Member Arthur Machado expressed his concern that there are no Honolulu Police Officers on Saturdays. If there is a major accident in the area around the Kahalu’u 7 Eleven, movement will be impossible since there are also food trucks on the other side of the street. Traffic is already heavy without accidents. Resident Donald Sakamoto also shared his experience regarding traffic.
VII. ANNUAL MEETING PROCEDURES/BOARD BUSINESS – [1:41:19]
Election of Officers – [1:41:27]:
● Chair – [1:41:38]: Member Keone Machado nominated Member Spencer [1:41:46]. Hearing no other nominations; Neighborhood Board Assistant Rachel Cristobal conducted a roll call vote [1:42:42]. Member Spencer was elected as Chair 13-0-0 (Spencer: Arthur Machado, Spencer, LeVasseur, Jardine, Makainai, Ige, Reppun, Towil, Jarrett Machado, Kaluhiwa, Loo, Bender, and Masterson; Nay: None; Abstain: None) [1:43:37].
IV. CITY / STATE / FEDERAL REPORTS (CONTINUED) – [1:44:11]
Windward Community College – Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg (Continued) – [1:44:11]: Ardis highlighted that Windward Community College (WCC) is offering two significant educational opportunities for the community. Firstly, the Kumuola Pathway focuses on human development and family studies, formerly known as family resources. This pathway includes classes that not only contribute to liberal arts but also qualify students for certification as early childhood educators, crucial for the community’s childcare centers. Secondly, the Limu Culture Program under Agri-Pharmatech offers scholarships for studying algae and seaweed. This program integrates traditional Hawaiian knowledge with scientific methods to explore their impact on Hawaiian fish ponds and the community.
● Kumuola Human Development & Family Studies pathway with free classes: https://windward.hawaii.edu/programs-of-study/kumuola-pathway/
● Limu Studies with full scholarships: https://windward.hawaii.edu/programs-of-study/agripharmatech/#limu
VII. ANNUAL MEETING PROCEDURES/BOARD BUSINESS (CONTINUED) – [1:46:00]
Election of Officers (Continued) – [1:46:03]:
● Vice Chair – [1:46:05]: Member Keone Machado nominated Member Makainai [1:46:11]. Hearing no other nominations; Neighborhood Board Assistant Rachel Cristobal conducted a roll call vote [1:46:37]. Member Makainai was elected as Vice Chair 13-0-0 (Makainai: Arthur Machado, Makainai, LeVasseur, Jardine, Spencer, Ige, Reppun, Towil, Jarrett Machado, Kaluhiwa, Loo, Bender, and Masterson; Nay: None; Abstain: None) [1:47:33].
● Secretary – [1:47:43]: Member Makainai nominated Member Reppun [1:47:42]. Member Reppun expressed gratitude, but declined the nomination [1:47:54]. Member Kaluhiwa nominated Member Jardine [1:47:58]. Member Jardine expressed gratitude, but declined the nomination [1:48:07]. Hearing no other nominations; the item was deferred to the next meeting.
● Treasurer – [1:48:29]: Member Reppun nominated Member Bender [1:48:32]. Hearing no other nominations; Neighborhood Board Assistant Rachel Cristobal conducted a roll call vote [1:49:02]. Member Bender was elected as Treasurer 13-0-0 (Bender: Arthur Machado, LeVasseur, Jardine, Spencer, Ige, Reppun, Towil, Bender, Jarrett Machado, Kaluhiwa, Loo, Makainai, and Masterson; Nay: None; Abstain: None) [1:49:45].
Meeting Date, Time, and Location Determination – [1:49:55]: Member Towill MOVED and Member Reppun SECONDED to accept the current meeting date, time, and location [1:50:44]. Hearing no discussion; Neighborhood Board Assistant Rachel Cristobal conducted a voice vote [1:51:15]. The motion was ADOPTED 13-0-0 (Aye: Arthur Machado, LeVasseur, Bender, Jardine, Spencer, Ige, Reppun, Towil, Jarrett Machado, Kaluhiwa, Loo, Makainai, and Masterson; Nay: None; Abstain: None) [1:51:26].
Board Recess Schedule – [1:51:30]: There was a brief discussion. Member Jardine MOVED and Member Makainai SECONDED to add a recess for April [1:52:44]. There was a discussion that the legislative session is during April, so Member Makainai suggested that the Board can decide on one recess for now and decide on future recesses later. The Board seemed to be in agreement with that, so a new motion was MOVED by Member Makainai and SECONDED by Member Keone Machado to have December 2024 recess and keep the 2 remaining recesses open [1:53:52]. Hearing no further discussion; a voice vote was conducted by Neighborhood Assistant Rachel Cristobal [1:54:16]. The motion was ADOPTED 13-0-0 (Aye: Arthur Machado, LeVasseur, Bender, Jardine, Spencer, Ige, Reppun, Towil, Jarrett Machado, Kaluhiwa, Loo, Makainai, and Masterson; Nay: None; Abstain: None) [1:54:29].
Adoption of Oral Testimony Rules – [1:54:35]: Member Towill MOVED and Member Kaluhiwa SECONDED to have the oral testimony rules remain the same [1:55:20]. Hearing no discussion; a voice vote was conducted by Neighborhood Assistant Rachel Cristobal [1:55:34]. The motion was ADOPTED 13-0-0 (Aye: Arthur Machado, LeVasseur, Bender, Jardine, Spencer, Ige, Reppun, Towil, Jarrett Machado, Kaluhiwa, Loo, Makainai, and Masterson; Nay: None; Abstain: None) [1:55:48].
Approval of Wednesday, May 8, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes – [1:55:54]: Member Bender MOVED and Member Kaluhiwa SECONDED to approve the minutes as amended [1:56:00]. Neighborhood Board Assistant Rachel Cristobal asked the Board if there is anyone that would like to make any adjustments. Hearing none; the minutes were approved as written [1:56:20].
VIII. SUBDISTRICT REPORTS – [1:56:26]
Subdistrict One (1) – [1:56:29]: Member Reppun and Member Masterson provided a brief report.
Subdistrict Two (2) – [1:57:31]: Member Makainai provided a brief report regarding an increase in derelict vehicles.
Subdistrict Three (3) – [1:57:52]: Member Kaluhiwa provided a report earlier in the meeting, but announced that the Koʻolau Foundation had lost their President. Member Keone Machado shared concerns that were similar to what Member Makainai reported.
Subdistrict Four (4) – [2:01:57]: Member LeVasseur had no report, but provided comments about the bridge that goes from
Subdistrict Five (5) – [2:02:46]: Report was provided later in the meeting.
Subdistrict Six (6) – [2:02:49]: No report.
IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:02:54]
Next Regular Board Meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at KEY Project.
VIII. SUBDISTRICT REPORTS (CONTINUED) – [1:56:26]
Subdistrict Five (5) (Continued) – [2:03:09]: Member Jardine provided a brief report about internships.
X. ADJOURNMENT – [2:05:10]: The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Submitted by: Rachel Cristobal, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy
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.