Neighborhood Commission Office

30. Kāneʻohe NB Regular Meeting

When

April 16, 2026    
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Where

Windward Community College - Hale A'o 101-102
45-720 Kea'ahala Road, Kāne'ohe, Hawaii
Map Unavailable

KĀNE‘OHE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 30

 

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026 AT 6:30 P.M.
WINDWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE – HALE A’O
45-720 KEA‘AHALA ROAD, KĀNEʻOHE, HI 96744
AND VIA WEBEX ONLINE PLATFORM

Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m8f32dea97453c24a6b16cc874f162d17
Meeting Number/ Access Code: 2489 742 2777
Password: NB30 (6230 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Join By Phone: +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll
Location WebEx from Phone: 1-408-418-9388,, 24897422777#,,6230#

YouTube Recordings: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1DZJTKor6TTNYiqx5U-P2w
Material: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bP-j4YYw0YCi4sBV5QEZ8TwVGavf7v_K?usp=sharing

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 Zoom 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 *3 – this will show the moderator that the person calling from that number wishes to speak. To mute/unmute your phone, press *6. Please wait until recognized by the chair to begin comments and address those comments to the chair. Please preface your comments by identifying yourself and your affiliation, if any. All official reports, comments or concerns shall be three (3) 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. The Board may act 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 (12) of this 17-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 Mo Radke 6:30 – 6:31

II. FILLING OF VACANCIES ON THE BOARD: 6:31 – 6:36
Subdistrict 2 – Crown Terrace
Subdistrict 13 – Kokokahi
Subdistrict 14 – Yacht Club Terrace

III. CITY/STATE/COMMUNITY REPORTS AND DISCUSSION (3 minutes each) 6:36 — 6:51
A. Honolulu Fire Department
B. Honolulu Police Department
C. Marine Corps Base Hawaii
D. Windward Community College
E. Castle High School

IV. BOARD BRIEFS & DISCUSSION (10 minutes each) 6:51 – 7:21
A. Presentation – Oahu Pentathlon – Sarah Aiko Mayo (5 Min)
B. Presentation Neighborhood Commission Enhancements – Patrick Smith (5 min)
C. Presentation – OHA – Micah Kahiwa (10 min)

V. RESIDENT/ COMMUNITY CONCERNS (3 minutes each) 7:21 — 7:30

VI. ELECTED OFFICIALS (2 minutes each for formal comments) 7:30 – 7:55
Note: The two minutes does not to include community Q & A
A. US Representative Jill Tokuda
B. Governor Green’s Representative
C. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative
D. Council Member Esther Kia’aina
Congressional, Governor, Mayor & City and County Q&A
E. Senator Jarrett Keohokalole
F. Senator Brenton Awa
G. Representative Lisa Kitagawa
H. Representative Scot Matayoshi
I. Representative Mike Lee
State Officials: Q&A

VII. BOARD BUSINESS 7:55 – 8:00
A. Approval of March 2026 meeting minutes

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS / ASSIGNMENTS 8:00 – 8:10
A. Attended Meeting Reports
B. Subdistrict PIG
C. Community Engagement Committee – Toma, Lam
D. Emergency Preparedness Committee – Carstensen, Fleitell, Quitevis
E. Education Committee – VACANT
F. Transportation – Lam, Sakamoto
G. Military Affairs – Radke, Sakamoto
H. Haiku Stairs – VACANT
I. State Legislative – VACANT
J. Environmental – VACANT
K. HPD Liaison – Carstensen, Sakamoto
L. Planning – Lam
M. Homeless/Kauhale – Burbage, Bryant, Fleitell, Hewitt

IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS 8:10 – 8:15
A. Neighborhood Commission Office Announcements – The City and County of Honolulu and Hawaiʻi Foodbank are Partnering up to Fight Against Hunger. Neighborhood Board Assistant Rachel Cristobal will be collecting donated canned goods at tonight’s meeting.
B. Next Regular Board Meeting: Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at WINDWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE – HALE AʻO – or using the virtual login credentials listed at the top of page 1 of this document.

X. ADJOURNMENT 8:15

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, by telephone on (808) 768-3710, fax (808) 768-3711, or e-mailing nco@honolulu.gov Agenda documents and minutes are also available online 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, HI 96817, fax (808) 768-3711, or email nbtestimony@honolulu.gov
If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability or an interpreter for a language other than English, please call the Neighborhood Commission Office at (808) 768-3710 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or send an email to nco@honolulu.gov as soon as possible, preferably at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. If a request is received with fewer than three (3) business days remaining before the meeting, we will try to obtain the auxiliary aid/service or accommodation, but it may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.

 

 

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026 at 6:30 P.M.
WINDWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE – HALEʻAKOAKOA 101-105, 45-720 KEA‘AHALA ROAD, KĀNEʻOHE, HI 96744 AND VIA WEBEX

Video Recording of Meeting Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1kNsIfXo7g
Google Drive Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bP-j4YYw0YCi4sBV5QEZ8TwVGavf7v_K

I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:02]
Chair Mo Radke called the Kāne’ohe Neighborhood Board No. 30 meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Quorum WAS established with 10 members present. Note: This 17-member Board requires nine (9) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present: Mo Radke, Donald Sakamoto, Dale Carstensen, Neil Fleitell, Abe Toma, Lora Burbage, John Hewitt, David (Keoni) Shizuma, Greg (Maka) Quitevis, and Adriel Lam.

Members Absent: Patty Yamashiro and Elena Bryant.

Guests: Kristi Kaluhiwa (Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi); Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg (Windward Community College); Diane Ako (Governor Green’s Representative); Andy Kawano (Mayor Blangiardi’s Representative); Tolua Samifua (Representative Tokuda’s Representative); Councilmember Esther Kia’āina, Irene Limos (Councilmember Kia’āina’s Office); Kristin Lee (Representative Kitagawa’s Representative); Senator Jarrett Keohokalole; Emma Baron (Representative Matayoshi’s Representative); Jonah McNear (Representative Lee’s Representative); Lisa Uyesato (Windward Neighborhood Security Watch Coordinators Group); Marie Samudio (KKCERT); Liko Kaluhiwa (Kāneʻohe Bay Council); Talin Sokugawa (Hawaiian Electric); Renee Omori, Jersey Livingston, Kealoha Biven, and Yuko Obatay (Castle High School); Annette Tashiro, Kuu, Samantha P., Skye Haraga, Lynn Shirama, Andrea Bates, Alejandra R., Koa R., Patrina Hewitt (Residents & Guests). There were approximately 48 total participants.

II. FILLING OF VACANCIES ON THE BOARD – [0:00:31]
Subdistrict 2 – Crown Terrace: Seeing no volunteers.

Subdistrict 8 – Kapunahala: Resident Zachary Piliea volunteered.

Chair Radke called a short recess for Neighborhood Assistant Jeffrey Jones to verify the resident’s address at 6:31 p.m.
Chair Radke called the meeting back to order at 6:31 p.m.

Subdistrict 13 – Kokokahi: Seeing no volunteers.

Subdistrict 14-Yacht Club Terrace: Seeing no volunteers.

Subdistrict 8 – Kapunahala (Continued): Chair Radke requested Zachary to introduce himself. Zachary provided a brief introduction about himself. Member Fleitell nominated Zachary Piliea – [0:03:02]. A voice vote was conducted and Zachary was voted to join the Board; 10-0-0 (Piliea: Radke, Sakamoto, Carstensen, Fleitell, Toma, Burbage, Hewitt, Shizuma, Quitevis, Lam. Abstain: None.) – [0:03:09].

III. CITY/STATE/COMMUNITY MONTHLY REPORTS AND DISCUSSION – [0:03:38]
Honolulu Fire Department – [0:03:45]: No representative present.
● Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v56nL24d4wlbLn-7b81ccShZYcStJbgx/view?usp=drive_link

Honolulu Police Department – [0:03:51]: No representative present.

Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi – [0:04:03]: Item was discussed later in the meeting.

Windward Community College – [0:04:10]: Item was discussed later in the meeting.

Zachary Piliea was sworn in at 6:34 p.m.; 11 members present.

Castle High School – [0:04:14]: Renee Omori (Student Activities Coordinator) and students Jersey Livingston, Kealoha Biven, and Yuko Obatay from the Castle High School Student Council shared upcoming events:
● Crafter’s Clearance (2nd Craft Fair) – Saturday, April 11, 2026, cafeteria/quad area.
● Auto Show hosted by the Auto Club – Friday, April 25, 2026, with cars, vendors, and food.
● Polynesian Dance and Music Ho’ike Celebration – May 1–3, 2026 (location TBD due to auditorium construction).

Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [0:07:42]:
1. Student Participation: Chair Radke asked who would be speaking in future meetings. One of the students stated he would like to participate. Chair Radke also requested an email address to share board materials with students in advance for more meaningful engagement at future meetings.

IV. BOARD BRIEFS & DISCUSSION – [0:08:56]
Presentation – Neighborhood Commission Office enhancements – Patrick Smith – [0:09:00]: The NCO presentation was cancelled. Chair Radke led a discussion on the board’s composition of 14 sub-districts and 3 at-large seats. Member Burbage asked about the board’s autonomy in restructuring and how final decisions are made. Neighborhood Assistant Jeffrey Jones clarified that any proposed changes must go through the Neighborhood Commission for approval, and suggested that sub-districts unable to fill vacancies could temporarily be converted to at-large seats for the current term, reverting back in 2027. Chair Radke noted that quorum — requiring 9 of 17 members — has been a challenge prompting other boards to consider structural changes. Member Carstensen expressed support for maintaining sub-districts to preserve community representation, while Vice Chair Shizuma inquired about the vacancy history of sub-districts 13 and 14. Chair Radke noted that sub-district 14 (Yacht Club Terrace) has had frequent vacancies compared to sub-district 13 (Kokokahi).

Vice Chair Shizuma MOVED and Member Fleitell SECONDED to establish a Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) to allow members additional time over the next three weeks to research the board’s vacancy history and further discuss potential changes to the board’s composition – [0:15:11]. There was no further discussion, so a voice vote was conducted. The motion was ADOPTED; 11-0-0 (Aye: Radke, Sakamoto, Carstensen, Fleitell, Toma, Burbage, Hewitt, Shizuma, Quitevis, Lam, Piliea. Nay: None. Abstain: None.) – [0:15:43]. Chair Radke asked if Vice Chair Shizuma would like to take the lead. Vice Chair Shizuma agreed.

Discussion/Position – 45-221 Ka Hanahou Circle Dock Construction – [0:16:08]: Applicants were not present. Vice Chair Shizuma reviewed a draft EA for a CDUP (Conditional Development Use Permit) proposing a private dock and ocean access net, finding the applicant’s claims of alignment with the Oahu General Plan, Kāneʻohe Bay Master Plan, and Koolaupoko Sustainable Communities Plan to be inaccurate, as all three plans support public rather than private shoreline access. He recommended the board not support the draft EA and suggested the applicant revise and resubmit. Member Lam noted that existing docks may still be improved, and Member Fleitell asked whether the County had issued a compliance determination, to which Chair Radke clarified that the shared document was simply a transmittal letter, not a compliance determination.

Member Lam MOVED and Member Sakamoto SECONDED to return the proposal to the applicants with the board’s disapproval and noted comments, including a correction to the conflicting address on the submission noted by Member Carstensen during the discussion – [0:22:49]. There was no further discussion, so a voice vote was conducted. The motion was ADOPTED; 11-0-0 (Aye: Radke, Sakamoto, Carstensen, Fleitell, Toma, Burbage, Hewitt, Shizuma, Quitevis, Lam, Piliea. Nay: None. Abstain: None.) – [0:23:43].

Presentation/Position – Dangerous Road at Kāneʻohe Bay Yacht Club – Alcorn/Bates – [0:23:50]: A Kāneʻohe Yacht Club Board representative presented a pedestrian safety concern along Kāneʻohe Bay Drive between the Yacht Club and Yacht Club Terrace’s condos. There is no sidewalk on the Yacht Club side, two bus stops are directly across from each other, and 1,000+ users frequent the area, including children in junior sailing programs. The board was asked to write a letter supporting a crosswalk and traffic control measures in order for the representative to receive the Department of Transportation Services’ consideration.

Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [0:28:26]:
1. Crosswalk Feasibility: Member Fleitell raised the question of whether a crosswalk at a non-signalized, non-intersection location had already been explored and denied by the County. While expressing support for the idea, he noted that County policy likely requires either a traffic light or flashing/caution signal at any such crossing — suggesting that if the crosswalk were to move forward, installing some type of signal would probably be a prerequisite.
2. Yacht Club Traffic Control Request: Member Lam expressed a preference for traffic control measures over speed bumps, suggesting the board draft a letter to the county requesting some form of traffic control — such as a crosswalk — near the yacht club to address speeding concerns.
3. Chair Radke’s Position on the Letter: Chair Radke clarified that rather than drafting a formal letter, he intends to state the Board’s request directly on the record at the meeting, with the minutes serving as the official documentation.
4. ADA Access: Member Sakamoto expressed strong support for safe pedestrian access as a blind individual.

Presentation/Position – Dangerous Road at Kāneʻohe Bay Yacht Club – Alcorn/Bates (Continued) – [0:31:26]: Member Fleitell MOVED and Member Burbage SECONDED to take a position of supporting a crosswalk at the Kāneʻohe Bay Yacht Club which will be noted in the minutes – [0:31:34]. There was no further discussion. The motion was ADOPTED; 11-0-0 (Aye: Radke, Sakamoto, Carstensen, Fleitell, Toma, Burbage, Hewitt, Shizuma, Quitevis, Lam, Piliea. Nay: None. Abstain: None.) – [0:31:52].

Presentation/Position – Kulauli Street Crosswalk – Shaelyn Pasco – [0:32:19]: Shaelyn Pasco requested installation of a sidewalk along Kulauli Street in front of Puʻohala Elementary School. Students use an informal path on one side while the other is blocked by overgrown vegetation, creating a safety and ADA hazard. In addition, the community also expressed support for HB 2360 (paid family leave).

Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [0:33:54]:
1. Overgrowth vs. Sidewalk: Chair Radke clarified the overgrowth recurs. The real need is a permanent sidewalk on the school side. Members supported a formal sidewalk on the left side heading toward Puʻohala Elementary.
2. ADA Access: Member Sakamoto emphasized ADA-compliant 3-foot minimum clearance and supported sidewalk installation.

Presentation/Position – Kulauli Street Crosswalk – Shaelyn Pasco (Continued) – [0:39:34]: Member Fleitell MOVED and Member Sakamoto SECONDED to recommend that a sidewalk be built on the side of the street that has Puʻohala Elementary School – [0:39:34]. There was no further discussion, so a voice vote was conducted. The motion was ADOPTED; 11-0-0 (Aye: Radke, Sakamoto, Carstensen, Fleitell, Toma, Burbage, Hewitt, Shizuma, Quitevis, Lam, Piliea. Nay: None. Abstain: None.) Chair Radke wanted to make it clear in the minutes that the Board is requesting construction of a sidewalk on the left side of Puʻohala Elementary School for student and community safety and the maintenance of the right side of Puʻohala Elementary School by property owners to be able to have a sidewalk that is about 50 feet – [0:40:12].

Presentation – HECO Renewable Energy Zones – Briana Ackerman – [0:40:46]: Talin Sokugawa (Manager of Corporate Energy Planning, Hawaiian Electric) presented the Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) concept — areas proactively identified for renewable energy infrastructure to reduce project-by-project costs and timelines. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) directed Hawaiian Electric to identify two REZs on Oʻahu by June 2026, narrowed from eight to a current short list of four. Community input is accepted at https://hawaiipowered.com/rez/cycle2/. There will be 2 Public open houses: Monday, April 6, 2026 (6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.) at Leeward Community College and Thursday, April 9, 2026 at WCC (Windward Community College) Room 113 (6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.).
● Renewable Energy Zones: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IfyOXslhvMYMZTl25bBNV1j7PYmP5ZcO/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [0:47:15]:
1. Website Accessibility: Member Sakamoto raised concerns about screen reader accessibility of the interactive REZ map. Sokugawa committed to following up with the communications team.
2. Project Scale: Vice Chair Shizuma asked whether REZs apply to utility-scale or rooftop solar. Talin clarified REZs focus on larger utility-scale projects; the company is not limited to specific technologies.
3. Renewable Energy Projects: Member Fleitell asked what specific renewable energy projects were being considered for their zone, noting limited space for large-scale options like solar farms. Talin clarified that no specific projects have been identified yet, and the process remains open to various technologies, with site selection driven by factors like infrastructure proximity and cost.
4. Energy Independence: Member Lam asked how each region could achieve energy independence — including local power generation and storage — and whether emerging technologies like sand batteries would be considered. Talin responded that while no specific design is in place yet, there is potential for renewable systems to serve local communities, and that the right design could improve grid resiliency. The process remains open to all technologies, with cost-effectiveness, reliability, and sustainability as the key criteria.
5. Land Availability: Member Burbage asked whether the effort was targeting State, City, or privately offered land. Talin replied it’s a combination — coordinating with state and county agencies while welcoming community input, without asking residents to commit anything yet.
6. Open House & Community Engagement: Chair Radke inquired about the open house and Talin confirmed there will be more in-depth community workshops on the renewable energy zones. Vice Chair Shizuma asked whether community input had a deadline and Chair Radke asked how to prepare for the April 2026 meeting. Talin noted the comment period is ongoing with no set end date, and Hawaii Electric’s Kani clarified that the Thursday, April 9, 2026 meeting will include an open house from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and a presentation with Q&A from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., with community members encouraged to drop pins on an online map to submit location-based feedback.

III. CITY/STATE/COMMUNITY MONTHLY REPORTS AND DISCUSSION (CONTINUED) – [0:57:34]
Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi – [0:57:56]: Kristi Kaluhiwa reported: (1) RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific): Additional military members expected to arrive late June 2026 and depart by early August 2026; final planning underway. (2) Change of Command: Colonel Bevin’s change of command expected in May 2026; he will remain on island at INDOPACOM (Indo-Pacific Command). (3) Noise Reporting: The MCBH website noise reporting function has been restored; a QR code flyer is being developed. (4) MCCS (Marine Corps Community Services) 5K Races: Monthly public races available at mccshawaii.com; March race has been rescheduled to Saturday, March 21, 2026; April 2026 registration open. (5) MCCS Hiring: Positions available for childcare and other roles; installation is at around 40–41% staffing reduction.

Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [1:01:32]:
1. Gas Station Status: Chair Radke asked about the MCBH gas station; Kristi will follow up.
2. Base Security Alert Level: Member Sakamoto asked about current security alert levels at the base gates given ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Chair Radke intervened, stating that security measures are not discussed, but assured that people are safe.

Windward Community College – [1:03:05]: Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg announced the Koʻolau Career Expo: Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Haleʻakoakoa. 47–48 employers offering minimum $40,000/year equivalent positions (federal, state, county, private, and telework). Free lunch provided by WCC cafeteria.
● Ko’olau Career Expo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DniivdvAluiZUOO4JHYDeqKJXr3Qid4c/view?usp=drive_link

V. RESIDENT/COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [1:05:37]
Kāneʻohe Public Library Reopening – [1:06:07]: A resident asked when the library will reopen.
Mālama 96744 Graffiti Paint Out & Community Cleanup – [1:07:03]: Lisa Uyesato (Windward Neighborhood Security Watch Coordinators Group) announced: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Kāneʻohe District Park (pool side). All equipment provided. Registration deadline: Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Youth (17 and under) must be accompanied by an adult; eligible for 4 community service hours.
● Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18f_L-3vcSHzGNEJFwOW71P8sm4fQt5LA/view?usp=drive_link

VI. ELECTED OFFICIALS – [1:08:40]
U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda – [1:08:54]: Tolua Samifua reported: (1) 2026 Congressional Art Competition open for grades 8 – 12; artwork due Wednesday, April 8, 2026; theme: Reflections of Hawaiʻi; contact the district office for details. (2) Representative Tokuda’s office is working with USPS (United States Postal Service) on mail delivery disruptions related to storm-damaged roads in the district.

Governor Green’s Representative – [1:12:12]: Diane Ako reported: Temporary Library at Windward Mall location was closed Wednesday, December 31, 2025; the renovated library’s February 2026 reopening date was pushed back; a new date will be announced soon; the Hawaii Department of Taxation reminding taxpayers that USPS now postmarks mail upon facility processing rather than drop-off, which could delay postmarks by 3 or more days; the Hawaii DOT (Department of Transportation) seeking public feedback on adding Hawaiian diacritical markings to State highway street signs, with misspelled signs to be corrected over time; and the Governor releasing $2 million toward a $4.1 million electronic health record system at Kahuku Medical Center, set for completion in September 2026.
● Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YnMTESm9o95uAPsC4nrj7fBGb29Y6CwF/view?usp=drive_link

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [1:15:23]: Andy Kawano reported: Mayor’s Town Halls – Final Tour: The Mayor is conducting his final town hall tour. The Windward-side town hall will be on April 23, 2026, 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Waimānalo District Park Gym; City Budget: The City is working on the budget. The Council Members’ first amendment set has been received and will be incorporated into Council Draft One, with a public hearing on March 30, 2026; DPR – Kāneʻohe District Park Tennis Courts: A DPR maintenance supervisor inspected the upper tennis courts on February 24, 2026 at 2:15 p.m. Cracks were found, but were assessed as not deep enough to pose a public safety risk. Weeds were removed on February 27, 2026.; DPP – Building Permit Statistics (H&L Build): DPP indicated it needs more time to gather data on permit processing speed since implementing the H&L Build platform. Director Kawano noted that permit speed depends on multiple factors beyond the platform itself, including the quality of applications submitted and applicants’ ability to respond to comments; DPP – 45-201 Nohonani Place STR Violation (Status Update): DPP conducted several inspections at 45-201 Nohonani Place since the February 2026 meeting. The property owner told investigators she no longer operates short-term rentals and stopped after receiving a notice of violation and order of fines last year. However, during one inspection, investigators found an active advertisement for rentals of less than 30 days. Evidence was captured, and a new notice of violation will be issued in early April 2026.
● Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zzRT8dkN8wxeK1EE05o4mQTXjMFwpuwM/view?usp=drive_link

Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina – [1:20:55]: Councilmember Kiaʻāina reported: Mayor’s Budget – Kāneʻohe Projects: The Mayor’s budget includes projects relevant to Kāneʻohe: Hui Mano wastewater pump station, Hui Mano wastewater preliminary treatment facility, Kāwa Stream and ditch, and Poly Golf Course; Pahia Road Crosswalk: Federal funding for crosswalk improvements at Pahia Road did not come through. However, Councilmember Kiaʻāina is allocating funds for quick-build improvements until the necessary federal funding is secured; Storm Damage Response: Given the recent Kona storms and ongoing rain, residents are encouraged to: (1) Report potholes and infrastructure issues via Honolulu 311 (most effective) or email DFM roads at dfmroads@honolulu.gov (also applicable for stream issues). (2) File insurance claims first. Hawaiian Electric claims must be filed within 30 days of a power outage. (3) Report storm damages to the City’s Department of Emergency Management via an online self-reporting form (for informational/tracking purposes, not reimbursement). Soil erosion is occurring along streams near Bay View Golf Course, adversely impacting nearby residents and homes; Fire Mitigation Town Hall: On April 30, 2026, a City informational briefing on overall fire mitigation strategy will be held.

Senator Jarrett Keohokalole – [1:30:30]: Senator Keohokalole reported: Town Hall at Windward Community College: A joint town hall is being hosted at Windward Community College on April 13, 2026, alongside Rep. Kitagawa and Rep. Matayoshi. Flyers are available. HECO will present on Renewable Energy Zones from 5:30–6:00 p.m.; the main session runs 5:30–7:30 p.m. RSVP at bit.ly/kaneohaytown hall 2026; Community Field Trip to the Legislature: Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Bus pickup in Kailua Town (near Longs). Spots still available. Activities include a tour, lunch, and watching a floor session; Legislative Priorities – Commerce Committee (Chair): social media and AI legislation (including SB 3001 on AI chatbots); digital assets and cryptocurrency bills; good government and elections measures; budget balancing efforts without cutting core services or significantly rolling back income tax cuts.

Senator Brenton Awa – [1:33:30]: No representative present.

Representative Lisa Kitagawa – [1:33:37]: Kristin Lee reported: Community Survey Results: Over 560 community survey responses were received. Results will be mailed to respondents and shared in Rep. Kitagawa’s e-newsletter on Friday; Town Hall – April 13, 2026: A joint town hall at Windward Community College, 5:30–7:30 p.m., with HECO presenting on REZs from 5:30–6:00 p.m. RSVP at bit.ly/kaneohetownhall2026.

Representative Scot Matayoshi – [1:34:56]: Emma Baron reported: Legislative Update: House bills have crossed over to the Senate. Surviving bills in the Senate include: HB 1559 (cell phone ban in schools), HB 2198 (prediction markets), and HB 1511 (unsolicited mail); Capital Improvement Funding: CIP funding received for Hawaiʻi State Hospital, Kāneʻohe Elementary School, and Heʻeia Elementary School; Events: Town hall at WCC on Monday, April 13, 2026 (details above); Mālama 96744 cleanup on April 11 at Kāneʻohe District Park (registration through office or PATCH Hawaiʻi by Wednesday, April 8, 2026); Ho’oulu He’eia at Windward Mall on Saturday, April 4, 2026; Kāneʻohe Service Fair at Kāneʻohe Community Park on Friday, April 17, 2026.

Representative Mike Lee – [1:36:32]: Jonah McNear reported: Legislative Session Status: The session is more than halfway complete. House bills have passed the House and are now in the Senate; Key Bills: HB 2021 (e-bike safety: age limits, helmets, operating restrictions); HB 2361 (strengthening the Kāneʻohe Bay Regional Council’s advisory role); HB 1588 (noise detection program on Hawaiʻi roadways, including H-3).

Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [1:38:08]:
1. Senate Bill (SB) 2151 – Governor’s Emergency Order Authority: Member Sakamoto asked Senator Keohokalole about SB 2151, which would regulate the governor’s ability to issue emergency orders. Senator Keohokalole explained that this bill has been introduced every year since COVID. The core provision is to institute a legislative override of the governor’s emergency order authority, which currently does not exist.
2. House Bill (HB) 2360 – Paid Family Leave: Pasco asked about the status of HB 2360 (paid family leave). Senator Keohokalole confirmed the bill is jointly referred to the Labor Committee and his Commerce Committee. He has not yet heard from the Labor Committee chair on scheduling. Pasco confirmed strong community support for the bill. Senator Keohokalole invited Pasco to call his office the following day for a follow-up on the bill’s status.
3. SB 3001 – AI Chatbot Legislation: Member Burbage asked Senator Keohokalole to explain the AI chatbot bill. Senator Keohokalole described SB 3001, which was prompted by a constituent sharing a transcript of an AI chatbot conversation her 12-year-old daughter had on Character.AI. The transcript involved aggressive fictional roleplay including violent and grooming behavior directed at the child. Research revealed this is a growing national and international trend.

VII. BOARD BUSINESS – [1:46:08]
Approval of February 2026 Meeting Minutes – [1:46:06]: Chair Radke called for changes or amendments. Hearing none; Member Sakamoto MOVED and Member Fleitell SECONDED to accept the minutes as written – [1:46:26]. A voice vote was conducted. The motion was ADOPTED; 9-0-0 (Aye: Radke, Sakamoto, Carstensen, Fleitell, Toma, Burbage, Hewitt, Shizuma, Quitevis, Toma, Lam. Nay: None. Abstain: None.) – [1:46:31].

Vote to Disestablish Kāneʻohe Canoe Club PIG – [1:46:37]: Chair Radke noted the PIG has been inactive for over a year and asked if there was any discussion on the topic. There was no discussion. Member Carstensen MOVED and Member Sakamoto SECONDED to disestablish the Kāneʻohe Canoe Club Permitted Interaction Group – [1:46:58]. The motion was ADOPTED; 9-0-0 (Aye: Radke, Sakamoto, Carstensen, Fleitell, Toma, Burbage, Hewitt, Shizuma, Quitevis, Lam, Piliea. Nay: None. Abstain: None.) – [1:47:19].

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS/ASSIGNMENTS – [1:47:29]
Vacant Committees: Chair Radke encouraged volunteers for vacant committees: Education, Haiku Stairs (currently under a court-ordered stay), State Legislative, and Environmental.

Emergency Preparedness Committee: Member Sakamoto reminded the Board about an Emergency Preparedness Fair that will be held at Windward Mall on Saturday, May 2nd. Members were encouraged to attend.

Transportation: Member Lam reported serving as Vice Chair for the Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) invited board feedback on regional planning topics.

IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [1:49:42]
Next Regular Board Meeting: Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. – Windward Community College, Haleʻakoakoa 101-105.

X. ADJOURNMENT – [1:50:25]
The meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m.

Submitted by: Jeffrey Jones, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Rachel Cristobal, Neighborhood 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.

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