KĀNE‘OHE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 30

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026 AT 6:30 P.M.
WINDWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE – HALE’AKOAKOA 113
45-720 KEA‘AHALA ROAD, KĀNEʻOHE, HI 96744
AND VIA WEBEX ONLINE PLATFORM

Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m289f3083da584caabf8dad1d531b1ad6
Meeting Number: 2488 928 6851
Password: NB30 (6230 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Join By Phone: +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll
Access Code: 2488 928 6851
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 (At-Large adjustment) 6:31 – 6:33
Interested residents must bring current proof of residency to the board meeting or contact Neighborhood Assistant Chelsea Smith (chelsea.smith@honolulu.gov) to verify residency before the meeting.
Subdistrict 2 – Crown Terrace
Subdistrict 9 – Keapuka
Subdistrict 13 – Kokokahi
Subdistrict 14 – Yacht Club Terrace

III. CITY/STATE/COMMUNITY REPORTS AND DISCUSSION (3 minutes each) 6:33 – 6:48
A. Honolulu Fire Department
B. Honolulu Police Department – With HPD Chief Lazar (longer than 3 minutes permitted)
C. Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi
D. Windward Community College
E. Castle High School

IV. BOARD BRIEFS & DISCUSSION (10 minutes each) 6:48 – 7:18
A. Department of Transportation – Kionaʻole Road Repair Status (5 min)
B. Honolulu Complete Streets – Renee Espiau, Complete Streets Administrator
C. Affordable Rental Project – Taeyong Kim

V. RESIDENT/ COMMUNITY CONCERNS (3 minutes each) 7:18 – 7:32
A. “Vintage Hawaiian Getaway” 45-201 Nohonani Place, Kāneʻohe, Noelani Jai
B. Status of Crosswalk at Yacht ClubTerrace Condos and Kāneʻohe Bay Yacht Club
VI. ELECTED OFFICIALS (2 minutes each for formal comments) 7:32 – 8:02
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 8:02 – 8:10
A. Approval of Thursday, September 17, 2026 Regular Meeting minutes
B. Board Items
i. Candidate Forum Recap
ii. Discussion: Department of Parks and Recreation dog park expansions
iii. Emergency Preparadeness Storage POD Resolution

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS / ASSIGNMENTS 8:10 – 8:20
A. Attended Meeting Reports
B. Community Engagement Committee – Toma, Lam
C. Emergency Preparedness Committee – Carstensen, Fleitell, Quitevis, Sakamoto
D. Education Committee – Sakamoto
E. Transportation – Lam, Sakamoto
F. Military Affairs – Radke, Sakamoto
G. Haiku Valley & Stairs – Lam, Sakamoto, Radke
H. State Legislative – Radke
I. Environmental – Bryant
J. HPD Liaison – Carstensen, Sakamoto
K. Planning – Lam
L. Homeless/Kauhale – Burbage, Bryant, Fleitell, Hewitt
M. Kāneʻohe Bay Regional Council – Bryant

IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS 8:20 – 8:25
Next Regular Board Meeting: Thursday, November 19, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at WINDWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE – HALE ʻAKOAKOA 101-105, or using the virtual login credentials listed at the top of page 1 of this document.

X. ADJOURNMENT 8:30

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 https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards.
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 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 WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 at 6:30 P.M.
WINDWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE – HALE ʻĀKOAKOA – 101-105, 45-720 KEA‘AHALA ROAD,
KĀNEʻOHE, HI 96744
AND VIA WEBEX

Video Recording of Meeting Link: https://youtu.be/bbn7qjKmSEI?si=EUT9BlQGeeN0U-1w

Google Drive Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bP-j4YYw0YCi4sBV5QEZ8TwVGavf7v_K

I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:01]

Chair Radke called the Kāne’ohe Neighborhood Board No. 30 meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Quorum was NOT established with seven (7) members present. Note: This 17-member Board requires nine (9) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present: Donald Sakamoto, Neil Fleitell, Lora Burbage, Dale Carstensen, Abe Toma, Mo Radke, David (Keoni) Shizuma, John Hewett (6:44 p.m.), Elena Bryant (7:13 p.m.), Adriel Lam (7:27 p.m.), and Greg (Maka) Quitevis (7:39 p.m.)

Members Absent: Patty Yamashiro and Zachary Pilien.

Guests: Lieutenant Sanford Yue and Sergeant Costigan (Honolulu Police Department); Kristi Kaluhiwa (Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi); Chancellor Ardis Echenberg (Windward Community College); Diane Ako (Govenor Green’s Representative); Andy Kawano (Mayor Blangiardi’s Representative); Makena Hurney (Representative Jill Tokuda’s Office); Elizabeth Tavake (Senator Awa’s Office); Representative Lisa Kitagawa; Representative Scot Matayoshi; Kaleoaloha Biven, Nai Akamine, Cameron Pierce, Joseph Ooi and Rene Omori (Castle High School); Victoria Schlesinger (Hawaiʻi National Guard Counterdrug Program); Celeste Parker (Hawaiʻi Job Corps); Rocky Kaluhiwa, CJ Smith, Robert Harter, Celeste Andres, ‘Ale Rodas, Annette Tashiro, and Sage Murakami (Guests & Residents); Chelsea Smith (Neighborhood Commission Office). Name was not included if not legible. There were approximately 39 participants.

II. FILLING OF VACANCIES ON THE BOARD – [0:00:14]

Subdistrict 2 – Crown Terrace: No volunteers.

Subdistrict 9 – Keapuka: No volunteers.

Subdistrict 13 – Kokokahi: No volunteers.

Subdistrict 14 – Yacht Club Terrace: No volunteers.

III. CITY/STATE/COMMUNITY MONTHLY REPORTS AND DISCUSSION – [0:00:44]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:00:49]: No representative present.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nfMAHcbGJuG7-7tUYILfBduZbncOoZcR/view?usp=drive_link

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:01:06]: No representative present.

Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi (MCBH) – [0:01:13]: Kristi Kaluhiwa reported that a recent visit by the Secretary of the Navy helped advance base infrastructure needs, including the K-9 kennel and the “R2” project. MCBH hosted Kalaheo High School Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) cadets for leadership training on Friday and Saturday, September 11–12, 2026, and would welcome Castle High School cadets if a group exists. A Nuʻupia Ponds work day on Saturday, September 26, 2026 will focus on clearing California grass and will include a moʻolelo (storytelling) session with kūpuna. The Commanding Officer’s quarterly newsletter was emailed to Board members for distribution.

Questions, Comments, & Concerns – [0:04:20]
1. Shearwater Birds: Member Carstensen, relaying a community member’s question, asked whether MCBH had seen incidents or reports of shearwater birds on the station at this time of year. Kaluhiwa said the environmental department collects seasonal data and she will report back next month.
2. Union Representation for Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS)/Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) Employees and Military Spouses: Member Sakamoto said the union representing nonappropriated fund employees is no longer on base and asked who will represent military spouses and employees in disputes with management. Kaluhiwa will follow up with MCCS Human Resources.
HPD CONTINUED – [0:07:14]: Lieutenant Sanford Yue and Sergeant Costigan presented August 2026 crime statistics: motor vehicle thefts increased from zero to three (3); burglaries increased from zero to two (2); thefts increased from five (5) to 20; unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV)/vehicle break-ins decreased from five (5) to four (4); and there were no robberies in either month. Lieutenant Yue also reported that HPD answered 1,421 calls for service.

Questions, Comments and Concerns – [0:07:56]
1. Recruitment and Academy Timeline: Lieutenant Yue said HPD is actively recruiting and referred candidates to the department’s website. The academy is six and a half months, and HPD is working to shorten the pre-academy hiring process from about 18 months to three (3) months. Chair Radke noted the HPD Chief is expected to attend next month’s meeting.

Windward Community College (WCC) – [0:09:05]: No representative present. Chair Radke noted that the tents going up on campus were for the Paniolo Barbecue on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. In a brief exchange, it was clarified that pre-ordering food is optional but available.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) – [0:09:44]: No representative present.

Castle Highschool (CHS) – [0:09:59]: Kaleoaloha Biven reported on upcoming events: a community blood drive on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Castle High School library, open to the entire community; Homecoming Week, Monday, September 28, 2026 – Friday, October 2, 2026, with dress-up days, a golf-cart decoration competition, an on-campus parade, a relay, an assembly, and a dance on Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; and a career fair on Friday, September 25, 2026, in which the first three blocks are for students only and the final block (starting around 10:50 a.m.) is open to the public, including feeder schools and community members. He said the school is also hoping for alumni participation in homecoming activities.

Questions, Comments and Concerns – [0:13:07]
1. Alumni Participation in Homecoming: Chair Radke asked what an alumnus would do at Homecoming. Biven said that the students can use help setting up and taking down events and with prep, and welcome outside perspectives. The exchange included a light remark that alumni can always dance.
2. JROTC and Alumni Events: In response to Member Sakamoto, student activities coordinator Rene Omori said Castle does not have a JROTC program. Alumni are invited to help with setup and to take part in Homecoming as judges and spectators, including an on-campus parade on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, the assembly on Friday, October 2, 2026, an alumni bleacher section at that evening’s game against Kaiser, and, for band alumni, playing with the Castle band.
3. Uncertified Teachers: Member Sakamoto asked about a recent Civil Beat article on unlicensed teachers in classrooms. Omori said all Castle teachers are certified and hold degrees in their subject areas.
4. Financial Literacy Requirement: Member Sakamoto asked how the new financial literacy requirement is being implemented. Omori said it is being phased in through a half-credit course as class schedules are adjusted.

Member Hewett joined at 6:44 p.m. – 8 members present.

WCC CONTINUED – [0:17:42]: Member Carstensen offered an update on the Paniolo Barbecue: it will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the Great Lawn; the pre-order price is $15 per barbecue plate; without a pre-order, chili bowls will be available for $5, with beverages served; and there will be six different entertainers. Chair Radke noted that pre-ordering appears necessary to get a barbecue plate. Chair Radke then recognized Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg, attending via WebEx, who apologized for not being present and said the Paniolo Barbecue will be held Saturday, September 18, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; she offered to post the pre-order information in the chat and described the day’s entertainment, including two hula hālau, a bluegrass band that includes a WCC business instructor, additional live music, horse rides, a pāʻū unit display and demonstration on draping pāʻū with photo opportunities for children, and a shootout booth.

Questions, Comments and Concerns – [0:18:52]
1. Barbecue Availability: Chair Radke asked whether it was too late to order barbecue. Chancellor Eschenberg said plates will be available for purchase that day: because the event sold out well before it started last year, the college doubled the number of plates this year and reserved some for same-day sales.

IV. BOARD BRIEFS & DISCUSSION – [0:19:25]

Department of Transportation (HDOT) – Kionaʻole Road Repair Status – [0:19:25]: No HDOT representative present. Chair Radke reported seeing crews paving on the H-3 on-ramp side; a reopening date is not yet known.

Discussion – [0:19:51]
1. Noise Concerns near the H-3 On-Ramp: Member Sakamoto relayed a neighbor’s concern about noise on Kionaʻole Road adjacent to the H-3 on-ramp and requested an HDOT presentation and Q&A at next month’s meeting.

Hawaiʻi Youth Prevention Initiative – [0:20:34]: Victoria Schlesinger of the Hawaiʻi National Guard Counterdrug Program presented the Hawaiʻi Youth Prevention Initiative, part of the federally funded High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program, which brings law enforcement and community sectors together to prevent and delay youth substance misuse. The initiative emphasizes protective factors and positive choices – 86% of Hawaiʻi high school students do not use marijuana—and follows a three-tier statewide strategy developed with the Departments of Health and Education, to be evaluated by the University of Hawaiʻi. QR codes were shared for the website, Instagram, workshop requests, and a survey.
• Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1YvYxKNcwawhIKjSmn0zxxV5UdahjYeX1/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=112016965240026162917&rtpof=true&sd=true

Questions, Comments and Concerns – [0:27:13]
1. Drug Use Trends: Chair Radke asked whether, based on the trends she has seen, drug use has gone down. Schlesinger said she believes it has, though data are limited because not all students are surveyed every year; she does not think as many kids are drinking, and while some vape, most do not, which is what the initiative wants to emphasize.
2. Castle Students’ “Bonus Question” for the Candidate Forum: Chair Radke asked the Castle High School students to submit a “bonus question” for the Candidate Forum on Saturday, September 26, 2026, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at WCC. Schlesinger noted this is the kind of youth opportunity the initiative supports.

Hawaiʻi Job Corps Brief – [0:29:31]: Celeste Parker, Outreach Manager, reported that Hawaiʻi Job Corps remains open after last summer’s closure notice and is rebuilding enrollment. The program serves 16- to 24-year-olds from all islands and the Pacific region; eligibility is income-based, and certain felonies or active court cases may disqualify applicants. The Waimānalo campus offers training in automotive, culinary arts, facility maintenance, landscaping, office administration, painting, security, and health care – including a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program with WCC and pharmacy technician training with Consumer Value Stores (CVS), and students may earn a high school diploma online. The program is free, including meals, and students receive a biweekly stipend starting at $45 and rising to $70 after 90 days. Residential and non-resident options are available, tours are welcome, and Parker left business cards and welcomes referrals and outreach invitations.
• Flyers: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11PSmPsuKE5wamKKQ9XQmGYNyNtANRkNy

Questions, Comments and Concerns – [0:34:20]
1. Contact Information and Outreach: Member Burbage asked how to contact Parker. Parker said she left business cards at the back of the room and that Chair Radke has her information, welcomed referrals and invitations to outreach events, and offered to present to youth.
2. Enrollment and Capacity: Member Burbage asked how large the student body is. Parker said Waimānalo’s on-board strength is 211 and Maui’s is 128; Member Burbage asked whether the 211 live on campus, Parker reported that about 100 currently do, with a residential capacity of 186 that could stretch to 216 in the dorms if needed.
3. Schedule, Tours, and Funding: Member Burbage asked about staffing and visits, Parker said students attend training Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., are fed lunch, and that non-resident students may stay after the training day to use the gym and recreation activities; tours can be arranged, and she is working toward a Department of Education (DOE) tour. Member Burbage asked whether Job Corps is funded through the DOE, she said it is 100 percent funded by the Department of Labor – the same agency that had proposed the closure last summer. Member Burbage asked whether the program is being funded properly, Parker replied, “No comment.”
4. Stigma and Kona Low Recovery Grants: Parker said she still hears the misconception that Job Corps is only for “bad kids” and is working to break that stigma. In response to Chair Radkeʻs question regarding storm damages, Parker said Waimānalo was not affected much (with some effects on Maui). Chair Radke informed her of a State of Hawaiʻi program offering $3.35 million in recovery grants to businesses affected by the Kona low (information from the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii) and said he would send it to her.
5. Facility Age, Maintenance, and Funding Limits: In response to Member Sakamoto, Parker said the Waimānalo campus opened in 1996; trainees handle general maintenance, while larger repairs such as roofs are contracted out. As a Department of Labor program, Job Corps cannot seek outside donations.

Automated External Defibrilator (AED) Brief – [0:39:23]: No representative present.

V. RESIDENT/COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [0:39:58]

Aquarium Fish Hearing Update – [0:40:18]: Rocky Kaluhiwa reported on the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) hearing on aquarium fish collection, thanking Councilmembers Matt Weyer and Esther Kiaʻāina and Senator Chris Lee for attending. More than 100 people testified in support of the closure versus 28 aquarium fishermen, and the ban was not lifted. She called it a battle won but not the war, as the matter returns to the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), and hopes it becomes law this year.

Illegal Commercial Events at Ahu o Laka (Sandbar) – [0:42:39]: Rocky Kaluhiwa reported that an illegal commercial event, originally planned for Memorial Day weekend, was held the weekend prior, with a mainland firm hiring boats featuring adult entertainment and another boat selling liquor. She thanked the Makai Watch community, elected officials, and Representatives Kitagawa and Matayoshi for following up on legal options. A Labor Day boat party was cancelled due to the storm, but hundreds gathered at the sandbar this past weekend. She described Ahu o Laka as a sacred place, raised concern for children and for families being driven away by such activity, and urged the Board and elected officials to work together on new rules.

Member Bryant joined at 7:13 p.m. – 9 members present. Quorum was established.

Questions, Comments and Concerns – [0:46:24]
1. Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) Enforcement Staffing: Chair Radke noted that DOBOR says it lacks enforcement staff, yet three qualified candidates he referred were not interviewed. Kaluhiwa added that the Coast Guard reports frequent rescues of people left behind at the sandbar.
2. Haʻikū Stairs Enforcement Comparison: Chair Radke asked why the State cannot fund enforcement at the sandbar as the City and Board of Water Supply have at the Haʻikū Stairs. Kaluhiwa agreed that the three DLNR officers need help. Chair Radke suggested the Board may consider another resolution.
3. OHA Liaison to the Kāneʻohe Bay Regional Council: Kaluhiwa reported that OHA has assigned a staff member to the Kāneʻohe Bay Regional Council.
Online Resident Concern – [0:49:14]: Online resident Pam was unable to unmute; her written question was read into the record later in the meeting.

VI. ELECTED OFFICIALS – [0:49:48]

U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda – [0:49:48]: Makena Hurney of Rep. Tokuda’s office reported that Rep. Tokuda voted to pass a short-term resolution to keep the government open through December 2026 to allow Congress to continue budget negotiations; earlier this month introduced the Rural Emergency Hospital Designation Improvement Act to prevent hospital closures and ensure access to specialized care; and co-hosted a virtual roundtable of stakeholders and industry leaders on key policy issues, including rising costs of goods and groceries, relief for farmers and families, reversing recent cuts to nutrition assistance programs, and eliminating what the report described as illegal tariffs that have driven up costs. In August 2026, while in the district, she hosted a bipartisan delegation of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology on a multi-day tour of the State examining local agricultural production, biosecurity, and aquaculture development. Because September is Hawaiian History Month, Rep. Tokuda will again introduce a resolution recognizing the history, culture, and contributions of Native Hawaiians.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qAExoL5sHcpSJxup6eSOFiwh8Fx8HXsz/view?usp=drive_link

Governor Green’s Representative – [0:52:03]: Diane Ako said Governor Green’s monthly newsletter, Ke Ala Hou, is out and can be read and subscribed to at https://governor.hawaii.gov, and that she had given the links to the Board. In follow-up to Member Sakamoto’s earlier questions: In follow-up to Member Sakamoto: H-3 graffiti – HDOT will address graffiti on the H-3 pillars in November or December 2026 after storm-related delays. Doctor shortage – the Governor unveiled the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment (HELP) program; announced $58 million in federal Rural Health Transformation funding, including $45 million for the HOME RUN medical workforce program; and signed Senate Bill 3025, creating a medical debt forgiveness program. Other items: the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will hold statewide hearings beginning Tuesday, September 22, 2026 on Hawaiian Electric (HECO)’s request to raise annual revenues by about $170 million (5.3%) in two phases (January 2027 and January 2028); comments may reference docket number 2026-0162, and the Oʻahu hybrid hearing is Friday, October 2, 2026. Eighteen (18) new public pre-kindergarten classrooms have opened, including at Kāneʻohe Elementary. DOBOR began replacing the Kahana Bay loading dock and boat ramp on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, with completion expected in May 2027.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [0:57:00]: Andy Kawano reported that since the last meeting the City’s focus has been on hurricanes – Hurricane Lala just before the last meeting, followed by other storm systems that weakened – that the City will continue preparing to assist the public through the end of hurricane season in November 2026, and that some rain is expected over the weekend. The City has begun its FY2028 budget process: about three-quarters of departments have completed capital improvement project planning, operating budget submittals are just starting to arrive, and meetings with agencies begin in November 2026. On follow-up items from the last meeting: in response to Member Sakamoto’s request for vegetation clearing on the road coming down from the entrance to the Koʻolau Ballrooms, two (2) Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) road maintenance crews from the Kāneʻohe yard will address the overgrowth, targeting the next couple of weeks and finishing toward the end of October 2026; and on concerns about approved renewable energy in Koʻolaupoko (originally addressed to Councilmember Kiaʻāina), the Mayor’s Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency will provide a response at next month’s Board meeting, as it was not ready this time due to the hurricanes.

Questions, Concerns and Comments – [0:59:51]
1. Next Month’s Briefing Procedures: Chair Radke asked that the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency contact him regarding Board brief procedures; Kawano said the briefing will be short and he may present it himself.

Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina – [1:00:29]: No representative present. Chair Radke relayed that Councilmember Kiaʻāina sent her regrets.

Congressional, Governor, Mayor & City and County Q&A – [1:00:40]
1. HECO Rate Hearings: At Member Burbage’s request, Ako restated the PUC hearing dates and docket number, noting the comment link is in her written report.
2. Sandbar and the Department of Law Enforcement: Member Carstensen asked that the Governor’s office request the Department of Law Enforcement, including the Sheriff’s Office, share responsibility for addressing narcotics, lewd behavior, and fights at the sandbar. Ako will relay the request.
3. City Employees in Emergencies: Member Carstensen asked about non-essential City employees during emergencies. Kawano said all employees are expected to work unless the Mayor directs otherwise, and support workers may be required to assist, such as by staffing evacuation centers.
4. District 43 Primary Tie and General Election Ballot: Member Burbage questioned listing both District 43 primary candidates on the general election ballot under a “For Republicans” heading following the tie, lottery, and Hawaiʻi Supreme Court ruling. Ako will convey her concerns to the Office of Elections.
5. Social Security and Medicare Solvency: Member Sakamoto asked that Rep. Tokuda be told of residents’ concerns about Social Security and Medicare funding shortfalls projected for 2032 and 2033, and urged bipartisan solutions.
6. Physician Shortage, Teacher Qualifications, and Preschools: Member Sakamoto asked the Governor and Legislature to address doctors leaving due to the cost of living, unqualified teachers filling vacancies, and preschool closures.
7. Kionaʻole Road Follow-Up: Member Sakamoto asked that City crews also check striping, repaving, ditch erosion, and street lighting on Kionaʻole Road near the Koʻolau Ballrooms.

Senator Jarrett Keohokalole – [1:12:00]: No representative present.

Senator Brenton Awa – [1:12:14]: Elizabeth Tavake apologized for the office’s absence last month, which she attributed to a miscommunication about who would represent the office. She reported that the Kahaluʻu Food Tree Project, now known as the Giving Trees, is a project spearheaded by the Senator to provide a lasting source of food and food sustainability for the community; the trees are already bearing fruit, and the fruit is being harvested and distributed to community members, kūpuna, and organizations. The ʻulu trees are also being used to grow more ʻulu trees through air layering. She invited the Board and community to a distribution of ʻulu trees to community members, schools, organizations, and neighborhood boards on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.; she thanked Chair Radke for confirming the Board’s attendance for the originally scheduled event. ʻUlu trees will be available while supplies last, and everyone is invited.

Representative Lisa Kitagawa – [1:14:15]: Representative Kitagawa reported that House offices at the Capitol are closed for renovations until about the end of November 2026. HDOT will hold an open house on coastal resilience and the future of Kamehameha Highway between Kualoa and Hauʻula on Thursday, September 24, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hauʻula Elementary. On Ahu o Laka, she and Rep. Matayoshi will meet with DLNR divisions next week, so a resolution is likely unnecessary for now; residents may email her office with specific concerns.

Representative Scot Matayoshi – [1:16:52]: Representative Matayoshi said he and Rep. Kitagawa will visit the sandbar next week with DLNR and the Attorney General’s office, and he will press the Attorney General to enforce existing rules and help create a lower-level citation. He is working with HECO and HDOT on a generator charging port so the Wilson Tunnel lights can stay on during outages. A free legal clinic at Windward Mall was well attended and will become an annual event. He encouraged support for Giving Hope Hawaii to restock the Kāneʻohe food bank after outages spoiled food, and will continue to fight the landfill issue.

Representative Mike Lee – [1:20:36]: No representative present.

State Officials Q&A – [1:20:47]
1. Wilson Tunnel Lighting – Thank You: Member Fleitell thanked Rep. Matayoshi for reaching out and “lighting a fire” at HECO over the Wilson Tunnel lights, saying the whole community appreciated it because everyone was in the dark on a completely dangerous situation. Rep. Matayoshi said he was happy to help.
2. Grid Hardening and Storm Preparedness: Vice Chair Lam said Hurricane Lala caused the longest outage he has experienced here and asked about priorities for hardening the grid. Rep. Matayoshi said a single transformer station serves the entire Windward coast, making Kāneʻohe among the first to lose power. He intends to plan an informational briefing with HECO on resilience (once storm recovery efforts are complete), and HECO is considering Windward charging hubs to support refrigeration and cooking during outages, though this will be costly and take time.
3. HECO Rate Case versus Grid Hardening: Chair Radke asked whether grid hardening is tied to HECO’s $170 million rate request. Rep. Matayoshi said almost not at all; the rate case is mostly fuel and general infrastructure, and he may seek to expand wildfire securitization financing to general grid hardening. Member Fleitell added that the rate case does not address infrastructure and that the community is not prepared.
4. Kāneʻohe Town Growth and Appearance (Pam’s Question): Chair Radke read a question from resident Pam on how residents can have input on Kāneʻohe town’s growth and appearance, citing the storage facility near Adon Plaza and the fenced former Mojo’s site. Chair Radke said the Board was never briefed on the storage facility and has raised the process with the City, and that new development should fit the mana of Kāneʻohe.
5. Pali Highway Hillside Concern: Chair Radke asked that someone inspect a denuded hillside near the first Pali Highway tunnel (Kāneʻohe side) that appears at risk of sliding.
6. Heʻeia State Park Facilities: Chair Radke asked, of the Governor’s representative or any legislators, whether the plumbing at Heʻeia State Park has been fixed and whether there is a shower or rinsing area for boats. Rocky Kaluhiwa said Rep. Kitagawa had put in funding for the Heʻeia pier to improve the plumbing, but nothing has been done with the other facilities and the bathrooms are in dire need of major repair; there is a shower at the bathroom but none for the canoe club, and it was reportedly reinstalled by someone other than the State.
7. Giving Tree Operations: Member Burbage asked Senator Awa’s office who takes care of the Giving Trees, who decides who gets the food, and how much. Tavake said Senator Awa mainly tends the trees himself, with volunteers from the community. Harvesting only began recently, so distribution is a work in progress.
8. Backup Generators for High-Rise Elevators: Member Sakamoto asked whether legislation could help condominium associations buy backup generators for elevators. Rep. Matayoshi said public funds cannot be used for private benefit, though a loan program may be possible; priority should go to generators for food pantries and emergency shelters, noting the Kāneʻohe District Park shelter lacks a generator and satellite phone. He is working with Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) on this.
9. Qualified Teachers and Substitutes: Member Sakamoto asked Rep. Matayoshi, a former educator, about his concerns regarding getting qualified teachers into public schools. Rep. Matayoshi said that long-term substitute teaching is a disservice to students, and that the University of Hawaiʻi College of Education has promised him it will roughly double the number of graduating teachers within five years.
10. Voter Ballot Problems: Rocky Kaluhiwa, who asked to raise several State questions together, said her family did not receive their ballots in the last election and had to vote at the district park; she reported that she received a letter saying the State did not have her family’s address, and her son and grandson opted not to vote since they were not provided with a ballot. She said the system has to be fixed and the State must look into it, and that she is glad she does not live in the district affected by the primary-tie dispute.
11. Wilson Tunnel Safety: Rocky Kaluhiwa said she had to cancel her grandson’s specialist appointment because she was too scared to drive through the tunnel during the light outage, and suggested the State add reflective lining on the curbing so it can be seen in the dark.
12. Infrastructure Priorities and Coastal Highways: Rocky Kaluhiwa said she cannot attend the Hauʻula meeting Rep. Matayoshi is holding but has family in Kahuku and Punaluʻu who get stuck, and questioned television commercials promoting a park over the freeway while Windward infrastructure is deteriorating; she asked the State to look at its priorities and to move highways off the shoreline, since roads there may not exist in a year or so.
13. Ahu o Laka Genealogy Film: Rocky Kaluhiwa noted a cultural practitioner’s film on the genealogy of Ahu o Laka, which Member Bryant may have; Chair Radke encouraged everyone to view it.
14. Pothole near Windward Mall: Rocky Kaluhiwa reported a worsening, uncovered pothole at Kawa and Mehana Streets and asked that it be fixed before someone is injured.
15. Kāneʻohe-Kahaluʻu Community Emergency Response Team (KKCERT) Shelter Backup Generator Funding: Chair Radke noted that Annette Tashiro had raised her hand and relayed her announcement in the chat, that the KKCERT is researching storage and backup generators for shelters, as requested, and that funding was received for this purpose – either for purchase or for the research. Chair Radke asked whether anyone knew the answer, and a written response from Tashiro indicated the funding was for purchase.

VII. BOARD BUSINESS – [1:44:12]

Approval of Thursday, August 20, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes – [1:44:16]: Chair Radke reported a correction request by Representative Kitagawa to the section of Representative Matayoshi’s report; the renovations to the Kāneʻohe Civic Center were funded by the Legislature with the support of Representative Kitagawa, Representative Matayoshi and Senator Keohokalole; the minutes had stated Senator Awa, who was not in office at that time. Chair Radke asked whether there were other changes; non were offered.

[1:45:09] Member Sakamoto MOVED and Member Burbage SECONDED to approve the Thursday, August 20, 2026 Meeting Minutes as amended; there was no further discussion and the minutes were APPROVED; 9-0-0 (Aye: Sakamoto, Quitevis, Fleitell, Burbage, Carstensen, Bryant, Toma, Lam and Radke, Nay: None; Abstain: None.) – [1:45:22]

Candidate Forum – [1:45:22]: Chair Radke reported that the Candidate Forum will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026 at WCC, Hale ʻĀkoakoa 101–105, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (setup begins at 4:00 p.m.), and will be livestreamed and recorded. Candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, State Representative, and U.S. Representative were invited; the Governor and Rep. Tokuda’s office declined. Candidates will know the topic categories in advance, with questions drawn at random; each will have one (1) minute to introduce themselves, two (2) minutes to answer, and two (2) minutes to close. Audience questions will not be taken.

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS/ASSIGNMENTS – [1:48:50]

Attended Meeting Reports – [1:48:50]: Member Sakamoto reported attending the Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization citizen advisory committee meeting with Vice Chair Lam, who shared with the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) that a bus and Skyline round trip from Kāneʻohe to Mililani took about four hours.

Kāneʻohe Bay Regional Council – [1:49:56]: Member Bryant reported that the Council’s September 8, 2026 meeting was cancelled due to the hurricane and will be rescheduled in October 2026. Ahu o Laka enforcement, a long-standing Council concern, is on its agenda, and she welcomed the Representatives’ meetings with DLNR. On aquarium collection, BLNR rejected DAR’s proposal to reopen the fishery and remanded the rules to DAR to consider alternatives and public trust and cultural concerns; a rulemaking process is expected, and she will keep the Board informed.

Questions, Comments and Concerns – [1:52:33]
1. DAR’s Position on Aquarium Fishing: Chair Radke asked Member Bryant to relay concern that DAR is seeking to expand aquarium fishing when it should be conserving. Member Bryant agreed, noting DLNR seeks reef restoration funding while proposing an extractive practice that harms reefs.
2. Enforcement Officer Recruitment: Chair Radke asked Member Bryant to raise with the Council why qualified enforcement applicants he referred were not interviewed. Member Bryant will do so, noting that promised increases in DOCARE enforcement have not been seen at Heʻeia.

IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [1:54:32]

Next Regular Board Meeting: Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at Windward Community College – Hale ʻĀkoakoa 101-105, or via the virtual credentials listed on the agenda. Chair Radke also reminded everyone of the Candidate Forum on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Windward Community College.

X. ADJOURNMENT – [1:54:41]

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Submitted by: Chelsea Smith, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Rachel Cristobal, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Finalized by: Donald Sakamoto, Secretary, Kāneʻohe Neighborhood Board

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.