KAILUA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 31
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
IN-PERSON AT THE KAILUA DISTRICT PARK MULTIPURPOSE ROOM,
21 SOUTH KAINALU DRIVE, KAILUA
AND ALSO VIA VIDEO TELECONFERENCE (WEBEX)
NOTE: The Kailua District Park closes at 10 pm and the meeting must end not later than 9:55 pm.
Remote Access Information:
Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m48bb4312a7cdd4ab5a22e9a7242b1fc2
Meeting number (access code): 2493 665 6544
Meeting password: NB31 (6231 from phones and video systems)
Join by Video System: Dial 24926967184@cchnl.webex.com and enter meeting number.
Join by Phone: (408) 418-9388 (long distance call) and enter meeting number.
If anyone has any problems connecting to this WEBEX link, please contact our Neighborhood Assistant, Melissa Urubio, for assistance at: melissa.urubio@honolulu.gov
Rules of Speaking: Anyone wishing to speak remotely should click the “raise hand” icon. When recognized by the Chair, address comments to the Chair. Remarks should not exceed 3 minutes. The “chat” box can also be used to ask simple questions.
Olelo delayed Broadcasts: OLELO Channel 49 on the 3rd Saturday of the month at 6 pm and the 4th Sunday of the month at 12 noon (Subject to change).
Visit: www.honolulu.gov/nco and www.facebook.com/KailuaNeighborhoodBoard for more information from the Kailua Neighborhood Board.
Meeting Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1t7pXEx-Xn6l_ZVmmmoTvqF84EifuBbGn
Neighborhood Board Meeting Recordings: Typically posted the day after the meeting and can be found at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1DZJTKor6TTNYiqx5U-P2w
I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Chair Bill Hicks
II. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Lanikai Woes Day. The 58th annual “Woes Day” will be on New Year’s Day, 1/1/26, and include an 8:00 a.m. race, a 9:00 a.m. parade, and live music and breakfast 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
B. Committee Dates and Times. For November, three committees will meet at new dates and/or times. The Transportation and Public Works Committee will meet on Thursday 11/13/25 at 7:00 p.m., the Parks and Recreation Committee will meet on Thursday 11/13/25 at 8:00 p.m., the Homelessness in Kailua Subcommittee will meet on Thursday 11/20/25 at 5:30 p.m., and the Public Safety, Public Health, Civil Defense Committee will meet on Thursday 11/20/25 at 7:00 p.m.
C. NCO and Toys for Tots – Toy Drive: Your Neighborhood Assistant will be collecting donated children’s toys (new and unwrapped) at tonight’s meeting on Thursday, November 6, 2025. If you’d like to donate, please bring your toy(s) to this meeting.
III. HPD and HFD REPORTS – Three (3) minutes each
A. Honolulu Police Department representative (usually Officer Jarret Atkins)
B. Honolulu Fire Department representative.
C. Honolulu Ocean Safety Department representative (usually Lieutenant Tristian Fabro)
IV. LOCAL AGENCY REPORTS – Three (3) minutes each
A. Board of Water Supply representative (usually Dani Ornellas)
B. Marine Corps Base Hawaii representative (usually Kristi Kaluhiwa)
V. RESIDENT AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS – Three (3) minutes each
VI. MAYOR AND GOVERNOR REPORTS
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s representative (usually Jim Ireland or Shayne Enright)
a. Includes an update on the municipal parking lot by DDC/DTS
B. Governor Josh Green’s representative (usually Erin Conner-Jerome)
VII. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS – Three (3) minutes each (The order is randomly selected.)
A. Representative Scot Matayoshi
B. Representative Lisa Marten
C. Senator Chris Lee
D. Councilmember Esther Kia’aina
E. Representative Mike Lee
F. Senator Jarrett Keohokalole
G. Tolua Samifua, on behalf of U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda
VIII. REPORTS FROM MEMBERS WHO ATTENDED OTHER MEETINGS
IX. PRESENTATION – Ten (10) minutes each
A. Changes to Sewer Fees and Billing by Roger Babcock, Director ENV
X. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Thursday, October 2, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
XI. COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Executive Committee – Chair, Bill Hicks
B. Public Safety, Public Health, and Civil Defense (PSPHCD) – Chair, Jeremy Treskon
C. Kailua Water Quality PHPSCD Subcommittee – Chair, Levani Lipton
D. Homelessness in Kailua PSPHCD Subcommittee — Chair: Levani Lipton
E. Disaster Preparedness PSPHCD Subcommittee – Chair: David Laeha
F. Transportation and Public Works – Chair: Jade Lau
G. Parks and Recreation – Chair, Evan Weber
H. Planning, Zoning & Environment (PZ&E) – Chair, Donna Wong
I. Community and Government Engagement – Chair, Gary Weller
XII. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP MOTIONS: Changes to committee membership.
XIII. CHAIR’S REPORT: Committee agendas for December 2025 are due to the Chair by Sunday, November 23, 2025.
XIV. 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, Hawai’i 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 at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. It may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 at 7:00 P.M.
KAILUA DISTRICT PARK MULTIPURPOSE ROOM, 21 SOUTH KAINALU DRIVE, KAILUA
AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING
Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSicISVrrt4
Reports & other meeting materials can be found at:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1t7pXEx-Xn6l_ZVmmmoTvqF84EifuBbGn
I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:30]
Chair Bill Hicks called the Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31 meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Quorum was established with 15 members present. Note: This 19-member Board requires six (10) members to establish quorum and to take official board action.
Members Present: Bruce Andrews, Jennifer Barra, Bill Hicks, Anna Malia Kia, Kelli Ann Kobayashi, David Laeha, Jade Lau, Levani Lipton, Max Markrich, Kalama Souza, Malie Thoemmes, Jeremy Treskon, Evan Weber, Gary Weller, and Donna Wong
Members Absent: Emily Andrade, Kate Righter, Steven Trecker, and Jon White.
Guests: Lieutenant Akagi and Officer Jared Atkins (Honolulu Police Department); Firefighter Malama Custer (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Tristian Fabro (Honolulu Ocean Safety Department); Colonel Jeremy Beaven and MCBH 1stLt OʻHara (Marine Corps Base Hawaii); Haku Milles and Dean Shimomura (Department of Design and Construction); Shayne Enright (Mayor’s Office); Erin Conner-Jerome (Governor’s Office); Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina and Gloria Palma; Representative Lisa Marten; Tolua Samifua (U.S. Representative Tokuda); John Foti and Carl Evensen (Manuiwa O Ka Malanai); Danielle Ornellas (Board of Water Supply); Hans Ramm, Stuart Ujimori, Mark Woods, Jesse Johnasen, Andy, Toby Morris, Les Haldane, Linda Jenks, Don Kobayashi, Johnnie-Mae Perry, Mike Buck (Residents and Community Members); Melissa Urubio (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were approximately 49 total attendees.
II. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [0:03:40]
Chair Hicks announced that the presentation on the Exceptional Tree Program is rescheduled for next month. Chair Hicks also announced the following community projects: A Kaʻelepulu Stormwater Town Hall will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Kailua Intermediate School, hosted by Council Member Esther Kiaʻāina and the City’s Department of Facility Maintenance. Additionally, nighttime sewer connection work near the entrance to Lanikai for the new Honolulu Ocean Safety Department facility began on Monday, September 29, 2025, and will last approximately 2-3 weeks, with work taking place Sunday through Friday from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. The Keolu Stream Channel repair near the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Keolu Drive began on Monday, September 22, 2025, and will last approximately 12 months. Finally, an archaeological survey at the Kailua Municipal Parking Lot (Cinnamon’s) will take place from Wednesday, October 15, 2025 through Friday, October 31, 2025, in preparation for the upcoming improvement project. Work hours are weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding weekends and holidays.
Honoring Hopena Pokipala – [0:09:16]: Member Weber honored the life of Hopena Pokipala, a 30-year-old community member who recently passed away. A moment of silence was observed.
III. HPD and HFD REPORTS – [0:10:56]
A. Honolulu Police Department – [0:11:18]: Lieutenant Akagi introduced Officer Jared Atkins who presented the statistics for September 2025 – 5 motor vehicle thefts, 2 burglaries, 25 thefts, 4 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles, and 0 robberies.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:12:09]
1. School Safety Concerns: Jesse Johnasen from Kailua Elementary School PTSA reported an incident where a homeless individual defecated in front of children during recess. Officer Atkins advised that the area is a sit-lie enforcement zone and recommended documenting incidents with photos/videos and filing reports. Lieutenant Akagi offered to meet with the resident after the meeting to address the issue.
2. Proactive Policing: Andy, resident, expressed concern that police should be more proactive in addressing homeless issues near the police station rather than waiting for reports.
3. School Faculty Involvement: Member Lau recommended that school faculty maintain a presence in front of the school and immediately report incidents to Honolulu Police Department (HPD).
Member Thoemmes left the meeting at 7:21 p.m. – 14 members present.
B. Honolulu Fire Department – [0:22:32]: Firefighter Malama Custer from Engine 18, Third Watch at Kailua Fire Station provided the incident statistics for September 2025 – 2 structure fires, 1 wildland/brush fire, 0 nuisance fires, 0 cooking fires, 5 activated alarms (not fires), 85 medical emergencies, 0 motor vehicle collisions with pedestrians, 5 motor vehicle crashes/collisions, 2 mountain rescues, 1 ocean rescue, and 0 hazardous material incidents. Firefighter Custer also provided a safety tip regarding seasonal decorations, recommending the use of fire-resistant non-combustible decorations and choosing only Underwriters Laboratory approved electrical decorations while following manufacturers’ instructions for installation and load. He advised using lights that are in good repair, always turning off lights before leaving home or going to bed, and not overlapping power strips, surge protectors, and extension cords. Additionally, he emphasized never leaving candles unattended and securing lighters and matches out of reach of children.
C. Honolulu Ocean Safety Department – [0:25:14]: Lieutenant Tristian Fabro provided the incident report for September 2025 – 30 total incidents in Windward operations, including 1 kayaker in distress outside of Kailua Beach, 1 (65-year-old male) with spinal/neck/head pain at Castle’s Beach, 3 jellyfish stings in Lanikai, 6 incidents where Honolulu Police Department or Department of Land and Natural Resources was contacted regarding people driving jet skis around the Mokulua Islands, and 1 (25-year-old male) involved in a hit-and-run at Kailua Boat Ramp.
IV. BOARD BUSINESS: COMMITTEE MOTIONS – [0:26:42]
A. The Kailua Neighborhood Board supports Bill 56 Relating to Special Management Areas because it encourages transparency and public involvement by requiring a presentation on a Special Management Area (SMA) minor permit before the appropriate neighborhood board or community association – [0:27:23]: The Planning, Zoning, and Environment Committee presented a motion to support Bill 56 relating to Special Management Areas because it encourages transparency and public involvement by requiring a presentation on a Special Management Area (SMA) minor permit before the appropriate neighborhood board or community association. Member Wong explained that the 2025 State Legislature increased the monetary criteria for a Minor SMA Permit from $500,000 to $750,000 with inflation adjustments every 5 years, and this bill would ensure public notification. Several board members expressed concerns about the scope of the bill and whether it would require presentations for all minor permits or just those between $500,000 and $750,000. Several board members also agreed that projects/renovations that can have an impact to the community can be referred to Planning, Zoning and Environment Committee and only those that the committee deems significant and of concern would then come to the board. Chair Hicks recommended ammending the wording of the motion where “require a presentation” should be “require notification”.
[0:47:53] Member Lipton MOVED and Member Lau SECONDED to propose the amendment removing “requiring a presentation” to “requiring notification” on a special management area minor permit before the appropriate neighborhood board. [0:48:36]
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:48:42]
1. Bill 56 Current Update: Councilmember Kiaʻāina informed the board that Bill 56 is not currently moving forward in the City Council and suggested a more narrowly tailored approach.
[1:03:05] After extensive discussion, Member Markrich MOVED to table the motion and recommit it to the Planning, Zoning, and Environment Committee. The motion to table was adopted without objection; 14-0-0 (Aye: Andrews, Barra, Hicks, Kia, Kobayashi, Laeha, Lau, Lipton, Markrich, Souza, Treskon, Weber, Weller, Wong; Nay: None; Abstain: None). [1:06:56]
B. The Kailua Neighborhood Board supports Bill 53 Relating to Affordable Housing because it encourages transparency and public involvement by requiring a presentation on a proposed affordable rental housing project to the appropriate neighborhood board or community association prior to submitting the application to the Department of Planning and Permitting – [1:07:02]: The Planning, Zoning, and Environment Committee presented a motion to support Bill 53 relating to affordable housing because it encourages transparency and public involvement by requiring a presentation on a proposed affordable rental housing project to the appropriate neighborhood board or community association prior to submitting the application to the Department of Planning and Permitting. Member Wong explained that affordable housing complexes have been built around the island without public notification under HRS 201H. Discussion between board members followed including Bill 7, concerns regarding notification of projects which gives an opportunity for community input, and concerns about supporting the entire bill without fully understanding all its provisions beyond the notification requirement.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:22:19]
1. State Law vs. Local Ordinance Notification Process: A resident asked about the notification process when state laws override local ordinances, specifically referencing a 60-foot state law that supersedes local regulations. He wanted to know how neighborhood boards are notified when this happens and what feedback process exists for communicating concerns back to state legislators. Chair Hicks mentioned that thereʻs very limited state or city requirements for neighboard board notification.
[1:35:53] Member Markrich MOVED to amend the motion to read: The Kailua Neighborhood Board provides the following comments on Bill 53 relating to affordable housing: The Kailua Neighborhood Board encourages transparency and public involvement by requiring a presentation on a proposed affordable rental housing project to the appropriate neighborhood board or community association prior to submitting the application to the Department of Planning and Permitting. Member Wong SECONDED and the motion was adopted unanimously with no objections; 14-0-0 (Aye: Andrews, Barra, Hicks, Kia, Kobayashi, Laeha, Lau, Lipton, Markrich, Souza, Treskon, Weber, Weller, Wong; Nay: None; Abstain: None). [1:40:39]
[1:40:52] Chair Hicks conducted a roll call vote on the motion: The Kailua Neighborhood Board provides the following comments on Bill 53 relating to affordable housing. It is important to encourage transparency and public involvement by requiring a presentation on a proposed affordable rental housing project to the appropriate neighborhood board or community association prior to submitting the application to the Department of Planning and Permitting. The motion was adopted; 13-1-0 (Aye: Andrews, Barra, Hicks, Kia, Kobayashi, Laeha, Lau, Lipton, Markrich, Souza, Weber, Weller, Wong; Nay: Treskon; Abstain: None). [1:42:43]
V. LOCAL AGENCY REPORTS – [1:43:07]
A. Board of Water Supply – [1:43:08]: Representative Danielle Ornellas joined online at 7:02 p.m. but left at 8:09 p.m.
B. Marine Corps Base Hawaii – [1:43:32]: Colonel Jeremy Beaven, Commanding Officer, provided several updates to the community, beginning by thanking residents for their patience during the August air show. He announced that a VMM squadron (a United States Marine Corps Medium Tiltrotor Squadron) has returned from a six-month deployment in Australia and will resume flying operations after completing a four-week rest period. Colonel Beaven encouraged residents to report any aircraft noise concerns including providing specific dates and times for better tracking. He also provided updates on the ongoing $318 million sewage treatment plant project, which is designed to produce R1 quality water, and discussed coral restoration efforts that are being undertaken following the P8 mishap that occurred in November 2023.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:46:11]
1. Wind Data Request: Member Markrich requested historical wind data from the base to study sand erosion at Kailua Beach. Colonel Beaven agreed to investigate what data is available. He also added that they do a lot of partnerships with University of Hawaii and if there’s something from a long-term study perspective, they would be happy to partner with that body. Chair Hicks suggested that the National Weather Service, which interfaces with public at large, might also be a good resource to tap.
2. Department of War: Member Laeha asked about a recent announcement made to change from Department of Defense to Department of War and what may be affecting the Marine Corps Base and the area in particular. Colonel Beaven responded that the Marine Corps has always been the nation’s force in readiness and upheld the high standards of fitness and performance and nothing has changed in their operations.
3. Sewage Treatment and Coral Restoration: Member Wong requested updates on the sewage treatment plant and coral restoration projects. Colonel Beaven explained the $318 million project for plant redundancy and R1 quality water production (water that can be reused for industrial and irrigation purposes) and clarified that the Navy is funding coral restoration following the P8 mishap.
4. ICE Security Partnership: Member Weber expressed concerns about the reported partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Colonel Beaven clarified that nothing has changed in their operations.
5. Nu’upia Pond: Toby Morris, resident, asked about plans for Nu’upia Pond restoration. Colonel Beaven explained they are working with partners to develop a five-year plan and conduct monthly work days to remove invasive species and vegetation.
6. Government Shutdown: Representative Lisa Marten asked about the impact of the government shutdown. Colonel Beaven stated that they had to scale back and reduce operations to essential operations but no change from the uniform perspective which they continue to show up to work.
VI. RESIDENT AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [2:00:23]
Municipal Parking Lot Concerns – [2:00:47]: Mark Woods, resident, expressed concerns about the Kailua Municipal Parking Lot (Cinnamon’s) archaeological survey and construction project, noting that the lot is already impacted by the 330 Kuulei project and questioning the need for additional disruption. Chair Hicks announced that a representative from the Department of Design Construction is present to discuss.
VII. MAYOR AND GOVERNOR REPORTS – [2:02:23]
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [2:02:31]: Shayne Enright represented Director Jim Ireland and introduced Haku Milles and Dean Shimomura from the Department of Design and Construction to discuss the Kailua Municipal Parking Lot project.
Kailua Municipal Parking Lot Project Update – [2:03:11]: Haku Milles explained that an archaeological inventory survey is required by the State Historic Preservation Division before construction can begin on the project. Dean Shimomura provided updates on several ongoing projects. He also announced that a geological survey for the Kailua Boat Ramp will be conducted from Monday, October 6, 2025 to Friday, October 10, 2025, and that the parking lot improvement project is set to begin next summer, which will focus on optimizing parking arrangements, improving lighting systems, and addressing various tree-related issues in the area.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:08:30]
1. Tree Protection: Member Weller asked about tree protection plans and which trees would be removed. Mr. Shimomura stated that one unhealthy tree would be removed based on arborist recommendations. Mr. Milles promised to provide more information about tree protection plans.
2. Electric Charging Stations: Member Weller asked if users would be charged for using electric charging stations. Mr. Milles explained that the Department of Transportation Services would make that decision and he will try to get more information.
3. Parking Pay Stations: Member Wong expressed concerns about elderly medical patients having to use pay stations instead of individual meters. Mr. Milles agreed to discuss alternative options with Department of Transportation Services with the community in mind.
4. Mobile Payment Extensions: Chair Hicks raised a question about extending parking time via mobile phone when at medical appointments. Mr. Milles confirmed this would be possible and enforcers can review from their tablet if a ticket has been extended.
5. Archaeological Survey Scope: Member Treskon and Chair Hicks questioned the need to survey the entire parking lot rather than just areas where foundations and conduit would be installed. Mr. Milles explained they are following requirements to be compliant.
6. Parking Capacity: A resident asked if the number of parking spaces would be maintained. Mr. Milles promised to provide information on the current and proposed number of stalls.
7. Unpermitted Construction: Chair Hicks requested to follow up on a concern that was brought up at the last meeting regarding a residential construction that was not properly permitted at 1519 Uluhaku Place. The construction is still ongoing despite the notice of violation issued by Department of Planning and Permitting. Mayor’s Rep Shayne Enright will confirm exact address and follow up.
8. Kalapawai Roundabout Project: A resident wanted to follow up on a question he asked last month specifically for DTS regarding a statement they made that any overages in time would face a fee. Mayor’s Rep Shayne Enright knew which project the resident is talking about and will bring more information to the next meeting.
Member Souza left the meeting at 9:17 p.m. but quickly returned at 9:21 p.m. – 14 members present.
B. Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [2:24:59]: Erin Conner-Jerome provided follow-up information from the previous month’s meeting, covering several key updates. She reported that the DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources) gravel road opposite lower Auloa Road will feature a permanent secured gate designated for staff use only. The Department of Agriculture has received $1.5 million in funding specifically for Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle control efforts. She clarified that the State Fire Marshal’s primary role centers on prevention and preparedness activities. Additionally, Ms. Conner-Jerome announced that the Governor and US Secretary of Army have issued a non-binding statement of principles regarding land use. She also provided an important clarification that the Department of Land and Natural Resources consults with lineal descendants who are connected to Native Hawaiian burial sites, but not regarding land lease dispositions. The state is not in possession of a list of lineal descendants of all leased lands that are being considered for military leases.
VIII. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS – [2:29:39]
A. Representative Lisa Marten – [2:29:54]: Representative Marten reported on her recent trip to New Zealand to learn biosecurity practices and expressed hope that Hawaii can implement similar measures.
B. Senator Jarrett Keohokahole – [2:30:48]: No representative present.
C. Representative Mike Lee – [2:30:54]: Representative Mike Lee provided a statement which will be added to the meeting materials.
D. Senator Chris Lee – [2:31:06]: No representative present.
E. Representative Scott Matayoshi – [2:31:11]: No representative present.
F. Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina – [2:31:16]: Councilmember Kia’āina reported on several legislative initiatives and proposals. She announced that Bill 34, which increases the value threshold for Residential A properties, has successfully passed its final reading. She also discussed Bill 63, which she introduced to create incentives for Residential A property owners to rent their units to local families at 100% Area Median Income (AMI). Additionally, Councilmember Kia’āina outlined a potential charter amendment that would allocate a portion of the Clean Water and Natural Lands Fund specifically for historic preservation projects, citing the Boettcher Estate roof repair as an example of the type of work that could be supported through this funding mechanism.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:36:10]
1. Charter Amendment Support: Chair Hicks asked if a resolution from the neighborhood board regarding the Boettcher Estate would be useful. Councilmember Kia’āina explained that she is looking at a long-term funding stream for historic preservation. Member Weber added that a resolution may not be necessary because Councilmember is working on a charter amendments to advance the process.
2. Tax Credit for Rentals: Member Weber asked if community support would be helpful for the rental tax credit proposal. Councilmember Kia’āina confirmed it would be helpful if the bill moves forward.
3. Property Value Threshold: Member Treskon asked about increasing the threshold beyond $1.1 million given Kailua’s high property values. Councilmember Kia’āina explained that an amendment to increase it to $1.5 million did not receive support from the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services.
G. Tolua Samifua, on behalf of U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda – [2:43:18]: Tolua Samifua was present online but had to leave and the report will be added to the meeting materials.
IX. REPORTS FROM MEMBERS WHO ATTENDED OTHER MEETINGS – [2:43:26]: No reports given.
X. PRESENTATIONS – [2:43:46]
A. Proposed Fishing Regulations from Wailea Point to Kapoho Point – [2:44:02]: John Foti and Carl Evensen from Manuiwa O Ka Malanai presented a proposal for fishing regulations in Kailua Bay. The organization, which includes Kailua fishing and diving families, marine scientists, and community members, is committed to restoring the nearshore fishery. Scientific data confirms degradation of the marine environment over the past five decades. The plan received 97% positive response in a community survey. The group is currently working on an application for a Fisheries Management Area and addressing concerns about visitor management to prevent over visitation. Chair Hicks noted that further discussion will take place at the Planning, Zoning, and Environment Committee meeting in October.
B. Oʻahuʻs Exceptional Tree Program by Navin Tagore, Community Forester, Division of Urban Forestry – [2:59:50]: No representative present.
C. Kailua Neighborhood Board 2025 Survey responses by Levani Lipton – [2:59:51]: Presentation postponed.
XI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – [2:59:53]: The minutes of the September 4, 2025, regular meeting were approved as written; 14-0-0 (Aye: Andrews, Barra, Hicks, Kia, Kobayashi, Laeha, Lau, Lipton, Markrich, Souza, Treskon, Weber, Weller, Wong; Nay: None; Abstain: None).
XII. COMMITTEE REPORTS – [3:00:06]: No committee Chairs expanded upon their reports.
XIII. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP MOTIONS – [3:00:33]: No committee membership motions were presented.
XIV. CHAIR’S REPORT – [3:00:42]: Chair Hicks announced that committee agendas for November are due by Sunday, October 26, 2025.
XV. ADJOURNMENT – [3:00:48]: The meeting was adjourned at 10:02 p.m.
Submitted by: Melissa Urubio, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, NCO
Finalized by: Bill Hicks, Chairman, Kailua 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.