DIAMOND HEAD – KAPAHULU – ST. LOUIS HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 5
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025 AT 6:00 P.M.
ALA WAI GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE BALLROOM
404 KAPAHULU AVENUE, HONOLULU, HI 96815
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX
WebEx Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=mb13f8313d6f10cb7bd7ce47fff590437
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2488 909 1135
Password: NB05 (6205 from phones and video systems)
Join by Phone: +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll
Board Meeting Materials Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WKnOJqdvqoRuGhJ7E9rg5u7AtruuZZZn
Board Meeting Recordings: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfqRwVpRroolsFSNpDzklm59N89al2XyQ
Meeting Decorum: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to raise their hand in person or by using “raise hand” feature online. When recognized by the Chair, address comments to the Chair. All dialogue at the meeting will be conducted by use of the microphone. Public concerns and comments are limited to two (2) minutes each. For those joining the meeting on Webex, please mute your microphone unless actively speaking. Demonstrate courtesy and respect to all attendees and presenters, including refraining from personal comments, using civility in the chat box feature, and keeping decorum at all times. Kindly silence all electronic devices if meeting in person. Out of respect for everyone, please keep questions/comments brief, succinct and avoid unnecessary repetition so that all may have opportunities to speak.
Public Announcements, Reports, & Presentations to the Board: Before the meeting, please email all materials for posting online to Neighborhood Assistant (NCO) Curtis Hayashi (curtis.hayashi@honolulu.gov). Presenters may use PowerPoint, should be succinct, and mindful of time. If presenting in person, please provide handouts for the Board and the community.
Note: The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (HRS 92), specific issues not noted on this agenda cannot be voted on unless allowed for under HRS 92. A majority (8 members) of this 15-member Board is required to meet quorum requirements. Board members must be in person or have video access on Webex.
Description of Board Boundaries: https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/boards-and-sub-district-boundary-descriptions
1. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Winston Welch (winstonwelch@gmail.com)
2. PUBLIC SAFETY MONTHLY REPORTS (3 minutes each)
With additional open public comments, concerns, questions and answers for the Board record. Note: While some specific agenda items are listed under Public Safety Monthly Reports, any normal range of questions, concerns, comments, discussion, recommendations for follow up, and any Board motions regarding Public Safety may be presented by the general public and Board members at this meeting.
A. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD), Waikīkī Station (www.fire.honolulu.gov)
HFD’s Public Affairs & Media Liaison Email: HFDNHB@honolulu.gov
1. Fire incidents and statistics report:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h3rx05J97wOBqC1gOoEO-2ZKz1UhAwko/view
Fire Response Search Tool and Incident Trend Dashboard: https://fire.honolulu.gov/news-and-info
2. Community updates and safety tips
B. Honolulu Police Department (HPD) (www.honolulupd.org/contact-us)
HPD’s Info & Resources: https://www.honolulupd.org/information
Police incidents/statistics, traffic and parking enforcement, community events and updates, and safety tips
1. District 6 – Waikīkī/Kapiolani Park/Diamond Head (https://www.honolulupd.org/d6)
2. District 7 – Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights/East Honolulu (https://www.honolulupd.org/d7)
3. FILLING OF ONE VACANT DISTRICT-AT-LARGE BOARD SEAT
The Neighborhood Commission has granted our request that any open seat(s) in Subdistrict 2 become District-At Large seat(s) for the remainder of this term. Residents interested in filling this open board seat must attend the Board meeting and provide proof of residency, or contact Neighborhood Assistant Curtis Hayashi (curtis.hayashi@honolulu.gov) to verify residency in advance.
4. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2025
5. PUBLIC INTEREST REPORTS AND EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS (2 minutes each)
With additional open public comments, concerns, questions and answers for the Board record. Note: While some specific items are listed under this Agenda section, any normal range of comments, questions, discussion and/or recommendations for follow up may be presented by the general public and Board members at this meeting.
A. Board of Water Supply (BWS) Report – Kathleen Pahinui (kelliott-pahinui@hbws.org)
Main break reports, projects, and general BWS announcements: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V-iiO4H5lBtqzvQWWOzjbdXwAdcl06OO/view
B. Kapiʻolani Community College (KCC) Updates – Lisa Yamamoto (lisany@hawaii.edu)
KCC projects, college matters, events and general announcements (https://www.kapiolani.hawaii.edu)
C. Announcements of Public Events, Races, Parades and similar upcoming activities of community interest.
2025 O‘ahu Schedule of Major Parades and Street Activities: https://www.honolulu.gov/dts/2025-events
6. PRESENTATION AND REPORT: U.S. CONGRESSMAN ED CASE (5 minutes each)
1/31/26 FAA Public Comment Deadline re. Enabling Overhead Aircraft Flights for Fuel Reduction
7. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU REPORTS (5 minutes each)
Constituent concerns, city projects and services, and newsletter updates, with additional open public and board comments, concerns, questions and answers for the Board record. Note: While there may be specific agenda items listed for City & County of Honolulu Elected Official Reports, any normal range of questions, concerns, comments, discussion, requests and recommendations for follow-up regarding City & County of Honolulu Elected Official Reports may be presented by Board members and the general public at this meeting.
A. Mayor’s Representative Anton Krucky, Department of Community Services Director (anton.krucky@honolulu.gov)
Constituent Concerns & Follow-up Reports
Clarification of Proposed Kapiolani Park Land Exchange and Temporary Ocean Safety Facility Concept Plan
New HNL 311 System: Use the new and improved HNL 311 website and mobile app to report city issues. The new mobile app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. The HNL 311 mobile app lets users report issues, manage service requests and receive notifications, all from their smartphone — anytime, anywhere. Visit HNL311.com to submit requests, report concerns and access resources 24/7.
B. City Council Chair Tommy Waters, City Council District 4 (tommy.waters@honolulu.gov)
Constituent Concerns, Legislative Updates and Follow-up reports
C. Councilmember Scott Nishimoto, City Council District 5 (scott.nishimoto@honolulu.gov)
Constituent Concerns, Legislative Updates and Follow-up reports
8. FEDERAL & STATE ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS (2 minutes each)
Constituent concerns, city projects and services, and newsletter updates, with additional open public and board comments, concerns, questions and answers for the Board record. Note: While there may be specific agenda items listed for City & County of Honolulu Elected Official Reports, any normal range of questions, concerns, comments, discussion, requests and recommendations for follow-up regarding City & County of Honolulu Elected Official Reports may be presented by Board members and the general public at this meeting.
A. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (https://www.schatz.senate.gov/contact)
B. U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (https://www.hirono.senate.gov/contact)
C. Governor Josh Green’s Representative – Ryan Aguilar (https://governor.hawaii.gov/contact-us)
1. Green Fee Tax and Projects Update
D. State Senator Stanley Chang (senchang@capitol.hawaii.gov)
E. State Senator Les Ihara, Jr. (senihara@capitol.hawaii.gov)
F. State Senator Carol Fukunaga (senfukunaga@capitol.hawaii.gov)
G. State House Representative Tina Nakada Grandinetti (repgrandinetti@capitol.hawaii.gov)
H. State House Representative Jackson Sayama (repsayama@capitol.hawaii.gov)
I. State House Representative Andrew Garrett (repgarrett@capitol.hawaii.gov)
J. State House Representative Ikaika Olds (repolds@capitol.hawaii.gov)
9. PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS OPEN FORUM (2 minutes per speaker)
Open public testimony regarding topics/issues not directed to Elected Officials/Reps nor listed elsewhere on this agenda in order to enable comments, concerns, and questions for the Board record. Note: Any normal range of comments, questions, discussion and/or recommendations for follow up may be presented by the general public and Board members at this meeting, with due consideration of substantive items for future Board Agendas.
10. BOARD ACTION ITEMS (5 minutes each)
A. Establishing a Committee on Property Taxes
Note on Permitted Interaction Group (PIG): The PIG on Property Taxes will continue to exist with the following board members: Bruce Wong, Linda Wong, Laura St. Denis, Arlene Velasco, and Margaret Murchie.
Boards May Not Add New Members or Issues to Existing PIGs: A board may not add new members or issues to an existing PIG. An investigative PIG must report to the full board, after which it is in effect dissolved, and the board must wait until a subsequent meeting to discuss or act on the matter the PIG was handling, as required by section 92‑2.5(b)(1), HRS (https://oip.hawaii.gov/f23-01).
The PIG on Property Taxes will appear on the agenda when the PIG is ready to present its findings and recommendations. After the PIG makes its report to the board at the second meeting, the PIG is automatically dissolved and should not continue working. The Sunshine Law does not allow a PIG to make more than one report or to continue working on its assignment after its report, so a PIG should not be providing “updates” on its work or more than one report (https://oip.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/QR-Who-Bd-Members-Can-Talk-to-When-PART-3-2024-Final.pdf). Meeting agendas and minutes are required for committees, not PIGs.
B. Establishing an Air Traffic Noise and Safety Committee – Michelle Matson
11. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Chair’s announcements
B. Committee Reports & Updates
1. Environment – Arlene Velasco, Chair
Members: Samo Rozman, Michelle Matson
2. Parks & Recreation – Anthony Miranda, Chair
Members: Chad Wasden, Arlene Velasco, Michelle Matson, Rafia Hasina
3. Planning & Zoning – Michelle Matson, Chair
Members: Ronan Witherwax, Arlene Velasco, Chad Wasden, Rafia Hasina
4. Traffic & Transportation – Margaret Murchie, Chair
Members: Julia Allen, Rafia Hasina, Bruce Wong, Michelle Matson, & Angie Knight
5. Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness – Angie Knight, Chair
Members: Arlene Velasco, Samuel Rozman, Laura St. Denis, and Linda Wong
C. Board Subdistrict Reports – (2 minutes each)
1. St. Louis Heights Subdistrict 1 – Julia Allen
2. Kapahulu Subdistrict 2 – Anthony Miranda
3. Diamond Head Subdistrict 3 – Linda Wong
D. Reports of Board Members Attending Other Board and Public Meetings
12. BOARD MEETING MINUTES PENDING CORRECTION & APPROVAL
Chair Welch: Due to issues with truncated draft meeting minutes provided to the Board by the Neighborhood Commission Office that may not accurately represent the substance and detail needed for useful reference and comporting with State law relating to written public meeting minutes. Note that the Neighborhood Plan as it is currently written does not require a board to approve meeting minutes, and the draft meeting minutes are posted for all NB5 meetings, approved by the board or not.
Notably, the draft meeting minutes of July 2025 were reported to have been created with the assistance of “Ninja.AI” and represent a substantial improvement over other unapproved prior months’ meeting minutes, and could serve as an example for past unapproved draft meeting minutes to be resubmitted by the Neighborhood Commission Office for Board review and approval.
Therefore the Chair’s recommendation per previous discussion during the August 7, 2025, Board meeting, was to return the unapproved draft meeting minutes to the Neighborhood Commission Office to be completed by the Neighborhood Assistant using AI to comport with State law requiring complete public meeting minutes reflecting the matters discussed and the views of the participants and to meet the needs of this Board and community for accurate and complete Board meeting minutes, and then resubmit the completed draft meeting minutes to the Board for review and approval at a future meeting. The NCO office is currently declining requests to review and revise meeting minutes as we have requested. Therefore this issue is being carried to a higher administrative level for assured completion of the NCO’s deficient drafts to be followed by the Board’s review and approval in the public interest.
In the interim, the following NCO draft meeting minutes not approved by the Board are posted on the Board’s website for public reference:
1. Thursday, March 14, 2024 7. Thursday, February 13, 2025
2. Thursday, September 12, 2024 8. Thursday, March 13, 2025
3. Thursday, October 10, 2024 9. Thursday, April 10, 2025
4. Thursday, November 14, 2024 10. Thursday, May 8, 2025
5. Thursday, December 12, 2024 11. Thursday, June 12, 2025
6. Thursday, January 9, 2025 12. Thursday, November 13, 2025
13. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. To request a meeting agenda item, please contact Chair Welch (winstonwelch@gmail.com) and copy Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi (curtis.hayashi@honolulu.gov) at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled meeting.
B. Next Meeting: The next Neighborhood Board No. 5 regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Ala Wai Golf Course Club House Ballroom, and online via Webex.
C. ‘Olelo Broadcast (https://olelo.org/tune-in): The Board meetings can be viewed on Channel 49 at 9:00 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of the month and at 2:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month.
D. Reporting Neighborhood Issues: Visit https://www.honolulu.gov/csd/report-a-concern or use the Honolulu 311 mobile app or website (HNL311.com) to report neighborhood issues.
14. 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, HI 96817, by telephone on (808) 768-3710, fax (808) 768-3711, or emailing nco@honolulu.gov. Agenda, documents, minutes are also available online: 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, email nbtestimony@honolulu.gov, or complete the form on https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/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 at least 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, NOVEMBER 13, 2025 AT 6:00 P.M.
ALA WAI GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE BALLROOM
404 KAPAHULU AVENUE, HONOLULU, HI 96815
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX
Meeting Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmeV2yaH-D0&list=PLfqRwVpRroolsFSNpDzklm59N89al2XyQ
Meeting Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wezRyARsyx1JlCFN56ejBuKud14s8u5P
1. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:06]: Vice Chair Velasco called the Neighborhood Board No. 5 meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Quorum WAS established with 10 members present. This 15-member board requires eight (8) members to establish a quorum and take official Board action.
Board Members Present: Julia Allen, Rafia Hasina, Angie Knight (Treasurer), Michelle Matson (Secretary), Anthony Miranda, Margaret Murchie, Samo Rozman, Arleen Velasco (Vice Chair), Chad Wasden (joined at 6:04 p.m.), Ronan Witherwax, Bruce Wong, and Linda Wong (joined at 6:14 p.m.).
Board Members Absent: Laura St. Denis and Winston Welch (Chair).
Guests: Fire Captain Joshua Chase (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Cyrus Hanuna (Honolulu Police Department District 6); Kathleen Pahinui (Board of Water Supply), Managing Director Mike Formby and Director Anton Krucky (Office of Mayor Rick Blangiardi), Adam Doo (Council Chair Waters), Kylie Tokujo (Councilmember Nishimoto), Ryan Aguilar (Governor Green); Casey Shoji (Senator Chang); Representative Jackson Sayama; Representative Ikaika Olds; Lisa Yamamoto (Kapiʻolani Community College); Andrew Laurence (Honolulu Marathon Clinic); Laura Ruby, Daisy Murai, Tim Garry, and Stephen Pazienza (Residents/Guests); Curtis Hayashi (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Names may not be included if not legible or identified. About 39 participants joined the meeting.
2. PUBLIC SAFETY MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:00:24]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:00:24]: Fire Captain Chase provided the October 2025 report. He stated there were three structure fires, one wildland brush fire, two nuisance fires, and five activated alarms with no fire. He noted 59 medical emergencies, seven motor vehicle collisions, and two mountain rescues. He shared seasonal cooking safety guidance, emphasizing never leaving active stoves unattended, keeping combustibles away from stovetops, using timers, and keeping children and pets at least three feet from cooking areas.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dz4-NhIf6ohKeixCaSx0HBOHNbd8uLUF/view
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 6 – Waikīkī/Kapiʻolani Park/Diamond Head – [0:02:14]: Lieutenant Cyrus Hanuna presented monthly statistics for Waikīkī. He reported that assaults decreased from 48 to 35, assaults on law enforcement officers held at three for both the prior and current month, burglaries increased from 11 to 19, drug and liquor offenses declined from 19 to 15, DUIs decreased from 22 to 19, criminal property damage dropped from 27 to 24, robberies decreased from six to five, thefts decreased from 163 to 109, and unauthorized entry into motor vehicles declined from 11 to five. Calls for service decreased from 3,683 to 3,324.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eqPLpvZFl0jh1td129-mgb25uYSX4mkG/view
• Website: https://www.honolulupd.org/information
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:03:17]:
1. Diamond Head Community Garden: A community member requested nighttime patrols on Lēʻahi Avenue by the Diamond Head Community Garden due to reported defecation incidents in garden plots.
2. Homeless Encampments: Another resident described tents near the Hawaiʻi State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped and public defecation along the Ala Wai, asking that HPD coordinate with State law enforcement to address encampments spanning city and state properties.
Board Member Wasden joined the meeting in person at 6:04 p.m.; 11 board members present.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 7 – Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights/East Honolulu – [0:06:10]: No representative was present.
3. FILLING OF ONE VACANT AT-LARGE BOARD SEAT – [0:06:26]: Vice Chair Velasco opened the floor for nominations for the vacant At-Large seat. Hearing no interested residents, one vacant At-Large seat remains.
4. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES – [0:06:47]: [0:07:09] – Vice Chair Velasco MOVED and Board Member Allen SECONDED to approve the meeting minutes for Thursday, July 10, 2025; Thursday, August 14, 2025; and Thursday, September 11, 2025. Secretary Matson reported she reviewed the July 2025, August 2025, and September 2025 meeting minutes with edits visible in red on the Board’s Google Drive. Hearing no further discussion or public testimony, Vice Chair Velasco called for a voice vote. Without objection, the meeting minutes were APPROVED as drafted by Secretary Matson; 11-0-0 (Aye: Allen, Hasina, Knight, Matson, Miranda, Murchie, Rozman, Velasco, Wasden, Witherwax, and B. Wong; Nay: None; Abstain: None).
5. PUBLIC INTEREST REPORTS AND EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS – [0:10:56]
Board of Water Supply (BWS) Report – [0:10:56]: Kathleen Pahinui reported two main breaks in the district on October 21: a 6-inch line at 3106 Monsarrat Avenue related to active construction that the contractor repaired, and a 20-inch transmission main on Dole Street across from Kanewai Neighborhood Park, which posed a significant impact and drew BWS’s apology. She reminded residents that BWS works as quickly as possible to stabilize, ensure public safety, and restore service, and encouraged the public to track 4-inch and larger main breaks, repair processes, and alerts via the BWS website and social channels, as well as HNL Alert for significant incidents.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UbX15cnUEm7rA4awcDwGT-cp144A9dLe/view
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:12:08]:
1. Water Reduction Request: Pahinui confirmed the requested voluntary water use reduction is 20 percent due to persistent drought and elevated 2025 consumption.
2. Diamond Head Road Vegetation: Secretary Matson described the loss of naupaka plants along Diamond Head Road following irrigation shutoffs and subsequent shearing of replanted vegetation behind rockfall barriers installed by Prometheus Construction, calling for restoration and accountability. Pahinui emphasized the balance between potable water priorities and landscape irrigation and agreed naupaka is an appropriate coastal species.
3. Dole Street Water Outage: Board Member Hasina asked about a water outage at St. Louis Heights/Dole Street. Pahinui said an aging line is being advanced in design for capital replacement, but timelines are lengthy and additional shutdown risks remain until replacement occurs.
4. Monsarrat Avenue Water System Improvements Project: Several residents commended BWS and contractors for proactive notice and smooth traffic management on Monsarrat Avenue during recent work.
Board Member L. Wong joined the meeting in person at 6:14 p.m.; 12 board members present.
Kapiʻolani Community College (KCC) Updates – [0:20:47]: Lisa Yamamoto reported she had no formal updates at this meeting and appreciated the opportunity to attend. A resident complimented the color palette for KCC’s new restaurant, auditorium, and innovation center buildings as being well integrated with the mountain and forest surroundings.
Announcements of Public Events, Races, Parades and similar upcoming activities of community interest – [0:21:55]
2025 Turkey Trot Fun Run Event – [0:22:04]: Vice Chair Velasco announced the 2025 Turkey Trot Fun Run on Thursday, November 27, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Kapiʻolani Park. Event representative Andrew Laurence, on behalf of the Honolulu Marathon Clinic, outlined the course and logistics, including partial lane closures around the park and along portions of Monsarrat Avenue and Pākī Avenue, event start and end times, use of park lots near the Waikīkī Shell for staging, and plans to reopen segments as soon as the last participants clear the route. He described multiple distances, online registration, and a costume contest. He confirmed on-route curbside parking will be posted as unavailable during the event and that a “sweeper” protocol would facilitate staged reopening before the 11:00 a.m. end time. Board Member L. Wong MOVED and Board Member Allen SECONDED to authorize Chair Welch to email the City’s Department of Transportation Services (DTS) an email or letter of support for the 2025 Turkey Trot Fun Run Event. Without objection, the meeting minutes were APPROVED as drafted by Secretary Matson; 12-0-0 (Aye: Allen, Hasina, Knight, Matson, Miranda, Murchie, Rozman, Velasco, Wasden, Witherwax, B. Wong, and L. Wong; Nay: None; Abstain: None).
Kapahulu Cleanup – [0:29:53]: A Kapahulu cleanup event is scheduled on Saturday, November 15, 2025, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DwPgIPqByT3Ja9DW3UBkd7xbGUTzodXP/view). Board Member Hasina reported the City is using a signup system with volunteers meeting at the Ala Wai Golf Course and receiving a confirmation email.
6. PRESENTATION: Potential Land Swap between DPR and Kapiʻolani Trust – [0:33:14]: Managing Director Mike Formby presented a proposal under consideration by the Administration to exchange and substitute lands in the Kapiʻolani Park Trust. He recapped the trust’s legal history, including the 1988 Burger King concession litigation and subsequent 1991-1994 actions that placed the current Ocean Safety Headquarters parcels on Lēʻahi Avenue (approximately 0.35 acres across two tax map parcels) into the trust while removing the Kapahulu Fire Station parcel. He explained the present need to relieve severe crowding at the Ocean Safety Headquarters, now a standalone department, by placing several small mobile office units on the existing paved area; because the headquarters sits on trust land, any expansion of use is constrained by court-administered trust obligations. The Administration therefore proposes to remove the two Lēʻahi Avenue parcels from the trust and dedicate a 2.21-acre City-owned parcel at the Queen’s Beach entrance into the trust, thereby substantially increasing overall trust acreage and preserving the new parcel for park purposes in perpetuity. Managing Director Formby emphasized the City does not intend to build an oceanfront headquarters and prefers to keep Ocean Safety where it is, adding that the headquarters location is not within the SMA while the 2.21-acre parcel is. He noted capital constraints for climate and stormwater resilience projects make a new headquarters build of $20-30 million and five to ten years infeasible in the near term. He invited Board and community feedback, indicated outreach to trustees and stakeholders is ongoing, and explained that any final action would require Council, as trustees, and then court approval, as in prior substitutions.
• Fact Sheet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/114CHKaXm-rGgQ2UqI8LcsHmtYiAxnNDj/view
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:53:14]:
1. Proposed Land Transfer: Members asked about ownership, expansion intent, the number of added staff, and the role of the 2.21-acre parcel. Managing Director Formby clarified the City owns both the Lēʻahi Avenue headquarters lots and the Queen’s Beach parcel, and the proposal is neither a relocation to the oceanfront area nor a buildout there; rather, it is a trust exchange coupled with a limited headquarters capacity relief via mobile office units, accommodating approximately five to six additional staff.
2. Alternatives Proposed by Residents: Residents suggested alternative sites on higher ground at Kaimukī or within state lands near Fort Ruger for resilience and co-location with HPD/HFD, while acknowledging the intergovernmental, legal, and funding limitations that would complicate near-term implementation.
3. Legal Matters: Several residents and Board Members described longstanding neighborhood impacts and urged that trust guardians, including the State Attorney General relative to trust matters, and the Kapiʻolani Park Preservation Society, be fully engaged.
4. Kewalo Basin: Secretary Matson referenced prior planning discussions about a potential Kewalo Basin headquarters within the HCDA Master Plan context and asserted the Lēʻahi parcels are incompatible with a larger departmental footprint. She requested that the City’s short-term intention be put in writing.
5. Joint Committee Meeting Plans: Board members agreed that Planning & Zoning and Parks & Recreation would convene a joint committee meeting to study the matter and return with recommendations. Anthony Miranda shared he will recuse himself from any Board action on this topic due to his City employment and he filed a conflict of interest disclosure.
6. Feedback and Dialogue: Managing Director Formby welcomed continued dialogue and site visits to the existing headquarters to understand operational constraints.
7. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU REPORTS – [1:06:51]
Mayor’s Representative – Anton Krucky, Department of Community Services Director – [1:56:07]: Director Krucky summarized highlights from the Mayor’s newsletter, including the opening of Skyline segment two to the airport and associated bus network adjustments, the reopening of the Child Care Center at Honolulu Hale during parking structure renovations, and City Lights displays at Thomas Square. He invited residents to sign up for press releases and updates.
He then provided extensive follow-up responses to items previously raised by the Board and community:
• Biki station relocation requests on Kanaina Avenue are not planned, though clearances were verified;
• DTS investigations are underway on no-parking signage vandalism, illegal sidewalk and intersection parking on Winam Avenue and Hoʻolulu Street, and a request for traffic cameras along Diamond Head Road (no installation is planned);
• HPD District 7 enforcement at Ala Wai Canal parks and Pākī Park areas resulted in 30 criminal citations and two arrests between September 25 and October 14, contributing to over 1,800 citations island-wide in 2025 for park/sidewalk violations, with no current plans for a shelter near the Ala Wai Golf Course entrance;
• the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) will inspect the Gold Coast seawall for coastal erosion;
• DPR is evaluating the irrigation system along Diamond Head Road where shower lines and irrigation share infrastructure, and will coordinate with stakeholders including restoration volunteers to improve communications;
• food truck permitting near the Diamond Head Lighthouse is under DPP investigation;
• the all-way stop at Diamond Head Road and Mākālei Place is scheduled for installation at month’s end; the average costs for RRFBs and raised crosswalks were provided, with DTS currently favoring enhanced conspicuity measures near Leonard’s Bakery’s traffic island (raised pavement markings and yellow traffic paint), and the City will continue to assess reflective treatments;
• TheBus Route 200 remains one of the most productive circulators and no changes are planned;
• feral cat management remains under Hawaiian Humane Society partnership programs, and the Board and residents should continue to report problem feeding areas;
• the City does not plan to build restrooms at Mākālei Beach Park due to site constraints;
• the Ala Wai Golf Course front area is being fenced to support golf operations, and a dog park is not planned by Enterprise Services;
• ENV cannot place municipal litter bins by private recycling operations or BWS booster facilities; and
• HPD does not participate in ICE enforcement actions, per the Mayor’s Office.
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [1:10:04]:
1. TheBus Detours: Director Krucky agreed to explore temporary on-site signage at bus stops during emergency reroutes after the recent barricade incident at Campbell/Monsarrat
2. Lēʻahi Beach Park: Board members asked the City to examine the Lēʻahi Park shoreline undermining and roadway subgrade conditions continue coordination on irrigation and landscaping communications.
3. TheBus Route 200: Daisy Murai asked DTS to reroute TheBus Route 200 to use Kapahulu Avenue (like Routes 13 and 14) instead of the segment by Kaimukī High School’s traffic island.
4. TheBus W Line and Airport Connection: Daisy Murai asked DTS to post the new W Line information at former Route 20 bus stops and that the rail-to-airport connection be fine-tuned for travelers with luggage. She raised concerns that the airport bus stop and rail station are too far of a walk from the Honolulu airport terminals.
5. Monsarrat Avenue: Member Murchie asked whether the left-turn-only restriction from Monsarrat Avenue onto Lēʻahi Avenue can be adjusted due to congestion and driver confusion.
Council Chair Tommy Waters – [1:42:40]: Adam Doo provided a report on recent Honolulu City Council actions. He noted unanimous adoption of Resolution 25-284 authorizing a collective bargaining agreement that raises HPD salaries by 27% through 2029, with 5% annual increases and a 2026 retention bonus, to bolster recruitment and retention. He described the Climate Resiliency Fund, dedicated by charter amendment at one-half of 1% of real property tax revenues, now soliciting departmental proposals for inclusion in the FY27 budget and invited project ideas for District 4 such as erosion control, rain gardens, community gardens, and climate-resilient infrastructure. He reported that Bill 62 (2025), CD1, updating bed-and-breakfast and short-term rental standards and where they may legally operate near resort districts, is advancing. He also noted that Chair Waters set aside at least $100,000 for irrigation and improvements tied to the Kuilei Cliffs area to support both shower pressure and landscape irrigation. Board Members asked for clarification about reported Council leadership changes and reorganization. Doo explained nine members remain and leadership roles are now held by experienced legislators, with all members retaining equal votes. He invited direct follow-up for more detailed discussion and encouraged submissions to the Climate Resiliency Fund process.
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [1:44:22]:
1. Mākālei Place: Board Members and residents discussed all-way stop timing and the need to expedite raised crosswalks near Mākālei Place.
2. Ala Wai Bridge Project: Residents asked about the proposed Ala Wai pedestrian bridge and emergency egress logic. Doo said he would share their comments with Chair Waters.
Councilmember Scott Nishimoto – [2:00:05]: Kylie Tokujo reported on outreach to St. Louis Heights and encouraged residents to contact the office. In response to questions, she reiterated that Council reorganizations occur from time to time and the member continues to collaborate effectively across the Council.
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [2:03:16]:
1. City Council Changes: Board Member Linda Wong expressed disappointment that Councilmember Nishimoto was not present to explain recent changes to the City Council leadership and requested his attendance at a future meeting.
8. FEDERAL & STATE ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS – [2:05:02]
U.S. Congressman Ed Case – [2:05:10]: No representative was present.
U.S. Senator Brian Schatz – [2:39:18]: No representative was present.
U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono – [2:39:18]: No representative was present.
Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [2:05:20]: Ryan Aguilar shared the Governor’s November newsletter. He took questions regarding projected healthcare subsidy increases and the large share of QUEST enrollees, agreeing to relay the inquiry to the Governor’s team for a timelier response. He also agreed to obtain clarification from the Department of Transportation on automated speed enforcement thresholds and to follow up regarding ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detainee conditions, due process, and access to counsel at the airport-area facility.
• Newsletter: https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsletter
State Senator Stanley Chang – [2:12:11]: Casey Shoji shared the senator’s newsletter, noted holiday parade dates for Waikīkī and Hawaiʻi Kai, and pointed residents to DCCA resources for unclaimed life insurance benefits.
• Newsletter: https://www.senatorchang.com/newsletters
State Senator Les Ihara, Jr. – [2:40:09]: No representative was present.
State Senator Carol Fukunaga – [2:40:09]: No representative was present.
State House Representative Tina Nakada Grandinetti – [2:40:32]: No representative was present.
State House Representative Jackson Sayama – [2:14:51]: Representative Sayama reported that the federal budget compromise allows SNAP funding through January with a year of benefits appropriated, and that the State’s $250 food relief payment is additive to regular benefits, alongside rent and utility assistance programs requiring application. He promoted www.findhelp.org for local resources and described a recent Sustainable Coastlines stream cleanup in Pālolo and upcoming Thanksgiving community music in Kaimukī District Park on November 23 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., as well as the December 4 Kaimukī Christmas Parade, advising motorists to plan for afternoon street closures. Addressing automated speed enforcement, he said citations are triggered at 11 or more miles per hour over the posted limit.
State House Representative Andrew Garrett – [2:19:17]: No representative was present.
State House Representative Ikaika Olds – [2:19:32]: Representative Olds described the status of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), State relief programs for rent and utilities, and hiring for the upcoming legislative session. He announced the Thursday, December 11 Kapahulu-Moʻiliʻili Christmas Parade route and advised on parking and viewing. He responded to questions about federal workers who bridged pay gaps on credit cards, explaining time-limited eligibility for TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)-based relief is income tested and may apply up to the point of paycheck receipt; he offered to circulate program details. He welcomed community bill ideas for the 2026 session.
• Newsletter: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/MemberFiles/House/Olds/Newsletters/2025SepNewsletter.pdf
• Sign Up for Digital Newsletters and Email Blasts: https://mailchi.mp/capitol/email-sign-up
9. PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS OPEN FORUM – [2:26:16]
Hawai’i Pacific Health Women’s Running Event – [2:28:07]: Stephen Pazienza announced the 48th annual Hawai’i Pacific Health Women’s 10K & 5K Fun Run for Sunday, January 25, 2026, beginning at 7:00 a.m. at Kapiʻolani Park (https://www.hawaiipacifichealth.org/hphwomens10k).
10. BOARD BUSINESS – [2:56:32]
Board Action Item: Adopting a Resolution to Request the Legislature of the State of Hawai’i to Prioritize Comprehensive Pesticide Reform – [2:29:09]: Vice Chair Velasco explained that a clean copy of the resolution was reposted to the Board’s Google Drive. After brief discussion, the Board proceeded to a roll call vote. Matson MOVED and Hasina SECONDED to adopt the Resolution to Request the Legislature of the State of Hawai’i to Prioritize Comprehensive Pesticide Reform. The motion WAS ADOPTED; 11-1-0 (Aye: Allen, Hasina, Knight, Matson, Miranda, Murchie, Rozman, Velasco, Wasden, B. Wong, and L. Wong; Nay: Witherwax; Abstain: None) – [2:32:31].
• Draft Resolution: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15t8iDrwqfXG18z3o8S33Kftch9sezUUHvS8yggwqrLc/edit?tab=t.0
Secretary Matson asked about two Pearl City Neighborhood Board resolutions posted on the Board’s Google Drive (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DJhn477obdpqU81TKMHaiqnlycchmiCY). Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi explained the resolutions were circulated for awareness only. Secretary Matson requested an explanation about these resolutions from the Pearl City Neighborhood Board at a future meeting.
Chair Welch’s Announcements – [2:36:20]: Vice Chair Velasco restated the Open Meetings guidance regarding the Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) on Property Taxes as printed on the agenda, noting that a PIG may meet freely to develop a single report without agendas or minutes, and is dissolved after its report to the Board. Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi clarified that the PIG may meet as many times as needed to prepare its one report and the Board may consider creating a committee if desired (https://oip.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/QR-Who-Bd-Members-Can-Talk-to-When-PART-3-2024-Final.pdf).
Committee Reports & Updates – [2:40:19]
Environment: Velasco reported that Surfrider Foundation’s Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) added two sampling sites at and near Mākālei Beach Park after reports of illness and incidents, with results available on the BWTF online map.
Parks & Recreation: Miranda reported no new items and noted recusal on the land swap matter.
Planning & Zoning: Matson anticipated a joint meeting with Parks & Recreation regarding the proposed trust substitution and Ocean Safety headquarters issues.
Traffic & Transportation: Murchie indicated the committee will meet with DTS to pursue items such as the Leonard’s Bakery traffic island and left-turn restrictions on Monsarrat Avenue and Lēʻahi Avenue.
Public Safety & Disaster Preparedness: Knight stated that there was no report.
Board Subdistrict Reports – [2:42:41]
St. Louis Heights Subdistrict 1: Allen announced that the next St. Louis Heights Community Association meeting is expected to be held on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. (meeting location to be determined).
Kapahulu Subdistrict 2: Miranda reported that he spoke with a resident who requested a traffic study to slow down motorists on Winam Avenue and Ekela Avenue. Miranda will contact Councilmember Nishimoto’s office regarding this request. Also, Miranda stated that the Board asks Director Krucky every month about the traffic island in front of Leonard’s Bakery on Kapahulu Avenue. Miranda asked what do board members want to see out of that because he does not mind people messing up their cars if they are not good drivers. Vice Chair Velasco noted that this is one of Chair Welch’s complaints and he wants the traffic island to be painted so that it is more visible to motorists.
Diamond Head Subdistrict 3: Linda Wong noted that parade and street closure notices are posted by DTS and the link is provided on the meeting agenda for public reference (https://www.honolulu.gov/dts/2025-events).
Reports of Board Members Attending Other Board and Public Meetings – [2:47:02]: Vice Chair Velasco summarized participation in North Shore coastal erosion meetings concerning homes at risk and how those policy decisions may influence islandwide shoreline management. She also reported on Friends of Kewalo efforts to protect Kakaʻako Makai shoreline parklands from residential development proposals in an area with historic contamination and a City law restricting residential use; the secretary recalled her work on the HCDA master plan preserving shoreline open space and urged vigilance in the upcoming legislative session. Vice Chair Velasco invited residents to the Neighborhood Commission’s Neighborhood Plan Committee meeting next Monday and the full Commission meeting the following Monday, both listed on the NCO website for public participation (https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/commission).
11. BOARD MEETING MINUTES PENDING CORRECTION & APPROVAL – [2:53:28]: Chair Welch shared a statement on the meeting agenda regarding the draft meeting minutes.
12. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:54:31]
Agenda Requests: To request a meeting agenda item, please contact Chair Welch and copy Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi at NCO at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled meeting.
Next Meeting: The next Neighborhood Board No. 5 regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Ala Wai Golf Course Club House Ballroom, and online via Webex.
‘Olelo Televised Broadcast: The Board meetings can be viewed on Channel 49 at 9:00 p.m. on the fourth Sunday
of the month and at 2:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month (https://olelo.org/tune-in).
NCO YouTube Channel: Subscribe to the NCO YouTube channel and watch Board meetings on demand at
https://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice.
Reporting Neighborhood Issues: Visit https://www.honolulu.gov/csd/concern or use the Honolulu 311 App
(https://honoluluhi.citysourced.com) to report neighborhood issues.
13. ADJOURNMENT – [2:56:03]: Vice Chair Velasco adjourned the meeting at 8:56 p.m.
Submitted by: Curtis Hayashi, Neighborhood Assistant, Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO)
Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, Neighborhood Commission Office (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.