DIAMOND HEAD – KAPAHULU – ST. LOUIS HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 5
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026 AT 6:00 P.M.
ALA WAI GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE (SECOND FLOOR)
404 KAPAHULU AVENUE, HONOLULU, HI 96815
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX
WebEx Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m6bbbacb8a7588adfda1c102e9a904367
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 (press *6 to mute/unmute and *3 to raise your hand)
Meeting Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WKnOJqdvqoRuGhJ7E9rg5u7AtruuZZZn
Meeting Recordings: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfqRwVpRroolsFSNpDzklm59N89al2XyQ
Meeting Decorum: Please treat one another with respect and aloha. Always address the Chair, wait to be recognized before speaking, and keep your remarks focused on the topic at hand. Conduct that is disruptive, disrespectful, disparaging, disorderly, or abusive is a violation of decorum and may result in removal from the meeting (Neighborhood Plan §§2-14-117, 2-14-118).
Agenda Scope: Board members and the public may express any normal range of questions, concerns, comments, discussion, requests for follow up, board discussion, and board motions regarding any issue related to the respective items listed on the agenda or brought up during the course of the meeting, with due consideration of substantive items for future board agendas. Action may be taken only on items for which notice has been provided as required by HRS Chapter 92.
Public comments are limited to two (2) minutes each, and board member comments are limited to two (2) minutes per item; please keep remarks brief and avoid unnecessary repetition. When feasible, please use HNL311.com or the HNL 311 App to request city services or report issues. Utilize the chat feature if online, or email for specific questions or concerns that may be directly and easily resolved using links provided.
1. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Winston Welch (winstonwelch@gmail.com)
2. ROLL CALL – Neighborhood Assistant Curtis Hayashi (curtis.hayashi@honolulu.gov)
3. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS (3 minutes each)
A. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) (www.fire.honolulu.gov)
B. Honolulu Police Department (HPD) (HPD Info & Resources: https://www.honolulupd.org/information)
i. District 6: Waikīkī/Kapiʻolani Park/Diamond Head (https://www.honolulupd.org/d6)
ii. District 7: Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights/East Honolulu (https://www.honolulupd.org/d7)
4. BOARD ACTION ITEMS
A. Filling of Vacant Subdistrict 1 Seat (St. Louis Heights, Kānewai)
Interested residents must bring current proof of residency to the board meeting or contact Neighborhood Assistant Curtis Hayashi (curtis.hayashi@honolulu.gov) to verify their residency.
B. Approval of Board Meeting Minutes: Thursday, August 13, 2026 and Thursday, September 10, 2026
C. Proposal and Possible Vote on the Creation of Ad-Hoc Special Subject Committee on Neighborhood Board Marketing Materials
5. PUBLIC INTEREST REPORTS AND EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS (2 minutes each)
A. Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Kathleen Pahinui (kelliott-pahinui@hbws.org)
B. Kapiʻolani Community College (KCC) – Lisa Yamamoto (lisany@hawaii.edu)
i. Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival Event – Saturday, November 7, 2026, KCC Parking Lot A: overview of anticipated attendance, event hours and logistics, and traffic and parking plans. College and event representatives will be available to answer questions.
C. Public Events Announcements (races, parades, and similar activities of community interest) (https://www.honolulu.gov/dts/2026-events)
6. COMMUNITY CONCERNS ON ITEMS NOT ELSEWHERE ON THIS AGENDA (2 minutes per speaker)
Questions for HFD, HPD, BWS, city officials, and state officials should be asked after their respective reports. For most questions or concerns, please use https://web5.hnl.info/hnl311/home or the HNL 311 App for the fastest response. The Board may not deliberate or take action on matters not listed on this agenda (HRS Chapter 92).
7. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU REPORTS (5 minutes each)
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – Director Anton Krucky (https://www.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter)
B. Council Chair Tommy Waters (https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district4)
C. Councilmember Scott Nishimoto (https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-5-scott-nishimoto)
8. STATE AND FEDERAL ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS (2 minutes each)
A. U.S. Congressman Ed Case’s Representative – Deputy Chief of Staff Kekoa Kaluhiwa (Kekoa.Kaluhiwa@mail.house.gov)
B. Governor Josh Green’s Representative – Ryan Aguilar (ryan.aguilar@hawaii.gov)
C. State Senator Stanley Chang (senchang@capitol.hawaii.gov)
D. State Senator Les Ihara, Jr. (senihara@capitol.hawaii.gov)
E. State Senator Carol Fukunaga (senfukunaga@capitol.hawaii.gov)
F. State House Representative Tina Nakada Grandinetti (repgrandinetti@capitol.hawaii.gov)
G. State House Representative Jackson Sayama (repsayama@capitol.hawaii.gov)
H. State House Representative Ikaika Olds (repolds@capitol.hawaii.gov)
I. State House Representative Andrew Garrett (repgarrett@capitol.hawaii.gov)
9. BOARD BUSINESS (3 minutes each)
A. Chair’s Announcements and Updates
i. General Announcements and Updates
ii. Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) 2026 Oʻahu’s Neighborhood Board System Guidebook released: https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/wp-content/uploads/sites/53/2026/09/Board-Member-Guidebook-09-17-2026.pdf
B. Board Subdistrict Reports
i. St. Louis Heights Subdistrict 1 – Julia Allen
ii. Kapahulu Subdistrict 2 – Anthony Miranda
iii. Diamond Head Subdistrict 3 – Linda Wong
C. Formed Committees (board chair is an ex-officio member of all committees)
i. Environment, Parks & Recreation – Arleen Velasco, Chair
Members: Anthony Miranda, Chad Wasden, Michelle Matson, Rafia Hasina, and Samo Rozman
ii. Planning & Zoning – Michelle Matson, Chair
Members: Arleen Velasco, Chad Wasden, and Rafia Hasina
iii. Traffic & Transportation – Margaret Murchie, Chair
Members: Julia Allen, Rafia Hasina, Bruce Wong, Michelle Matson, and Angie Knight
iv. Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness – Angie Knight, Chair
Members: Arleen Velasco, Samo Rozman, Laura St. Denis, and Linda Wong
v. Property Tax Committee – Bruce Wong, Chair
Members: Linda Wong, Laura St. Denis, Arleen Velasco, Kendric Wong, and Rafia Hasina
vi. Air Traffic Noise and Safety Committee – Chad Wasden, Chair
Members: Michelle Matson and Laura St. Denis
vii. Neighborhood Boundaries Permitted Interaction Group – Arleen Velasco, Chair
Members: Angie Knight, Rafia Hasina, Julia Allen, and Margaret Murchie
D. Board Member Reports on Attendance at Other Meetings
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Next Regular Meeting: Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse (Second Floor), 404 Kapahulu Avenue, and online via WebEx.
B. Agenda Item Requests: Requests for agenda items should be submitted in writing to the Chair at least fourteen (14) days before the next regular meeting (Neighborhood Plan §2-14-111). The deadline for the November 2026 meeting is Thursday, October 29, 2026.
C. Meeting Agendas/Notices: Sign up for agendas/notices and minutes via email at https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/newsletter-subscription.
D. Televised Rebroadcasts: View Neighborhood Board No. 5 meetings on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice or ʻŌlelo 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, or on demand at https://olelo.org/olelonet (community/informational section).
11. 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 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 10, 2026 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=sGYWF_qsYB8&list=PLfqRwVpRroolsFSNpDzklm59N89al2XyQ
Meeting Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WKnOJqdvqoRuGhJ7E9rg5u7AtruuZZZn
1. CALL TO ORDER [0:00:00]: Following a technical delay, Chair Winston Welch called the meeting to order at 6:23 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL [0:00:14]: Neighborhood Assistant Curtis Hayashi conducted roll call. Quorum was established; 8 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 (Secretary), Angie Knight (Treasurer), Margaret Murchie, Samo Rozman, Bruce Wong, Chad Wasden (left at 8:06 p.m.), and Winston Welch (Chair).
Board Members Absent: Michelle Matson, Anthony Miranda, Laura St. Denis, Arleen Velasco (Vice Chair), Kendric Wong, and Linda Wong.
Guests: Captain M. Bellis (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Cyrus Hanuna and Lieutenant Mike Thompson (Honolulu Police Department); Kathleen Pahinui (Board of Water Supply); Department of Community Services (DCS) Director Anton Krucky (Mayor Blangiardi); City Council Chair Tommy Waters; Kylie Tokujo (Councilmember Nishimoto); Ryan Aguilar (Governor Green); State Representative Jackson Sayama; State Representative Ikaika Olds; Chris, Callie, and Navarro (Kalani High School Environmental Club); Dylan Davis, David Soucek, Laura Ruby, Debbie Millikan, Daisy Murai, and Nate Ulm (residents/guests); Curtis Hayashi (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible or stated for the record. About 35 participants joined the meeting.
3. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS [0:02:34]
A. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) [0:02:44]: Captain Bellis with the Waikiki Fire Station reported the August 2026 incident statistics: 7 structure fires, 9 activated alarms, 72 medical calls, 1 motor vehicle collision, 1 mountain rescue, and 4 hazardous materials incidents. The fire safety tip addressed lithium-ion battery safety (use only the manufacturer’s cord/charger, charge on a hard flat surface, unplug once fully charged, charge large items like e-bikes outside, stop charging if a device feels hot, and keep devices in sight while charging on a plane). HFD’s Fire Prevention Week Family Day is at at the Honolulu Zoo on Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-XIpxyza8noThraGRXIsxoRxtzo6Kij9/view
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:04:36]:
1. Safety: Member Rozman asked and Captain Bellis confirmed the safety precautions apply to lithium-ion batteries.
2. Ala Wai Boulevard: Member Murchie asked if HFD often uses Ala Wai Boulevard and whether lane closures would pose a safety issue for emergency responders. Captain Bellis replied the City will not blindly close lanes and there is a plan for emergency response. Member Murchie suggested checking with the Honolulu Complete Streets program.
3. Elevator Rescue: Treasurer Knight thanked HFD for a quick response after being stuck in an elevator for 30-40 minutes the prior week.
B. Honolulu Police Department (HPD) [0:07:05]
i. District 6: Waikīkī/Kapiʻolani Park/Diamond Head [0:07:17]: Lieutenant Hanuna reported the following August 2026 statistics: 2 robberies, 11 burglaries, 133 thefts, 6 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV), 42 assaults, 2 sex crimes, 0 bicycle/skateboard on sidewalk citations, 0 warnings/6 citations/0 arrests for speeding, 1,255 parking citations, 11 loud muffler/prohibited noise citations, 83 citations/10 arrests for park closures, 4,600 estimated total calls for service, and 4 arrests for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant (OVUII). Lieutenant Hanuna reported a bus owner has been issued citations and the vehicle owner claimed citations were dismissed in court. Finding an available tow truck and place to store the bus are issues. HPD is waiting for direction from the City.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:09:12]:
1. Parking Citations: Dylan Davis asked if HPD issued citations to the vehicle or a person. Lieutenant Hanuna confirmed HPD cited the vehicle for expired safety checks. Davis advised that a vehicle license plate search on the eCourt Kōkua system will show whether a citation was dismissed by the court.
2. Parking Enforcement: St. Louis Heights resident David Soucek requested HPD to enforce parking on Dole Street.
ii. District 7 (Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights/East Honolulu) [0:11:35]: Lieutenant Thompson reported the August 2026 statistics: 7 motor vehicle thefts, 17 thefts, 8 UEMV cases, and 6,251 total calls for service. He explained the expanded Move Over Law applies to emergency vehicles and any vehicle stopped on the roadway displaying appropriate warning signs. Drivers unable to move over should slow to a safe speed and watch for vehicles merging back into traffic.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:12:41]:
1. Dole Street School-Zone Safety: David Soucek raised concerns about illegal parking in a tow zone and within 20 feet of the crosswalk on Dole Street near the University of Hawaiʻi (UH). He raised safety concerns about crossing Dole Street, witnessing vehicles running red lights, and experiencing a collision on his bicycle in the bike lane. He asked for increased parking and traffic enforcement. Lieutenant Thompson replied he will direct officers to make additional checks during morning hours in that area. Treasurer Knight clarified the area is between Kānewai Park, Frank Street, and the East-West Center.
2. Traffic Concerns: Laura Ruby called the Dole Street area a “nightmare” for bicycles, pedestrians, and vehicles. She shared opposition from the McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Neighborhood Board meeting about any left turns into Kuilei Place, citing a prior fatal collision involving a motorcyclist and an illegal U-turn on Kapiʻolani Boulevard.
3. Flashing Crosswalk Lights: Member Murchie suggested installing flashing crosswalk lights along Dole Street.
4. Officer Complaint: Dylan Davis described an incident by Kuilei Place last Thursday involving former board member Daniel Decker. Davis claimed the HPD officer turned on his emergency lights and the officer did not log why he met Decker, resulting in a prolonged delay before the matter was resolved by a supervisor. Chair Welch asked Lieutenant Thompson to follow up with Dylan Davis. Lieutenant Thompson shared there is a “Meet the Major” event at 9:00 a.m. at the Aina Haina Starbucks and agreed to call Davis the next morning at 10:00 a.m.
5. Raised Crosswalks and Traffic Cameras: Members Bruce Wong suggested installing raised crosswalks along Dole Street to address speeding. Dylan Davis suggested installing cameras for traffic enforcement.
4. BOARD VACANCY & OTHER BOARD ACTION ITEMS: The Board postponed the consideration of agenda items 4A (Filling of Vacant Subdistrict 1 Seat), 4B (Approval of Board Meeting Minutes: Thursday, August 13, 2026), 4C (Possible Vote on Revisions to Approved Meeting Minutes), and 4D (Proposal and Possible Vote on the Creation of Ad-Hoc Special Subject Committee on Neighborhood Board Marketing Materials).
5. PUBLIC INTEREST REPORTS AND EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS [0:26:20]
A. Board of Water Supply (BWS) [0:26:30]: Kathleen Pahinui reported no water main breaks for August 2026 excluding the recent September 2026 water main break on Dole Street, which occurred during a storm. She announced the annual “Imagine a Day Without Water” event on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at the Ark of Safety at Wai‘anae Mall with more than 30 agencies, and BWS is considering holding next year’s event in town, potentially at the Ala Wai Golf Course. She reported the naupaka hedge planted at Diamond Head is now 4-6 feet tall and growing well around the perimeter. She invited Chair Welch and board members to visit the fencing and foliage. The Monsarrat water system improvement project has installed water mains and is now awaiting materials to complete service connections. Regarding Chair Welch’s request about a tree-planting water credit, she reported BWS is exploring other ways to help customers with their water bills.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EeI-MX-hshlGtxGKM7BmBQkQH55bhPvR/view
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:28:29]:
1. Water Main Break: Secretary Hasina thanked BWS for their rapid response to the Dole Street water main break.
2. Ongoing Drainage/Seepage Issue: Member Murchie asked if BWS can follow up on a water issue behind her home on Bertram Street that has caused slip-and-fall hazards and noted she was waiting for a resolution. Pahinui agreed to follow up and see if it is a BWS issue.
3. Diamond Head Fence Tour: Chair Welch asked for board members to contact him regarding the fence tour.
4. Aging Infrastructure: Dylan Davis asked whether the recent Dole Street water main break occurred about 10 feet from a prior break in the same area, and requested an evaluation of the surrounding pipe infrastructure. Pahinui acknowledged the water main break and said BWS would assess the area.
B. Kapi‘olani Community College (KCC) [0:31:50]: No representative was present.
C. Public Events Announcements [0:32:02]
1. Food Security Fund Charter Amendment Question [0:32:18]: Debbie Millikan introduced three students from Kalani High School’s Environmental Club, presented information in support of a proposed City Charter amendment on the November 2026 ballot (Question One/Proposal 119) to create an annually renewing Food Security Fund, using 0.5% of otherwise-unspent property tax revenue (approximately $8 million), to support local farmers, nonprofits, and food-distribution organizations addressing food insecurity on O‘ahu. The students emphasized that “Question One” creates no new taxes or fees, and shared personal and peer accounts of food insecurity on students and families, including families displaced by recent storms.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:41:01]:
1. Administering Department for the Fund: Treasurer Knight asked which City department would manage the proposed Food Security Fund. The students were not certain of the specific department and said the fund would be available to organizations working in local food, agriculture, or food distribution.
2. Current School Meal Programs: Secretary Hasina asked what meals students receive at their public school. The students described healthy, locally sourced meals intended to be nutritious and sustainable. Secretary Hasina offered support for future food security initiatives.
3. Root Causes of Food Insecurity: Dylan Davis asked whether the students would investigate the root causes of homelessness and food insecurity, including potential misuse of public assistance benefits. Chair Welch noted the comment was not relevant.
4. Contact Information: Treasurer Knight asked for the best way to contact the presenters. Chair Welch said he can follow up with the students and board members.
6. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU REPORTS [0:45:37]
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi – Director Anton Krucky [0:45:54]: Director Krucky outlined the City’s emergency response system used during recent storms. The Emergency Operations Center monitored infrastructure conditions and debris reports, coordinated police, fire, and ocean-safety operations, and managed shelters and transportation for residents. He reminded the Board that hurricane season has two months remaining.
He also provided updates on prior questions. If approved, the Food Security Fund would likely be administered by the Climate Resiliency Office or Department of Community Services. Kapi‘olani Park garden pathway and Bocce court/fitness-station projects are pending until the completion of archaeological surveys. The City’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) does not oppose converting Diamond Head Tennis Courts 8 and 9 to dedicated pickleball courts.
Four questions for the City’s Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM), including Kuilei Cliffs, Le‘ahi Beach Park, Barefoot Beach Cafe seawalls, and storm drains, will be resubmitted. According to Director Krucky, none of these concerns were submitted through HNL 311. HPD District 6 confirmed parking enforcement at the Diamond Head Community Garden is complaint-driven. DPR may consider a loading zone if the garden expands. Regarding HPD investigation statistics, HPD District 7 Officer Lynch contacted Mr. Dylan Davis and documented Davis’ concerns. The City’s Department of Transportation Services (DTS) contacted Member St. Denis regarding Le‘ahi Avenue parking restrictions. DTS is continuing to partner and work with the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization on the Urban Honolulu Mobility Hub Study. DTS plans to contact the Neighborhood Board when updates are ready for public input and presentation. Director Krucky offered to coordinate with DTS and the Traffic and Transportation Committee on unresolved traffic safety concerns.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:54:57]:
1. North Shore Ocean Safety Property: Member Murchie asked about the land transfer status for ocean safety use at a former food truck site on the North Shore. Director Krucky confirmed the City is moving forward with ocean safety plans.
2. Dogs: Member Murchie shared that she received an email from Nate Serota (DPR) about plans to allow off-leash dog access around Kapi‘olani Park and referenced the prohibition of dogs at a Ward Village/Howard Hughes property.
3. Pickleball Court Plans: Daisy Murai asked whether the proposed conversion of Diamond Head Tennis Courts 8 and 9 to permanent pickleball courts includes bleacher seating. Murai shared concerns that bleachers could cause problems for park users and neighbors, and urged the courts remain a recreational area rather than a tournament venue.
4. Traffic Safety: Laura Ruby reiterated the need for four-way stops, raised crosswalks, and rumble strips to slow down traffic. She requested no left turns into Kuilei Place along Kapi‘olani Boulevard.
5. Traffic Signal Request: Secretary Hasina asked for an update on traffic signal improvements near the Kaimuki shopping area by City Mill. Director Krucky said he would follow up with the Traffic and Transportation Committee.
6. Kapi‘olani Park Exercise Equipment: Nate Ulm raised concerns about deteriorated outdoor exercise equipment. Director Krucky explained that DPR crews remain backlogged with storm-related tree work and agreed to check the status and asked the resident to resubmit the HNL 311 request.
7. Undergrounding Overhead Power Lines: Member Rozman asked about plans to move overhead power lines underground to reduce storm-related outages. Director Krucky noted this is primarily a Hawaiian Electric (HECO) matter.
8. Traffic Impacts: Dylan Davis stated that a Kobayashi Group representative claimed at a prior McCully Neighborhood Board meeting that City civil engineers were directing the drafting of the project’s plans. Director Krucky clarified that the City issues permitting requirements and requires developers to conduct their own traffic impact and civil engineering studies, and does not draft applicants’ plans. Member Murchie commented that exemptions were made for the Kuilei Place project. Member Murchie also shared concerns about a proposed high-rise development seeking a variance from standard requirements on a narrow street near the Hawai‘i Convention Center.
9. Funding for Hurricane-Hardened Shelters: Chair Welch asked how the City prioritizes funding for “hurricane-hardened” public shelters and noted that current shelters like school gyms are not rated to withstand a major hurricane. Director Krucky explained that available shelters depend on school closures, most park structures are not hurricane-rated, and building a network of purpose-built, strategically placed hardened shelters would require significant funding.
B. Council Chair Tommy Waters [1:11:10]: Council Chair Waters reported the Honolulu City Council passed Bill 52 (second reading) to increase fines for illegal peddling from $100/$250/$500 to $500/$750/$1,000 for a first, second, and third offense, and Bill 54 to authorize DTS to designate red (no-parking) curbs as needed. The City Council passed Bill 33 (third reading) to authorize DPR to charge parking and entrance user fees for non-residents at certain parks, similar to the existing Diamond Head parking model. The Honolulu City Council also approved back pay and pay raises for City lifeguards. Chair Waters reported the Hawai‘i Supreme Court ruled, in a 3-2 decision, that he is ineligible to run for re-election. Chair Waters thanked everyone for their support and committed to still be in the community.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:16:15]:
1. Enforcement Alternatives for Illegal Vending/Performing: Dylan Davis asked why the City does not seize cash earnings from illegal street vendors and performers rather than issuing citations that may go unpaid. Chair Waters clarified that illegal peddling and unlicensed street performing are addressed differently. He is drafting a separate bill to require licensing, designated areas, and tax collection for street performers, and noted that enforcement against unlicensed performing has historically been difficult. Chair Waters hopes any new ordinance would withstand any legal challenge.
2. Fairness of Property Tax Assessments: Daisy Murai stated that property assessments are based on comparable neighborhood sales rather than the condition or size of an individual parcel, resulting in steep tax increases disconnected from a property’s actual characteristics. Chair Waters recommended appealing individual assessments, noting many appeals succeed, and reminded residents that Wednesday, September 30, 2026 is the deadline to apply for the homeowner property tax credit for households earning $80,000 or less.
3. Property Tax Appeals Board: Member Murchie discussed the difficulty long-time senior homeowners face in appealing assessments and noted the Property Tax Committee (Committee Chair Bruce Wong) plans to hold a public meeting at the Kaimuki Public Library. Chair Waters noted the Mayor-appointed, Council-confirmed Tax Appeal Board has granted many recent appeals, in some cases reducing assessed value by tens of thousands of dollars.
4. Scale of Tax Relief: Dylan Davis noted that reductions of less than roughly $100,000 have limited practical impact given overall assessed values, and suggested the issue be discussed further at the Property Tax Committee meeting.
C. Councilmember Scott Nishimoto [1:28:22]: Kylie Tokujo announced two community park cleanups at Ala Wai Neighborhood Park on Sunday, September 27, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (University Avenue side) and at Ala Moana Beach Park on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (near the tennis courts).
7. STATE ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS [1:29:45]
A. Governor Josh Green – Ryan Aguilar [1:29:54]: Ryan Aguilar shared Governor Green’s newsletter, which focused primarily on ongoing recovery efforts from recent storms.
• Newsletter: https://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ke-Ala-Hou-Newsletter-September-2026-FINAL.pdf
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:30:26]:
1. Election Guidance: Member Rozman asked whether the Governor’s office has guidance on how pending federal litigation over ID requirements for mailed ballots will affect the 2026 General Election, given that out-of-state ballots are mailed the following week.
2. Statewide Hardened Shelter Initiative: Chair Welch raised the need for a statewide initiative to fund hurricane-hardened shelters and cited the vulnerability of older single-wall residential construction in the district.
B. State Senator Stanley Chang [1:32:25]: No representative was present.
C. State Senator Les Ihara, Jr. [1:32:40]: No representative was present.
D. State Senator Carol Fukunaga [1:32:42]: No representative was present.
E. State House Representative Tina Nakada Grandinetti [1:32:43]: No representative was present.
F. State House Representative Jackson Sayama [1:32:57]: Representative Sayama reported little activity at the Capitol. He notified constituents that his Capitol office will be closed for renovations until approximately late December 2026 and constituents should email repsayama@capitol.hawaii.gov. Representative Sayama met with Chair Welch and other community leaders regarding the Ala Wai Watershed and emergency-shelter planning, and committed to working with federal, state, and county partners to secure funding and develop a coordinated emergency-shelter plan for the district.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:35:08]:
1. Proactive Shelter Planning: Dylan Davis asked why hardened-shelter planning had not already been established given the annual risk of hurricanes. Following technical difficulties, Representative Sayama agreed proactive planning and infrastructure investment are needed for future storms. Chair Welch suggested coordinating with the Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness Committee and neighboring watershed boards.
Member Wasden left the meeting at 8:06 p.m.; 7 members present. The Board lost quorum.
G. State House Representative Ikaika Olds [1:41:30]: Representative Olds reported the interim Keiki Caucus is gathering nonprofit input to shape five priority bills, including housing stability for youth leaving foster care. His office will close for two to three weeks for maintenance, but he remains available by phone (808-586-8515) and email (repolds@capitol.hawaii.gov). Representative Olds urged residents to maintain hurricane kits and know evacuation shelters. He also discussed Ala Wai flood mitigation efforts and encouraged rain barrel use, noting BWS rebates and approximately $90 Home Depot barrels.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:46:11]:
1. Committee Assignments: Chair Welch asked whether Representative Olds will retain the same committee assignments next session. Representative Olds confirmed he requested to remain Vice Chair of the Human Services and Homelessness Committee and a member of the Education, Health, and Higher Education Committees.
2. Hawai‘i Island Highway Collapse and School Maintenance Records: Dylan Davis asked if Representative Olds could obtain information on a highway collapse on Hawai‘i Island attributed to a recent tropical storm, and whether school buildings used as emergency shelters have adequate maintenance records. Davis shared concerns about deferred maintenance and concrete deterioration. Representative Olds agreed that deferred maintenance at Department of Education (DOE) facilities is a valid concern. He said the Big Island matter is outside of his district and should be directed to the Governor’s office.
3. Market City-Area Homeless Encampment: Secretary Hasina raised ongoing public health and safety concerns at a homeless encampment under the freeway near Market City. Representative Olds noted the area is likely under State jurisdiction, agreed the situation needs attention, and said he would look into it and follow up before the next meeting.
H. State House Representative Andrew Garrett [1:53:57]: No representative was present.
8. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS [1:53:58]
Ala Wai Ferry and Flood Mitigation [1:54:07]: Laura Ruby asked Member Murchie about the Ala Wai ferry resolution and asked board members to establish a committee addressing stormwater and flood mitigation.
Point of Order and Vacant Seat Status [1:59:17]: Dylan Davis shared concerns about the abuse of technology during the Neighborhood Board meeting and argued that a point of order may only be raised by a member attending in person rather than online, and claimed that he considers himself the holder of the vacant St. Louis Heights subdistrict seat. Chair Welch responded that board members participating online are entitled to raise points of order. Treasurer Knight stated that filling the vacant seat requires the Board’s appointment or election process per the Neighborhood Plan.
9. PRESENTATION [2:01:03]
Follow the Drop Information on Rain Barrel Assessments and Installations: No representative was present and Chair Welch stated the presentation would be rescheduled for a future meeting.
10. BOARD BUSINESS & REPORTS [2:01:30]
A. Chair’s Announcements and Updates [2:01:30]: Chair Welch said the vacant seat item will return next month. Chair Welch shared concerns about the meeting minutes not being “extensive enough.” He shared Ala Wai pedestrian bridge updates and asked why DTS has not returned to the Diamond Head Neighborhood Board to provide an update. St. Louis Heights realignment discussions continue. He also requested printed copies of the 2026 O‘ahu Neighborhood Board System Guidebook for board members.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [2:06:30]:
1. Board Funding: Secretary Hasina asked whether the Board has funds to finalize the meeting minutes.
2. Comparable Transcription Services: Member Murchie mentioned a transcription/recording service used by another community organization. Chair Welch asked Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi to report back on how much funding is allocated to each Neighborhood Board and what it may be used for, including newsletters and events.
B. Board Subdistrict Reports [2:09:04]
St. Louis Heights Subdistrict 1 – Julia Allen [2:09:24]: Member Allen reported the St. Louis Heights Community Association will be holding a meeting on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. and recommended contacting President Mahea Bernal for the meeting venue.
Kapahulu Subdistrict 2 – Anthony Miranda [2:09:58]: Member Miranda was absent.
Diamond Head Subdistrict 3 – Linda Wong [2:10:00]: Member L. Wong was absent.
C. Formed Committees [2:10:04]: Chair Welch noted the listed committee members were provided for reference and asked board members to flag any corrections.
Honolulu Charter Commission Update [2:10:40]: Member Rozman summarized over a dozen proposals that were in legal review as of June 22, including measures on board/commission eligibility and term limits; penalties for recalled or impeached council members; creation of a Clean Water and Natural Lands Fund, Affordable Housing Fund, Climate Resiliency Fund, and the Food Security Fund discussed earlier in the meeting (Item 5C); real-property transaction reporting; council election methods and term limits; administrative placement of the Charter Commission; immigration-enforcement process requirements; fire chief qualifications and removal procedures; a permanent Office of Hawaiian Resources and Cultural Stewardship; housing-policy implementation; and removal of the Assistant Director of the Department of Human Resources. He noted the Charter Commission has since finalized 20 ballot questions for the November election, available at https://www.honolulu.gov/elections/city-charter-info. Members Murchie and others discussed uncertainty over the specific content of individual numbered ballot questions and encouraged residents to review the official information before voting.
11. ADJOURNMENT [2:17:12]: Chair Welch adjourned the meeting at 8:41 p.m.
Submitted by: Curtis Hayashi, Neighborhood Assistant, Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO)
Reviewed by: Rachel Cristobal, Neighborhood Assistant, Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO)
Finalized by:
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