KULI‘OU‘OU – KALANI IKI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 2
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
6:30 PM VIA IN PERSON & WEBEX
IN PERSON
ʻĀina Haina Library Meeting Room
5246 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96821
Other available options include participating by WebEx and phone; instructions listed below
WEBEX
Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=ma6159b26be049fc54ccf1a89ce26bd02
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2484 622 4053
Password: NB02 (6202 from phones and video systems)
Join by phone: 1-408-418-9388
For Neighborhood Board Announcements, Correspondence, and Monthly Reports please go to the NB#2 Google drive link: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1wezRyARsyx1JlCFN56ejBuKud14s8u5P
Recordings: Recordings of Board meetings can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice
Rules of Speaking: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to raise his/her hand, and when recognized by the Chair, to address comments to the Chair. Speakers are allowed two (2) minutes, those giving reports are asked to keep them under three (3) minutes, and presenters under five (5) minutes. Comments should be brief and to the point. Please silence all electronic devices. Participants on WebEx please be sure to mute yourself when you are not speaking to avoid any background noise. When attending the meeting via cell phone press *6 to mute and unmute.
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 added to the agenda.
Privacy: This meeting is being recorded for future telecast. Comments made will be part of the video presentation.
1. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Clarissa Burkert
1.1. Rules of Speaking – Vice Chair Kaui Lucas
1.2. Roll Call and Quorum – Neighborhood Assistant Zhoydell Magaoay
2. CITY / STATE MONTHLY REPORTS – Three (3) minutes maximum per department.
2.1. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) https://www.hfd.honolulu.gov/
2.2. Honolulu Police Department (HPD) https://www.honolulupd.org/
2.3. Board of Water Supply (BWS) https://www.boardofwatersupply.com – Jimmy Yanos
3. BOARD BUSINESS – For discussion/action
3.1. Vacancies: SD#1(1), SD#2(1), SD#5(1), SD#7(1), SD#8(1)
3.2. Approval of regular meeting minutes from Tuesday, August 5, 2026
3.3. 668 Lawelawe Street Fire Hazard (Department of Planning and Permitting, Honolulu Police Department, Honolulu Emergency Services Department)
3.4. Resolution – East Honolulu Ko’olau Ungulate Fence Project
4. PUBLIC INPUT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Two 2) minutes each
(Because of the State “Sunshine Law”, concerns may be discussed, but no Board action may be taken
until a subsequent meeting.)
5. OFFICIALS’ REPORTS – Three (3) minutes per speaker. Reports should relate to issues of interest to residents of the Kuliʻouʻou Kalani Iki area.
5.1. Congressman Ed Case Representative- Kekoa Kaluhiwa
5.2. Mayor Rick Blangiardi Representative – Dita Holifield
5.3. Governor Josh Green Representative
5.4. City Council Chair Tommy Waters – District 4- Adam Doo
5.5. Senator Stanley Chang – District 9
5.6. Representative Mark Hashem – District 19
5.7. Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) – Maaza Mekuria https://hidot.hawaii.gov/
6. PRESENTATIONS
6.1. Food Insecurity, Honolulu City Charter Amendment 1 – Haumea Velasco
7. CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS
7.1. The next regular meeting of the Kuliʻouʻou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board is Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 6:30 p.m., at the ʻĀina Haina Library and via Webex.
7.2. Audio and Video Recordings: Informal audio and video recordings of the meetings are available to the general public via ʻŌlelo On Demand at https://olelo.org/olelonet/. Search for “Kuliʻouʻou Kalani Iki Board” and you can download an mp3 file or watch a video of the meetings online. Recordings of Board meetings can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice.
8. ADJOURNMENT
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2026 at 6:30 P.M.
ʻĀina Haina Library Meeting Room – 5246 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96821
AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING
Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J2qH3-moW8
Reports & other meeting materials can be found at:
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1wezRyARsyx1JlCFN56ejBuKud14s8u5P
CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:06]: Chair Clarissa Burkert called the Kuliʻouʻou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board No. 2 meeting to order. [0:00:35] – Rules of Speaking were reviewed. Quorum was established with nine (9) members present. Note: This 17-member Board requires nine (9) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.
Members Present: Clarissa Burkert, Jeannine Johnson, Frank Fujii, Shelley Ham, William Kilcoyne, Kaui Lucas, Doorae Shin (logged on at 6:33 p.m.), Healani Sonoda-Pale (logged on at 6:32 p.m.), Sandra Pfund, Kevin Palmer, and Sheridan Spangler
Members Absent: Mecca Monson-Gere
Guests: Firefighter Kendall Lloyd, Captain Clifford Wassman, Firefighter Mascaro-Owen, Texas (Honolulu Fire Department – HFD); Lieutenant Leonard Nishimura (Honolulu Police Department – HPD); Jimmy Yanos (Board of Water Supply – BWS); Director Dita Holifield (Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Office); Deborah Kwan (Governor Josh Green’s Office); City Council Chair Tommy Waters, Adam Doo (City Council Chair Watersʻ Office); Aloha McGuffie (ʻEO-CAN – KISCA HUI); Christopher Salas (Honolulu Century Ride); Dorothy Jorgensen (Holy Nativity School); Craig Gorsuch (Pia Valley Ungulate Fence Project); Andrea Wagner, Rick Wagner, Kahi Pacarro, Jme, Ross, Jason Liang, and Stephanie Spangler (Residents/Guests); and Zhoydell Magaoay (NCO). Note: The names of any attendees who were illegible were not included. There were approximately 41 attendees.
Member Sonoda-Pale logged on at 6:32 p.m. There were 10 members present.
Member Shin logged on at 6:33 p.m. There were 11 members present.
CITY / STATE MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:01:19]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:01:40]: Firefighter Kendall Lloyd reported August 2026 incident statistics.
August 2026 Statistics: Three (3) activated fire alarms with no fires; 19 medical emergencies; three (3) motor vehicle collisions; and one (1) hazmat incident.
Monthly Safety Tip – Emergency Notifications and Resources: With hurricane season upon the islands, residents were encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at hnlert.gov, understand the different alert methods including opt-in alerts and public alert and warning systems such as emergency alert systems, wireless emergency alerts, and outdoor warning sirens.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pJE6sZLPsNX_NIYu70cNMI8DpHsvBrvz/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:03:22]
1. Ongoing Neighbor Fire Activity: Resident Andrea Wagner expressed concern about an ongoing situation with a neighbor who starts active fires in a grill, sometimes burning trash and plastic bottles. Wagner inquired whether this should be reported, noting that Department of Planning & Permitting (DPP) rules allow open fires on properties even without utilities. Captain Wassman advised using discretion and encouraging Wagner to call HFD if concerned, noting that while controlled fires are permitted, uncontrolled or dangerous fires warrant law enforcement involvement.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:06:05]: Lieutenant Mike Nishimura reported August 2026 incident statistics.
August 2026 Statistics: Two (2) motor vehicle thefts; two (2) burglaries; three (3) thefts; one (1) unauthorized entry into motor vehicle (UEMV) case; and 5,475 total calls for service in District 7.
Monthly Safety Tip – Back to School Safety: Residents were encouraged to remind children bicycling to school to wear helmets and appropriate safety equipment, wear bright clothing, have lights or reflectors, ensure bicycles are in working order, and obey all traffic laws. Children walking to school were similarly advised to be careful and check surroundings when crossing streets.
Lawelawe Street Fire: Lieutenant Nishimura noted that an individual in the ʻĀina Haina area with ongoing fire-related issues was previously detained and possibly arrested for aggravated behavior related to fire activity, recommending residents call HPD assistance for any similar concerns so law enforcement can assess and take appropriate action. Director Holifield announced that Chief Lazar will make a personal appearance at the board next month. Over the past months, the team briefed Chief Lazar on escalating incidents requiring coordination between departments. Within 30 days, the Board will convene Chief Lazar, Dawn Apuna, and other stakeholders to address the issues comprehensively.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:11:50]
1. Geographic Clusters of Criminal Activity: Treasurer Spangler asked whether HPD had identified any geographic clusters of criminal activity in the neighborhood board area. Lieutenant Nishimura reported that nothing to date has brought the matter to his attention, with criminal incidents being spread throughout the geographic area with nothing particularly standing out.
2. Speed Bumps on West Hind Drive: Member Kilcoyne inquired about community feedback on recently installed speed bumps on West Hind Drive near the school. Lieutenant Nishimura reported no particular feedback from community or officers at that time. Resident Kahi Pacarro, candidate for House of Representatives District 19, noted that community opinion is evenly split, with half the community very angry about the speed bumps and half extremely grateful.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:14:30]: Jimmy Yanos reported that Oʻahu data centers consumed approximately 25 million gallons in 2025 (averaging 68,500 gallons daily), significantly less than major commercial shopping centers and showing a decrease from 2024. Red Hill fuel contamination continues to keep affected BWS wells offline with no updates on plume movement or anticipated additional shutdowns. Water quality testing in Kuliʻouʻou showed no concerning results. BWS confirmed no lead pipes exist in the system and lead and copper testing indicates no drinking water quality issues. Two main breaks occurred in July 2026: Friday, July 3, 2026 at 1778 Alaweo Place (4-inch pipe from 1975) and Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 6020 Kalanianaʻole Highway (16-inch pipe). Yanos invited attendees to the “Imagine a Day Without Water” event on Saturday, September 26th, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Ark of Safety at Yanni Mall (86-120 Farrington Highway), offering interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, games, prizes, a rain barrel workshop, and refreshments.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mGQ6_HIWeYVfMACEyS96_ANI1hOxY9gB/view?usp=drive_link
• IADWW Flyer:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18F0bfwkMx3P-8_JWnBWsns4eLQOz688E/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:20:19]
1. Water Quality Report and Booth Opportunity: Member Sonoda-Pale asked whether interested organizations could set up a booth at the Imagine a Day Without Water event. Jimmy Yanos indicated he would need to check with the communication section that organizes the event.
2. Wastewater Management: Resident Kahi Pacarro asked whether the BWS manages sewer services in addition to water. Jimmy Yanos clarified that sewer is under the Department of Environmental Services (ENV).
BOARD BUSINESS – [0:21:51]
Board Vacancies – [0:21:55]: Chair Burkert announced ongoing Board vacancies in six districts: Lower Waiʻalae Iki (1), Mid-Waiʻalae Iki Ridge (1), Kainani/Wailupe Peninsula (1), Hawaiʻi Loa Ridge/Niu Valley (1), Kuliʻouʻou (1), and one additional district (1). No community members present came forward to fill a vacant seat. Chair Burkert encouraged interested community members with a passion for caring for their community to apply.
Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes from Wednesday, July 1, 2026 – [0:22:58]: With no corrections noted, the Wednesday, July 1, 2026 meeting minutes were approved – [0:23:12].
Community Climate Mandate for East Oʻahu, Part II – [0:24:30]: Aloha McGuffie presented that the framework has moved from the planning phase into the implementation phase. The organization is reaching out to neighborhood boards to establish working groups for community implementation. McGuffie noted that the Kāhala Initiative for Sustainability, Culture, and the Arts (KISCA), sponsored by the Kāhala Hotel and Resort, currently has approximately 170 members who meet regularly via Zoom. The first three (3) working groups being formed are: education (partnering with educators from Kaimukī Middle School and Punahou to engage students on sustainability and environmental concerns); disaster readiness and fire-wise (with collaboration from Rick Wagner, Andrea Wagner, and Matt Fly); and resiliency hubs (with potential hubs in Waimānalo, Hawaiʻi Kai/Kuliʻouʻou, and Kaimukī/Kāhala/Pālolo/Waiʻalae-Kāhala areas). McGuffie explained that resiliency hubs serve as educational centers for disaster preparedness and collaboration on community projects like coqui frog control and other invasive species management. Representatives Joe Gedeon and Tina Grandinetti are exploring the best way to form and implement these resiliency hubs across East Oʻahu. The framework recognizes that East Oʻahu communities share one road (Kalanianaʻole Highway) and must work together and communicate to help each other during disasters. McGuffie invited survey responses to identify community priorities regarding climate resilience and environmental concerns, and encouraged Board members and community to join KISCA through a signup sheet provided. A QR code was provided for the survey.
• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e0F1L_QmhqfrsGaa0ih4Ieao7jhrCo3t/view?usp=drive_link
• Survey: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OI5Qynd0RA7Dy8G71NpN8w0q4HCr2ByA/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:30:55]
1. Resiliency Hub Location in Waimanalo: Member Sonoda-Pale asked about the location of the resiliency hub in Waimanalo. McGuffie clarified that no resiliency hubs have been established yet. The Waimānalo Neighborhood Board expressed interest in forming a hub during McGuffie’s June presentation, but the organization is still in the process of identifying and planning all hubs. McGuffie explained that East Oʻahu’s unified approach requires all communities from Waimanalo through Kaimukī to chip in and help each other during disasters, making coordinated communication and preparation essential.
2. Use of Artificial Intelligence for Flyers: Member Sonoda-Pale asked whether the organization uses AI to create flyers. McGuffie acknowledged that they used ChatGPT to create animated graphics for a framework presentation, but noted concerns raised about data center water consumption related to AI use. Sonoda-Pale pointed out that using AI contradicts sustainability messaging, as data centers and AI systems consume significant amounts of water for cooling. McGuffie acknowledged the valid concern and indicated the organization would consider this feedback when creating future materials.
3. Timeline for Working Group Implementation: Member Sonoda-Pale asked when the working groups would begin. McGuffie reported that the organization identified three priority working groups from the original ten topics discussed at last year’s symposium. The education, resiliency hub, and disaster readiness groups were selected as first priorities, with implementation anticipated to begin early next year.
ANNOUNCEMENTS – [0:37:58]
Honolulu Century Ride – [0:38:02]: Christopher Salas, Events Director for Hawaii Bicycling League, announced the 43rd annual Honolulu Century Ride on Sunday, September 27, 2026. The event starts in town at Kapiʻolani Park with riders traveling to Swaziland Beach near Koalao Ranch and returning (100 miles). For the Kuliʻouʻou-Kalani Iki neighborhood, minimal cycling impact is anticipated. The makai lane of Kalanianaʻole Highway will be coned off for two hours starting at 6:00 a.m. to accommodate the initial cyclist pack. Approximately 1,200 participants are expected this year, down from the early 2000s peak of approximately 3,000.
Holy Nativity Great Pumpkin Festival – [0:41:00]: Dorothy Jorgensen, Director of Development at Holy Nativity School, announced the 14th annual Great Pumpkin Festival on Friday, October 17, 2026. The school expects approximately 1,000 families from around East Honolulu. The event features a pumpkin patch, rides, games, and family fun. The school has applied for temporary road closure on Nenue Place between Nenue Street and the Starbucks parking lot to allow safe crossing during the festival. The closure will be brief and the shopping center will remain accessible.
PUBLIC INPUT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA – [0:43:22]
Government Corruption and Publicly Funded Elections: Resident Kahi Pacarro, candidate for House of Representatives District 19, raised concerns about declining public trust and growing tolerance of corruption, noting that campaign spending data can be cross-referenced with legislative decisions to expose ties between outside money and elected officials. He argued that well-funded candidates often win regardless of fit for the community, and advocated for publicly funded elections as a way to curb this influence. Pacarro urged residents to learn about money’s role in politics and support candidates who reject corporate funding.
OFFICIALS’ REPORTS – [0:46:21]
U.S. Congressman Ed Case – [0:46:27]: No representative was present. No report was submitted.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi – [0:46:45]: Director Dita Holifield reported on the Mayor’s August 2026 initiatives, including the redesign of Hawaiʻi driver’s licenses and state IDs with enhanced security features for the first time in 17 years. School zone speed limits are being lowered from 25 mph to 20 mph between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on school days, and the City is installing and replacing over 1,000 missing, faded, or substandard school zone signs across the island’s 200+ schools. The City is also advancing the Iwilei-Kūwili transit-oriented development vision and implementing the Youth Climate Action Fund, which supports Oʻahu youth with up to $4,999 to design and implement climate change projects through the Mayor’s Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency. Additionally, Chief Paul Lazar was sworn in as the 13th Chief of Police, the City celebrated America’s 250th anniversary in May, the Department of Enterprise Services is hosting Journey’s final tour at the Blaisdell, and John Berry was announced as the new Honolulu Zoo Director.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18Q0AY8btSwQBwKMLv7R5k1vhzjR-JtoW/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:51:40]
1. Panda Licensing Costs: Member Fujii asked whether the City is paying China licensing fees to bring pandas to the Honolulu Zoo. Director Holifield confirmed China holds exclusive panda licensing with associated costs at multiple commitment levels, but exact figures can’t be disclosed due to ongoing negotiations. She noted the City is exploring funding options outside the city budget, including private partnerships, though final numbers and funding approach are still undetermined.
Governor Josh Green – [0:56:11]: Deborah Kwan, the new Governor’s Representative replacing Dave Day, introduced herself and offered to relay messages from Governor Green’s office. She highlighted several August 2026 initiatives from the Governor’s newsletter, including the commemoration of the first anniversary of the Maui fires and progress on rebuilding efforts, the 20th anniversary of the Hawaii National Guard’s partnership with Indonesia, and the opening of a new University of Hawaii research center focused on clinical trials, the first of its kind in the state. She also noted that the Department of Hawaiian Homelands has issued the most Hawaiian home leases in recent years. Kwan encouraged attendees to review the Governor’s newsletter for further details.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sWsQ8zCDdnn_mBdLo5N_GjnTSbI8jyJQ/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:57:48]
1. Location Information for Disease Outbreaks: Member Fujii asked why the Department of Health does not release location information when announcing disease outbreaks or travel-related illnesses. Fujii argued that providing location data (without patient names or addresses) would allow the public to avoid those areas and would not violate HIPAA regulations. Kwan committed to bringing the question back to the Governor’s Office for response.
2. Publicly Financed Elections: Kahi Pacarro noted that the Governor mentioned in a recent interview interest in publicly financed elections and asked whether Kwan had information about this initiative. Kwan indicated she did not have information but would follow up with the Governor’s Office.
City Council Chair Tommy Waters (District 4) – [1:00:50]: Council Chair Tommy Waters presented five (5) bills scheduled for full City Council hearing on Wednesday, August 7, 2026: Bill 5454 allowing the Department of Transportation to paint curbs red to address unauthorized parking near Kuliʻouʻou hiking trailheads; Bill 53 making cart ownership outside commercial property a petty misdemeanor; Bills 45 and 46 increasing homeowner exemptions for residents 65 and older from $180,000 to $200,000 and other residents from $140,000 to $160,000 to offset rising property taxes; and Bill 47 reducing vehicle registration tax from 7 cents to 5.5 cents per pound, projected to cost the city $34 million but funded through approximately $200 million in unspent city budget. Waters urged the Mayor to release $2 million per council district allocated for island-wide resiliency hub planning and thanked Members Sonoda-Pale and Kahi Pacarro for their work on the recently approved Clean Water and Natural Lands funds. Waters recognized Treasurer Spangler for over three decades of service to the Kuliʻouʻou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board with a City Council recognition award.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c5IZxE74Srh_rhYMwfWdpNWo-2IMtGAb/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:11:15]
1. Support for City Council Chair Waters: Resident Stephanie Spangler voiced support for Council Chair Waters, urging him to continue fighting for his position and stating that his votes should count.
2. Wailupe Stream Maintenance: Member Kilcoyne raised concerns about recurring overgrowth and recent boulder movement in Wailupe Stream, warning of safety risks near the bridge ahead of hurricane season despite prior cleaning efforts. Council Chair Waters acknowledged the hazard and committed to advocating for twice-yearly stream maintenance through the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM), noting past Council efforts to publish an online maintenance schedule. He added that previously allocated maintenance positions went unfilled and suggested the City may eventually need to privatize stream maintenance to keep pace island-wide.
3. Housing Affordability and Foreign Investment: Treasurer Spangler asked how the City can address housing needs given foreign marketing of new Oʻahu residential buildings. Council Chair Waters noted the City requires owner-occupancy and had proposed an empty homes tax, but it lacked votes and faced a likely mayoral veto; most such buildings are approved by the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority, and the issue is worse on an island with limited space.
4. Clarity on Council Agendas: Treasurer Spangler asked whether the City Council could make agenda items clearer in legal notices so that the impact or importance of votes is more obvious. Treasurer Spangler noted that some agendas use vague language like “discussing sidewalk issues” without clarifying the significance. Council Chair Waters committed to continuing to push subject-matter committee chairs to specify exactly what bills do when introduced.
5. Public Support for Council Chair Waters and Election Day: Member Sonoda-Pale voiced support for Council Chair Waters amid what she called a travesty with the election. Council Chair Waters said he is appealing his disqualification, though it may not resolve before the general election, leaving three candidates; he noted the third-place finisher may also have a claim since his votes could have gone to them, and said he’ll ask the Supreme Court to consider a redo, potentially reopening the race to other qualified candidates.
6. Shopping Cart Sanitation: Member Pfund suggested DFM use its power-washing equipment to sanitize collected shopping carts before returning them to stores, which could make retailers more willing to accept them. Waters noted Goodwill has expressed interest in taking some carts, and that once the bill passes and police begin seizing carts, the City will need a storage location. He added that removing carts from the streets should deter future theft due to the incarceration penalty, and invited residents to testify on the bills at www.honolulucitycouncil.org.
7. Publicly Financed Elections and Chair Waters’ Recommendation: Resident Kahi Pacarro argued taxpayers already pay for elections, estimating $7–$10 per person per year, and suggested $20 per election would be worth it to curb corruption. He asked which of the three remaining candidates Council Chair Waters would recommend, but he declined to answer until his appeal is resolved.
Senator Stanley Chang (District 9) – [1:28:09]: No representative was present. No report was submitted.
Representative Mark Hashem (District 19) – [1:28:19]: No representative was present. No report was submitted.
Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) – [1:28:25]: Maaza Mekuria, Acting Director of HDOT’s Project Coordination and Operational Support Branch, was not present. Chair Burkert announced that Mr. Mekuria is the Board’s new HDOT point of contact and indicated that he is willing to work on matters the Board brings to his attention.
PRESENTATIONS – [1:28:56]
Pia Valley Ungulate Fence Project Update – [1:30:00]: Craig Gorsuch reported on the Pia Valley Ungulate Fence Project, a Koʻolau Mountain Watershed Partnership initiative addressing invasive feral pigs damaging native plants, water quality, and endangered species across 100,000 acres in the Koʻolau Mountains. The 21,000-foot fence will protect 522 acres from 1,000 to 2,600 feet elevation while maintaining 240 acres of public hunting area with stepover gates relocated to gulches based on Game Management Advisory Commission feedback. Feral pigs spread rapid ʻōhiʻa death fungus, prompting conservation measures including B-Lok sealant on ʻōhiʻa cuts and isopropyl alcohol equipment cleaning to prevent biohazard contamination. The area harbors endangered native species including ʻōhiʻa lehua, ʻaʻaliʻi, ʻalalā, and Hawaiian hoary bats, with archaeological consultation identifying no current concerns. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) support the $850,000-funded project. Gorsuch requested a board resolution of support.
• Outreach Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i73LkrOK4J6xuh4LttIcXnRBeXRsFjdJ/view?usp=drive_link
• Hunting Access:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tVj-O3gUGsaG1AnN7OXO-2Dk71y4aLs4/view?usp=drive_link
• Why Fencing Matters:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ty4KizbedSMD2rx2HEHL6lM11K5C3DLF/view?usp=drive_link
• Fence Map:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WKV49VY8JeD0vJBbCTGpK2sU0fh4MFyW/view?usp=drive_link
• Comments Response:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PfWAo2YDCWXI4w_ggMWmkd5DJlGx1vi2/view?usp=drive_link
• Info Overview:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QoLAsdO1_ULfPXvZ-KG5kZKV09YmI7xW/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:42:07]
1. Drafting a Resolution of Support: Treasurer Spangler suggested that rather than drafting specific language on the spot, the Board should simply express its support, and recommended that a formal resolution be written up and brought back for consideration. Chair Burkert indicated that Gorsuch should draft a formal resolution for the Board’s September 2, 2026 meeting, with Member Pfund assistance in review. Treasurer Spangler noted that given the quality of Gorsuch’s presentation, she did not anticipate resistance to the resolution and noted that the Board would handle the necessary paperwork.
2. Project Budget: Member Kilcoyne expressed appreciation for Gorsuch’s presentation and asked about the project budget and equipment logistics. Gorsuch reported that $850,000 is available through NOAA grant funding for fence construction. Equipment will be transported via helicopter sling load to a landing zone on Kamehameha Schools land at Kamehame Ridge. Due to storage restrictions at Kamehameha Schools, Gorsuch has arranged staging and storage at adjacent Pinnacle Ridge property, with equipment trucked to the helicopter landing zone for transport up the mountain.
3. Construction Timeline: Member Kilcoyne asked about the construction timeline and whether work would occur seven days a week, and whether construction noise had been addressed. Gorsuch reported an anticipated eight-month construction period but indicated that construction schedule details (including days of operation) would need to be clarified with stakeholders, noting the importance of following community guidelines and being respectful of the community.
CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS – [1:46:04]
Next Regular Meeting – [1:46:04]: The next regular meeting of the Kuliʻouʻou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board No. 2 is Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the ʻĀina Haina Library Meeting Room and via Webex.
Audio and Video Recordings: Informal audio and video recordings of the meetings are available to the general public via ʻŌlelo On Demand at https://olelo.org/olelonet/. Search for “Kuliʻouʻou Kalani Iki Board.” Recordings can also be found at https://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice.
ADJOURNMENT – [1:46:26]
Chair Burkert adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:16 p.m.
Submitted by: Zhoydell Magaoay, NA
Reviewed by: Camilia Epa Gomes, NA
Finalized by: Mecca Monson-Gere, Secretary and Clarissa Burkert, Chair
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.