WAI‘ALAE – KĀHALA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 3
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.
ALA WAI GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE 404 KAPAHULU AVENUE, 2ND FLOOR
HONOLULU, HI 96815
AND VIA WEBEX
WEBEX MEETING LINK: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m90ba0cc0c06385379f06455c91322e2f
MEETING NUMBER/ ACCESS CODE: 2499 473 0796
PASSWORD: NB03 (6203 from phones and video systems)
JOIN BY PHONE: +1-408-418-9388
Other available options include participating by WebEx and phone; instructions listed above.
Meeting Materials: Find a monthly archive of handouts and referenced materials concerning to the Waiʻalae-Kāhala Neighborhood Board No. 3 at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17LXJxz95TzKD5-I_NellIitTwSrY6MBr
Recordings of Board Meetings can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice
Rules of Speaking: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to raise their hand, and when recognized by the Chair, to address comments to the Chair. Speakers are encouraged to keep their comments under three (3) minutes, and those giving reports are urged to keep their reports under three (3) minutes. Please silence all electronic devices.
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. A two-thirds (2/3) vote six (6) of this nine (9)-member Board is needed to add an item to the agenda. Items may not be added if they are of major importance and will affect a significant number of people.
I. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Christian de Quevedo
II. CITY / STATE MONTHLY REPORTS: Limited to three (3) minutes each
a. Honolulu Fire Department
b. Honolulu Police Department
c. Board of Water Supply
III. FILLING OF VACANCIES
(One Vacancy) Subdistrict 1 – Residents interested must provide current proof of residency or contact Neighborhood Assistant Anson Wu (anson.wu@honolulu.gov) in advance.
IV. REPORTS OF MEMBERS’ ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS
V. ELECTED OFFICIALS’ REPORTS: Limited to three (3) minutes each
a. Governor’s Representative – Patti Jetti
b. Department of Transportation Representative – Casey Abe
c. Mayor’s Representative – John Nouchi
d. Councilmember Tommy Waters
e. Representative Mark Hashem
f. Representative Tina Grandinetti
g. Senator Stanley Chang
VI. RESIDENTS’ COMMUNITY CONCERNS: Limited to three (3) minutes each
VII. BOARD BUSINESS / UNFINISHED BUSINESS / PRESENTATIONS
A. Board Business
a. Approval of Thursday, November 21, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
b. Alternative Venues for Future Board Meetings
B. New Business / Presentations
a. Overview of Revised East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan
b. Vote on Neighborhood Board Support for Shangri La Conditional Use Permit Expansion
c. Utility Pole Concern – Diamond Head Road Correspondence from the Office of Senator Keohokalole inquiring whether the installation of an unusually tall utility pole on Diamond Head Road, affecting the view from 3703 Poka Place, was previously raised or discussed by the board between 2023–2024.
d. Feral Pig Activity – Middle Ainakoa Avenue: Resident concern regarding ongoing feral pig activity causing property damage and sanitation issues, and requesting assistance after unsuccessful follow-up with Department of Land Natural Resources (DLNR)-related contacts.
e. Notification of 2026 Hawaiʻi Pacific Health (HPH) Women’s 10K & 5K Fun Run: Notification from Na Wahine Racing Limited Liability Company (LLC) regarding the annual HPH Women’s 10K & 5K Fun Run scheduled for January 25, 2026, which will pass through the Waiʻalae-Kāhala area; provided to satisfy City and County permit requirements.
f. Kāhala Beach Apartments (KBA) Lease Extension Concern: Correspondence from Kāhala Beach Apartments unit owners outlining historical, legal, and fiduciary concerns related to the potential non-extension of the KBA ground lease with Kamehameha Schools; presented for board awareness and discussion only.
g. 3 absent letter – Sylvia Himeda
VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next Regular Meeting: Thursday, February 19, 2026, 7:00 p.m. at Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse 404 Kapahulu Avenue, 2nd Floor Honolulu, HI 96815 And via WebEx
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Waiʻalae Kāhala Neighborhood Board
A mailing list is maintained for interested persons and agencies to receive this board’s agenda and minutes. Additions, corrections, and deletions to the mailing list may be directed to the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) at Kapālama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160 Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96817; Telephone (808) 768-3710 Fax (808) 768-3711; or call (808) 768-3710 or e-mail. Agendas and minutes are also available on the internet at www.honolulu.gov/nco.
All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours, 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, Hawaiʻi 96817. Fax: (808) 768-3711. Email: nbtestimony@honolulu.gov.
If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability or an interpreter for a language other than English, please call the Neighborhood Commission Office at (808) 768-3710 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or send an email to nco@honolulu.gov 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, NOVEMBER 20, 2025 at 7:00 P.M.
ALA WAI GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE 404 KAPAHULU AVENUE, 2ND FLOOR, HONOLULU, HI 96815
AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING
Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7U-FZWdBbA
Reports & other meeting materials can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17LXJxz95TzKD5-I_NellIitTwSrY6MBr?usp=drive_link
I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:06]: Chair Christian de Quevedo called the Waiʻalae-Kāhala Neighborhood Board No. 3 meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.
Quorum WAS established with 6 members present. Note – This nine (9)-member Board requires five (5) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action. Board members must be in-person or have video access.
Members Present: Christian De Quevedo, Peter Dudgeon, Colin Fujiki, Brian Wong, Aloha McGuffie, Lee Castonguay, and Richard Turbin (7:14 p.m.).
Members Absent: Sylvia Himeda.
Guests: Captain W. Ahuna (Honolulu Fire Department); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Casey Abe (Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation); Patti Jette (Governor Josh Green’s Office); Jon Nouchi (Mayor’s Representative); Councilmember Tommy Waters and Chief of Staff Kevin Imanaka; Representative Tina Nakada Grandinetti; Casey Shoji (Senator Stanley Chang); Lea Major, Ben Weitz, Navid Najafi, and Alice Ancarani (Doris Duke Foundation); Randall Port, Hugh Gureero, Gordon Froeb, Susan Fuller, Richard Lau, Maude Lau, Jennifer, Earl Suicchi Tano, George Gibo, Donna Chuck, Keenang Chris Kinimaka, Pat Murphy, Minh Pham, Gary Johnson, Delora Balfour, John Balfour, Stephanie Grienert, Nathaniel Forbes, Paul Dwayne Calvey, Ashley Johnson, Bill Johnson, Evan Kushikin, Vicky Holt Takamine, Michelle, Akari, Miki Kanda, Michelle, Elizabeth Reilly, Lesley B., Barrrett Francis, Barrrett Francis, David Patno, L. Ballew, Wendy Johnson, Mike Buck, Angelli T., Dalan Kam, John White, and Fred Fong (Resident); and Anson Wu (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were approximately 75 total attendees.
II. CITY & STATE MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:00:51]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:01:00]: Captain W. Ahuna provided October 2025 statistics and November 2025 safety Tips.
• October 2025 Statistics: There was 0 structure fire, 0 wildland/brush fire, 0 nuisance fire, 0 cooking fire, 2 activated alarms (no fire), 38 medical emergencies, 0 motor vehicle collision with pedestrian, 3 motor vehicle crash collisions, 0 mountain rescue, 1 ocean rescue, and 0 hazardous material incident.
• November 2025 Safety Tips: Captain Ahuna provided the safety tips regarding cooking safety: stay alert; don’t cook if sleepy/intoxicated; remain in the kitchen; use a timer; keep combustibles away from stove tops; keep children/pets three feet from cooking areas.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kjDwWkCRl988yiJ-4y-0Vdl7SamxchSf/view?usp=drive_link
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:03:06]: No representative present.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:03:26]: Lorna Heller reported one main break on Thursday, October 2, 2025, on Alaloa Place. For main break updates and repair info, visit their main breaks webpage; also follow Facebook/Nextdoor and sign up for HNL Alerts for larger incidents.
Questions, Comments and Concerns – BWS – [0:04:31]
1. Waiʻalae Beach Park Project Status: Member Fujiki asked for the status of a project by Waiʻalae Beach Park and other projects happening at Waiʻalae. Heller will follow up and report back at the next meeting.
[0:05:38] – Hearing no objections Hawaiʻi Department of Transporation was moved up the agenda.
Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) – Highways – [0:05:44]: Casey Abe provided the report and highlighted the following: trash along the fence line between the Waiʻalae Avenue offramp and the H1 Freeway Eastbound largely cleaned; graffiti removal and a new graffiti tag are being observed and will be addressed; potholes at the Wilder/Kīlauea intersection were patched; and Waiʻalae Avenue resurfacing is still scheduled for 2028.
Questions, Comments and Concerns – [0:07:38]
1. Accelerating Waiʻalae Avenue Resurfacing Schedule: Member Fujiki raised concerns about the Waiʻalae Avenue resurfacing in 2028 and advocated for accelerating the project. Casey Abe acknowledged the request and suggested asking the state representative, as they can influence HDOT’s leadership decision.
2. Road Counters: A resident requested information from the road counters on Kealaolu Avenue. Abe clarified that traffic tube counters on local streets are city and not state.
Turbin arrived to the meeting at (7:14 p.m.); 7 members present
III. FILLING OF VACANCIES – [0:11:03]
Subdistrict 1 – One Vacancy – [0:11:07]: No volunteers.
IV. REPORTS OF MEMBERS’ ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS – [0:11:57]
Shangri La Meeting – [0:12:03]: Members Castonguay and Dudgeon attended a Friday, November 7, 2025, meeting between Shangri La and residents, noting strong turnout, discussions clarifying major and minor Conditional Use Permit (CUP) terminology, general support for Shangri La’s mission, Shangri La’s willingness to change their CUP, and an indication that Shangri La would meet again and present revisions.
V. ELECTED OFFICIALS’ REPORTS – [0:13:57]
Office of the Governor – [0:14:04]: Governor’s Representative Patti Jette shared newsletter and took questions.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KWEenIJXuOLF4qsnpFkGyfdVPzYw1hqA/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, Comments and Concerns – Governor’s Office – [0:14:33]
1. Helicopter Overflights at Late Hours: Member Fujiki raised concern about helicopter overflights at late hours. Jette stated that the helicopters are likely related to military exercise and will relay concerns.
2. Department of Education (DOE) Parcel Sidewalk Safety and Maintenance Delays: Resident Port raised continuing DOE Facilities Maintenance Branch delays at the 6.5-acre DOE parcel affecting sidewalk safety on Pūpū Panini Avenue and requested expeditious action, noting prior assurances had not materialized. Jette will follow up with DOE and report back to the Chair. Chair de Quevedo reiterated community patience and willingness to assist (letters/resources) to advance action.
Office of the Mayor – [0:21:29]: Jon Nouchi provided the report and highlighted the following: Skyline Segment 2 opening; early education center relocation during municipal parking structure repairs; new sewer rates effective January 1, 2026; a free Royal Hawaiian Band concert at Blaisdell Concert Hall on Friday, November 28, 2025; Honolulu City Lights starting Saturday, November 29, 2025; and a new press release subscription system (honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter-signup). Nouchi also provided follow-ups to questions asked in the previous meeting. The Route 1 bus operates every 7–10 minutes in peaks; no overload was found; the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will continue to monitor. Pueo Street and Kīlauea Avenue signal confirmed in demand mode and meets timing standards; call 808-768-8388 for specific timing concerns. A traffic signal study is underway for the Malia & Kīlauea crossing to help students and parents from Wilson Elementary; tube counter data will support federal warrant analysis; results to be shared when complete.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DkOn2szGeGR8qqqA5PhxH5gLZ_LlZDe9/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns – [0:27:44]
1. Kīlauea Avenue and Pueo Street Signal Timing and Illegal Parking: Member Turbin raised concerns on the update and provided more information on the street light timing on Kīlauea Avenue and the Pueo Street signal. Turbin also raised concerns about a large tour bus illegally parking at night in front of Waiʻalae Park. Nouchi encourages residents to call DTS for concerns, and DTS can recheck as needed.
2. Wilson Elementary School Traffic Safety and Crossings: Member Fujiki discussed Wilson Elementary queuing hazards and other possible solutions, such as having cars queuing on Malia Street. Nouchi addressed the issue and suggested coordination with school operation. Chair De Quevedo questioned if the school can request more budget so they can redesign the entry and exit to make it safer for kids. Jette will take the request back to her office. Nouchi suggested a walking school bus.
[0:40:00] – Castonguay MOVED and Fujiki SECONDED to write a letter of support for Wilson Elementary to have walking school bus program. Hearing no objections, the motion WAS ADOPTED; 7-0-0 (AYE: De Quevedo, Dudgeon, Fujiki, Turbin, Wong, McGuffie, and Castonguay; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None) – [0:40:07]
3. Homeless Concerns: Chair De Quevedo raised concerns of public safety regarding the homeless population, recounting a recent encampment and dog attack during volunteer cleanup at Ocean View Cemetery, and requested the coordinated city to engage with other government branches to have more effective relief. Nouchi will coordinate cross-department collaboration starting with Roy Miyahira.
4. Kealaolu Avenue Speeding and Traffic Enforcement: Resident Froeb cited frequent speeding on Kealaolu and requested data from traffic counters and a stop sign at Kealaolu and Farmers. Nouchi stated DTS will do a study for the speeding issue and will come back with their findings. Nouchi noted issues regarding the installation of a stop sign on Kealaolu and Farmers, but he would provide other options when the study is completed. Foreb requested more police presence and the count data. Nouchi will coordinate for HPD enforcement and check on public availability of count data.
5. Route 1 Bus Frequency and Potential Bus Strike: Resident Kam clarified that he requested the frequency of the late-night hours from 6:00 p.m. to midnight. He also questioned what DTS will do in preparation for a potential bus driver strike. Nouchi clarified that he cannot provide an update because DTS is not a party to the labor negotiations between Oahu Transit Services, which is a private not-for-profit company that operates the bus and manages the bus on behalf of the city. Nouchi noted that the city is concerned about the situation and is looking at alternatives in the event of a strike.
City Council District 4 – [0:51:30]: Councilmember Tommy Waters attended in person and provided updates: signed bills increasing homeowner exemptions; urged residents to ensure both spouses/owners are listed on exemptions to avoid Residential A reclassification; and is considering changes to Residential A. Affordable housing: supports an empty homes tax to bring thousands of vacant units into use; the measure previously passed council but lacked sufficient votes overall, but he will continue to pursue it. Landfill siting remains challenging; potential continued use of Waimānalo Gulch with community benefits was discussed; opposed siting over aquifer. Sewer fees are rising; voted no; proposes using savings from vacant positions to offset. Clean water and Red Hill: pushing for Navy to fund testing wells and filtration. Councilmember Waters voiced his opposition to the gondola and will wait for the Department of Planning and Permitting decision and provided updates to the city lawsuit. Local traffic/school safety: personally observed Wilson Elementary pickup queuing; two city engineers studying solutions. FAA helicopter altitude: opposes lowering minimal altitudes and described routes impacting Kāhala and Kaimukī.
Questions, comments, and concerns – [1:09:46]
1. Development Plan Boundaries and Community Planning Committee: Member McGuffie discussed development plan boundaries and a proposed Board committee to review the Primary Urban Center Development Plan (PUCDP) and East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan (EHSCP). Councilmember Waters provided an explanation on the PUCDP and EHSCP and responded with support for community engagement in planning processes.
2. Kīlauea Avenue and Pueo Street Signal Timing and Illegal Parking: Member Turbin restated his concerns regarding the street signal timing on Kīlauea Avenue and Pueo Street and a large tour bus illegally parking.
3. Storm Water Fee Status: Member Wong asked about the stormwater fee status. Councilmember Waters provided an explanation for the increase of the sewer fee and responded that it has been on hold for three years.
House Districts 20 – [1:19:57]: Representative Tina Nakada Grandinetti reported ongoing DOE Pūpū Panini communications and requested to be cc’d on any updates from Patti Jette; supports “walking school bus” models for school traffic safety; is conducting site visits to the Aquarium, Kapiʻolani Community College (KCC), and the School for the Deaf and Blind in advance of the 2026 legislative session; is working on a bill package addressing the housing crisis, strengthening renters’ protections, and consumer protection to handle the cost of pharmaceuticals; hosted two meetings with legislative members and community advocates on tax fairness strategies and a presentation on the RX Kids program; and new staffing changes.
Representative District 19 – [1:24:55]: No representative present.
Senate District 9 – [1:25:09]: Casey Shoji from Senator Stanley Chang’s office highlighted the following: the Waikīkī Parade on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.; the Hawaiʻi Kai Holiday Parade on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; and a statewide notice on unclaimed life insurance benefits. For any questions, you can contact the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Insurance Division at 808-586-2790 regarding the unclaimed life insurance benefits.
VI. RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [1:27:01]: No concerns
VII. BOARD BUSINESS / UNFINISHED BUSINESS / PRESENTATIONS – [1:27:22]
A. BOARD BUSINESS – [1:27:23]
Approval of Thursday, October 17, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes – [1:27:25]:
[1:27:39] – Turbin MOVED and Castonguay SECONDED to approve the Thursday, October 17, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes as written. Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED; 7-0-0 (AYE: De Quevedo, Dudgeon, Fujiki, Turbin, Wong, McGuffie, and Castonguay; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None) – [1:27:46]
Alternative Venues for Future Board Meetings – [1:27:51]: Chair De Quevedo suggested the KCC Culinary Arts Center identified as a preferred option.
Resolution to Establish a Waiʻalae-Kāhala Neighborhood Board (WKNB) Community Advisory Committee to Review the PUCDP and EHSCP and Recommend Community Priorities Using Ahupuaʻa Resource Management Principles – [1:28:01]: Members McGuffie provided a resolution to form a committee to review the PUCDP and prepare recommendations during upcoming update cycles, emphasizing community-engaged stewardship and climate resilience.
• Drafted Resolution: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1f3t4lJ9sCMZAGqUl8PWoHPtxUiD9rZq4/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=110816970952488543387&rtpof=true&sd=true
[1:31:29] – Turbin MOVED and Castonguay SECONDED to adopt the resolution to establish a Waiʻalae-Kāhala Neighborhood Board (WKNB) Community Advisory Committee to review the PUCDP and EHSCP and recommend community priorities using ahupuaʻa resource management principles. Hearing no objections, the motion WAS ADOPTED; 7-0-0 (AYE: De Quevedo, Dudgeon, Fujiki, Turbin, Wong, McGuffie, and Castonguay; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None) – [1:31:41]
[1:32:50] – Next Steps: Member McGuffie and Fujiki will draft an implementation plan and invite neighboring boards to participate; target an update in January 2026.
B. NEW BUSINESS / PRESENTATIONS – [1:33:43]
Overview of Revised East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan – [1:33:46]: No presentation.
Discussion on 2025 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Service Reductions in Honolulu – [1:33:3]: Chair De Quevedo read an anonymous EMS operator’s concern regarding staffing/service reductions and community impacts.
Liquor License Request for Sony Open Golf Tournament – [1:34:50]: No concerns.
[1:35:44] – Chair De Quevedo called for a recess at 8:44 p.m.
[1:36:57] – Chair De Quevedo called the meeting back to order at 8:55 p.m. Hearing no objection, the Chair De Quevedo changed the time for speaking from 3 minutes to 1 minute due to time constraints.
Vote on Neighborhood Board Support for Shangri La Conditional Use Permit Expansion – [1:38:30]: Executive Director Ben Weitz outlined mission impacts and recent programs, including education and cultural events and diplomatic dialogues, and framed a revised proposal responsive to neighbor concerns. Deputy Executive Director Lea Major then summarized changes since the September 2025 filing, presenting substantial reductions in proposed attendance and event counts, implementing a daily cap, and making operational adjustments to minimize neighborhood impacts. The revised proposal’s key elements included reducing the number of guests and evening events from the original filing numbers, with an emphasis on smaller events and end times maintained earlier than current limits. No adjustments were made for the art and cultural tours. Daytime meetings had adjusted counts, with the largest category reduced from 175 to 150 attendees and frequency reduced from 12 to 4 annually, with an extended daytime meeting window to 6:30 p.m. to clear the site. She also noted additional enhancements such as a daily cap of 250 and potentially having a liaison and committed to having prompt responses when issues arise.
Questions, comments, and concerns – [1:46:36]
1. CUP Scale and Neighborhood Character: Resident Ashley Johnson and Fong opposed the updated proposal, expressing concern that the 30 evening events having up to 250 attendees function as a commercial venue within a residential district.
2. Event Volume vs. Existing CUP: Resident Richard Lau opposed the updated proposal, noting the existing CUP allows 7 evening activities; the reduction of the updated CUP from 36 to 30 in the amended request is a 300% increase to the original CUP; he questioned logistics for having 250 attendees and is concerned about multiple large vans passing through the neighborhood.
3. Too Many Events for a Quiet Neighborhood: Resident Bill Johnson opposed the updated proposal, stating the proposal reframes a museum into an events facility and urging the use of other venues in Waikīkī.
[1:53:31] – Hearing no objections Chair De Quevedo change the speaking time to 2 minutes.
4. Cumulative Noise and Event Counts: Resident Gary Johnson opposed the updated proposal, citing 30 evening events and 174 events with 50 or more people a year as not compatible with the neighborhood, noting the endowment could fund off-site venues, and he raised concerns about the letters of support and possible conflict of interest.
5. Clarification: Chair De Quevedo clarified that his company donated flowers one time. Member Turbin clarified doing volunteer work with the East-West Center that also partners with Shangri-La.
6. CUP Track and Legal Process: Resident Guerrero opposed the proposal, arguing the application accepted on Monday, October 13, 2025, should be processed as CUP Major under new ordinances and asserted the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) is applying a hybrid review and urged reclassification to CUP Major for due process.
7. Zoning Compatibility: Resident Fuller opposed the proposal, as the traffic, noise, and lighting from Shangri-La conflict with residential zoning.
8. Historic 96-Person Cap and Operations: Resident Guerrero opposed, citing historic mutual understanding of a 96-person cap, describing noticeable operational impacts such as vans and worker vehicles causing two-hour traffic after the event, and urging recommitment to the 96-person cap.
9. Health, Noise, and Longtime Neighbor Testimony: Resident Chuck opposed the proposal, describing growing disturbances over time, urging close review and respect for neighbor concerns, and suggesting reverting to compliance before expansion.
10. Real Estate Value Impact: Nathaniel Forbes, representing the buyer for the Pāpū Circle property, opposed the proposal, stated that the buyers are near cancellation due to proposed changes and the seller having to reduce the value of the property, and asserted congestion from shuttle vans.
11. Cultural Access and Community Benefit: Evan Kushikin, event coordinator at Shangri-La, supported the proposal, sharing personal background and cultural value of program access for the local community.
12. Native Hawaiian Cultural Programming and Access: Vicky Holt Takamine from the PAʻI Foundation supported the proposal, citing the need for more capacity to host significant cultural artists and community fundraisers, emphasizing intimate cultural programming and broader public access.
13. Historical Management and Compliance Concerns: Resident Murphy opposed, recounting prior management conflicts; requested cancellation of CUP expansion, removal of the rainbow fence, and keeping the existing CUP on a trial basis for 1 year.
14. Proposal Support: Resident White supported the proposal, reporting no complaints about Shangri-La since 2018; believing guests are well-managed, shuttled, and scheduled; and anticipating no spillover parking and traffic beyond the site.
15. Postpone the Vote: Member Dudgeon advised postponing the motion to the next meeting to continue the discussion.
[2:22:32] – Dudgeon MOVED and Turbin SECONDED to postponed taking a vote on Neighborhood Board support for Shangri La’s CUP until the next regular meeting. Discussion followed. The board conducted a voice vote, the motion WAS ADOPTED; 5-0-2 (AYE: Dudgeon, Turbin, Wong, McGuffie, and Castonguay; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: De Quevedo and Fujiki) – [2:26:51].
2025 Honolulu Marathon Traffic Advisory – [2:28:31]: Expect temporary road closures; same as prior years.
VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:28:39]
NCO and Toys for Tots – Toy Drive – [2:28:40]: Your Neighborhood Assistant will be collecting donated toys for children at tonight’s meeting.
Next Regular Meeting – [2:28:47]: The Waiʻalae-Kāhala Neighborhood Board will recess in December 2025. The next regular meeting will be on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse, 404 Kapahulu Avenue, 2nd Floor, Honolulu, HI 96815.
IX. ADJOURNMENT – [2:29:15]: Chair adjourned the meeting at 9:45 p.m.
Submitted by: Anson Wu, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist
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.