WAI‘ALAE – KĀHALA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 3

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
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

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
B. Department of Transportation Representative – Casey Abe
C. Mayor’s Representative
D. Councilmember Tommy Waters
E. Representative Bert Kobayashi
F. Representative Mark Hashem
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 October 17, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
b. Alternative Venues for Future Board Meetings
c. Resolution to Establish a Waiʻalae-Kāhala Neighborhood Board (WKNB) Community Advisory Committee to Review the Primary Urban Center Development Plan (PUCDP) and East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan (EHSCP) and Recommend Community Priorities Using Ahupuaʻa Resource Management Principles

B. New Business / Presentations:
a. Overview of Revised East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan
b. Discussion on 2025 EMS Service Reductions in Honolulu – Impacts and Community Response
c. Liquor License Request for Sony Open Golf Tournament
d. Vote on Neighborhood Board Support for Shangri La Conditional Use Permit Expansion
e. 2025 Honolulu Marathon Traffic Advisory

VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. NCO and Toys for Tots – Toy Drive: Your Neighborhood Assistant will be collecting donated toys for children at tonight’s meeting on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
B. 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

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 at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. It may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 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=DSZ6lp7Lgeg

Reports & other meeting materials can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17LXJxz95TzKD5-I_NellIitTwSrY6MBr?usp=drive_link

I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:01]: Chair Christian de Quevedo called the Waiʻalae-Kāhala Neighborhood Board No. 3 meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

Quorum WAS established with five (5) 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, Brian Wong, Aloha McGuffie, Lee Castonguay, Colin Fujiki (7:11 p.m.), and Richard Turbin (7:39 p.m.).

Members Absent: Sylvia Himeda.

Guests: Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Casey Abe (State Department of Transportation – Highways Division); Patti Jette (Governor Josh Green’s Office); Tasha Luke (Councilmember Tommy Waters’ Office); Representative Tina Nakada Grandinetti (House District 20); Ben Whites (Doris Duke Foundation/Shangri La); Jim Hayes (Planning Solutions); Lisa Yamamoto (Kapiʻolani Community College), Dalan Kam, John White, Ashley Johnson, Gary Johnson, Bill Johnson, Hugh Guerrero, Chun, Naylor, Sanford, Chris K., Angelli Tacderan, Dalan Kam, Mike Buck, Germaine Salim, Sharon Ching, Keenan Kinimaka, Lea Major, Toutai Tuifua, Stephanie Gruenent, Debra Balfour, Vik Watumull (Resident) and Anson Wu (NCO). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were approximately 40 total attendees.

II. CITY & STATE MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:00:26]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:00:38]: No representative present, a report was provided.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ffTd4qs8V8t1kzg1-uWoE40oszFwIE6e/view?usp=drive_link

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:00:52]: No representative present.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:01:12]: Lorna Heller encouraged a 20% voluntary water use reduction due to lower-than-normal rainfall and high demand and shared conservation tips: turn off taps while brushing/shaving, shorten showers, use hose nozzles, and irrigate early to reduce evaporation. For additional conservation tips, visit BWS’s website.

Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:02:23]
1. Ala Moana Main Break Response Commendation: Chair De Quevedo commended BWS staff for their rapid and professional response to an accidental main damage during private excavation work near Ala Moana, noting multiple trucks arrived within an hour and repairs were completed efficiently. Lorna Heller thanked the Chair and said she would share the recognition with the crew, confirming the location and acknowledging the team’s work.

Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) – Highways – [0:03:36]: Casey Abe reported graffiti removal along area facilities; they will request a trash clean up near the Waiʻalae Offramp along the H1 freeway; maintenance crews patched the off-ramp pothole noted last month and identified additional potholes at the Kīlauea intersection to be patched; a previously observed hazardous tree on the eastbound on-ramp was trimmed on Saturday, September 20, 2025; and the division is pursuing a change order to cap viaduct planter boxes in concrete to reduce ongoing vegetation maintenance. Regarding houseless encampments along Waiʻalae Avenue and under Waiʻalae Nui Stream Bridge, the state’s homeless coordinator is organizing a joint City-State cleanup by late October 2025 or early November 2025; enforcement is limited when services are declined. Red-light and speed camera notices now use a Honolulu return address. The warning period for the red light traffic cameras will ends on Friday, October 31, 2025, official citations for speeding more than 11 miles per hour over the limit starting on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Fines range from $167–$317 for speeding; $92 for red-light running; motorists can receive both for the same incident.

Fujiki arrived to the meeting at (7:11 p.m.); 6 members present.

Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:08:16]
1. Yellow Light Timing and Red-Light Citations: Member Castonguay asked are yellow intervals standardized, are they tied to speed, and how can drivers anticipate clearance? Abe noted signal timing is set by the City and County; the yellow interval is based on the width and length of the intersection so vehicles entering on yellow should have time to clear. Red-light citations apply only if a vehicle enters when the light is already red; entering on yellow and clearing the intersection should not result in a citation.

III. FILLING OF BOARD VACANCIES – SUBDISTRICT 2 – ONE VACANCY – [0:10:07]: No volunteers.

IV. REPORTS OF MEMBERS’ ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS – [0:10:42]: No reports were given.

V. ELECTED OFFICIALS’ REPORTS – [0:10:54]

Office of the Governor – [0:11:01]: Patti Jette shared the Governor’s newsletter and provided Department of Education (DOE) 22nd Avenue site updates. DOE facilities staff are clearing the sidewalks along Pūpū Panini Avenue three days a week; green waste removals occurred over Labor Day with volunteers; DOE’s facilities maintenance branch are solicitating external contractors to maintain foliage outside the fence line; site visits will be made within the next two weeks to set the contract scope and scheduling details; and DOE is planning on securing green waste bins and relocating the shipping containers.

Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:12:46]
1. Community Participation in DOE Contract Scope: Chair de Quevedo asked if the community members and himself be included in the scope-setting process for the contract to ensure on the ground conditions are addressed. Jette she will convey the request to DOE.

Office of the Mayor – [0:14:12]: No representative present, newsletter was provided.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tN2iwQyEiXvJGeTl30LtxjpeEhObKV2L/view?usp=drive_link

City Council District 4 – [0:14:38]: Tasha Luke reported on Kāhala Beach Park encampments: City inspected the day after last month’s report; encampment self-removed; Department of Facility Management (DFM) cleared remaining debris; Department of Community Services (DCS) notified; Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) officers regularly clear the stretch and aim to do so again in November 2025. At 4041 Waiʻalae Avenue, a Monday, September 8, 2025 inspection found the Notice of Violation (NOV) has not been corrected; a building permit to address violations is in plans review; the NOV has not been referred for civil fines or notice of order; Department of Planning and Permitting’s inspector could not access the interior due to boarded windows and doors; Mayor Blangiardi recently signed two bills increasing homeowners claim for exemptions; and Resolutions 25-279 and 25-280 passed in October 2025 full council meeting.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XRRzFwkk9O9OG7WmEzd8KvKzyNTafkMt/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:16:57]
1. 4041 Waiʻalae Property: Chair de Quevedo noted the visible trash spilling onto the street, questions why was access not achieved when unhoused individuals can enter freely, and can the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) to reattempt access and apply more enforcement. Luke will relay the Board’s dissatisfaction and request to DPP.

House District 19 – [0:19:09]: No representative present.

House District 20 – [0:19:19]: No representative present, was revisited later in the meeting.

Senate District 9 – [0:19:30]: No representative present.

VI. RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [0:19:42]

Kapiʻolani Community College Open Forum – [0:20:56]: Lisa Yamamoto from Kapiʻolani Community College, announced a public open forum for the finalist for the position of the Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 11:00 a.m. till noon, at Kapiʻolani Community College, Naio Building Room 202A, inviting community participation and feedback.

Route 1 Bus Frequency – [0:23:28]: Resident Kam requested to increase the bus frequency to Route 1 specifically during the evening. Chair De Quevedo wanted more information on resident Kam request. Resident Kam confirmed that he wants an increase in bus frequency for route 1 every 20 to 25 minutes to Kāhala Mall in the evenings.

[0:26:48] – Chair de Quevedo called a five-minute recess at 7:32 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 7:39 p.m.

Turbin arrived to the meeting at (7:39 p.m.); 7 members present.

House District 20 – [0:27:32]: Representative Tina Nakada Grandinetti reported hosting a Lawmakers Listen session at Liholiho Elementary with House leadership to hear community concerns. Topics included state budget impacts from federal cuts, climate change and water resource management, balancing natural resources with development and housing goals, wealth inequality, and underused facilities such as the DOE site in Waiʻalae-Kāhala. She invited residents to sign up for her e-newsletter for session updates. Email: repgrandinetti@capitol.hawaii.gov

Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:29:59]
1. DOE Facility: Chair De Quevedo noted that Governors representative Jette announced that DOE’s facilities maintenance branch are solicitating external contractors and voiced his appreciation for her help.
2. Town Hall Follow-up and Communications: Member McGuffie voiced her appreciation for Representative Grandinetti’s engagement at the climate resilience symposium and the town hall. Representative Grandinetti note flyers for the lawmakers listen session arrived late due to an in-house mail timing issue; she encouraged sign-ups to receive more timely e-mail updates every.

VII. BOARD BUSINESS / PRESENTATIONS / UNFINISHED & NEW BUSINESS – [0:32:25]

A. BOARD BUSINESS – [0:32:29]

Approval of Thursday, August 21, 2025 and Thursday, September 18, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes – [0:32:29]: [0:32:39] – Castonguay MOVED and Turbin SECONDED to approve the Thursday, August 21, 2025 and Thursday, September 18, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes as written. Hearing no further discussion, the board conducted a show of hands. The motion was ADOPTED; 7-0-0. (AYE: De Quevedo, Dudgeon, Fujiki, Turbin, Wong, McGuffie, and Castonguay; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None.) – [0:32:44]

B. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – [0:33:02]

Complete Streets / Kīlauea Ave – lane configuration and crosswalk improvements in Kāhala–Waiʻalae – [0:33:15]: Vice Chair Wong was not prepared to present; item deferred.

C. NEW BUSINESS – [0:33:23]

Request for Board Letter of Support (Action Item): Doris Duke Foundation (Shangri La) – Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Modification – [0:34:02]: Executive Director Ben Whites presented Shangri La’s request to modify its CUP to allow modestly expanded evening convenings without expanding the footprint, structures, lighting, or introducing commercial activities. Whites emphasized arrivals remain by 25-passenger vans only; no public parking; sound is actively monitored with decibel meters; no weddings and parties or for-profit events; and evening programs would end by 9:30 p.m., an hour earlier than the current limit.

Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:48:54]
1. Support for the CUP Modification: Member Richard Turbin support for Shangri La’s request, recalling the Board’s historic backing and describing how the CUP flexibility would help restore Hawaiʻi’s cultural and diplomatic role in the Pacific, including hosting discrete diplomatic dinners such as a potential event with Australian Ambassador and former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Resident White voiced his support for the Shangri La’s CUP modification and provided his experience with Shangri La.
2. Objection to the CUP Modification: Multiple residents voiced their objections to the CUP modification to allow expansion of evening convenings. Their main concerns include the increase of evening convening and visitors, lack of information presented to residents, and potential increase of traffic congestion and noise produced by vehicles.
3. Endowment: Member dudgeon asked about the foundation’s endowment size and mandate. Executive Director Whites answered that the endowment is approximately $2 billion, supporting five grant-making programs: performing arts, child well-being, environment, US Muslim storytelling initiative, and medical research.
4. Explanation for the Modification: Member Dudgeon asked how Shangri La balances public demand for the facilities against what the foundation wants. Executive Director Whites said tours staying the same continue to meet public demand and provided an explanation regarding the 300 visitors.
5. Event Logistics and Communication Plan: Member Castonguay asked about event logistics for first-class events, including where support staff and supplies would be handled, how tables and chairs would be provided, and whatʻs their communication plan with residents to resolve issue. Executive Director Whites clarified that they have 24 full time staff and noted that catering and staff are consolidated into minimal vehicles, event furniture is stored on-site, and a 24/7 security patrol operates in the neighborhood. He encouraged neighbors to call or text.
6. Public Hearings, CUP Clarification, and Guest Capacity: Member McGuffie asked three questions: what changed in the past year leading to more neighborhood concerns; whether a public Q&A had been held beyond the pau hana; and whether the CUP is a minor or major application. Jim Hayes explained that the CUP was filed as a CUP minor under the Meeting Facility category, and DPP may require a public hearing at its discretion. DPP requires a hearing a notice will be sent out to the neighborhood and the hearing will be held at the Fasi building to allow testimony. Member McGuffie also asked if there is a cap of 300 guests and if so, how many nights. Hayes answered that the application requests up to 300 people 12 times a year.
7. Community Meeting: Member Turbin and Member McGuffie suggested the Pāpū Circle Community to put together a committee and to have a meeting with Shangri La to review the application in detail and identify operational changes needed.
8. Permit Violation: Chair De Quevedo asked how DPP would act if the CUP is granted and violations or neighborhood nuisances occur. Hayes replied that DPP is a complaint-driven agency that pursues complaints, confirms compliance, and can modify permit condition; he also noted that revocations on permits are rare and reserved for egregious violations.

[1:56:05] – Castonguay MOVED and McGuffie SECONDED to postpone the Letter of Support for the Doris Duke Foundation (Shangri La) Conditional Use Permit Modification. Hearing no further discussion, the board conducted a show of hands. The motion was ADOPTED; 5-0-2. (AYE: Dudgeon, Turbin, Wong, McGuffie, and Castonguay; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: Fujiki and De Quevedo) – [1:56:40]

Liquor License Notice – Sip, Shop, and Sparkle – [1:57:59]: Chair De Quevedo noted an informational notice for an event at Kāhala Mall on Saturday, November 8, 2025, 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. hosted by Honolulu Magazine.

DOE Facility Maintenance/Cleanup – Status Update – [1:58:24]: Chair De Quevedo noted this item was discussed earlier in the meeting.

Community Event/Traffic Notice – Val Nolasco Half Marathon & 5K – [1:58: 27]: Chair De Quevedo announced the Val Nolasco Half Marathon & 5k Sunday, November 9, 2025. The race will start and finish at Kapiʻolani Park; portions through Waiʻalae. Expect temporary lane closures and no-parking controls in the Diamond Head–Kāhala area. For more information, contact Shaka Racing.

D. NOTICES / ONGOING PUBLIC INPUT OPPORTUNITIES – [1:59:12]

Honolulu Charter Commmission 10-year review – [1:59:12]: Chair De Quevedo announced the Honolulu Charter Commission 10-year review – proposals invited; deadline Friday, November 7, 2025.

VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [1:59:35]

Next Regular Meeting – [1:59:40]: Thursday, November 20, 2025, 7:00 p.m., at the Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse, 2nd Floor, and via WebEx.

[2:00:08] – Turbin MOVED and McGuffie SECONDED to adjourn the meeting. Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED; 7-0-0. (AYE: De Quevedo, Dudgeon, Fujiki, Turbin, Wong, McGuffie, and Castonguay; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None.) – [2:00:13]

IX. ADJOURNMENT – [2:00:14]: The meeting was adjourned at 9:12 p.m.

Submitted by: Anson Wu, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by:
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.