No 05 Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St.Louis Heights Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting December 2025
Waikīkī Neighborhood Board Meeting – December 7, 2025
Call to Order and Roll Call
Chair Winston Welch opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m. and recognized the board’s efforts to maintain quorum. A brief roll call confirmed that the number of board members present was below the required threshold for an official quorum, prompting the chair to postpone any binding decision-making until enough members had arrived. Additional members joined later in the meeting, bringing the board to quorum, at which point formal business, including the filling of a vacant board seat, could proceed. The board conducted a roll call once again and was able to swear in a new at-large member, thereby completing the roster for the evening.
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Report
No representative from HFD was present at the start of the meeting, and the chair noted the board would circle back in case a fire department official became available later. No updates were ultimately provided on this occasion.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Report
Lieutenant Nishimura from District 7, East Honolulu, delivered the November crime statistics. Motor vehicle theft stood at 11 cases, burglary at 2, theft at 10, and unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle at 2. Overall, the district fielded 5,540 service calls. He presented holiday safety tips, urging residents to lock doors, keep valuables out of sight, park in well-lit areas, and watch for suspicious persons. The lieutenant also emphasized the importance of caution when shopping online, advising people to confirm that websites are legitimate and to notify HPD if they encounter any fraud attempts. The board thanked HPD for their thoroughness and holiday reminders.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) Report
Kathleen Pahinui of BWS reported there had been no main breaks in the neighborhood during November. She warned of increased scams over the holiday season, explaining that BWS would never telephone residents demanding payment, nor accept gift cards or app-based transactions. She noted a recurring issue of individuals impersonating BWS employees by claiming to test water quality inside people’s homes. BWS does not enter a private residence for such tests, and the public is encouraged to call both HPD and BWS if confronted by such impersonators. Pahinui updated the board on the ongoing Montserrat construction work and confirmed that landscaping at Diamond Head continues, with a tour for interested parties likely to occur after the rainy season.
Public Announcements on Upcoming Races
A community member representing the Mid-Pacific Roadrunner Club announced two upcoming running events: the Chapsin 8K on January 18 and the Johnny Farber 10K on February 1, both centered around Kapiʻolani Park and Diamond Head Road. While partial road closures may occur for safety, most of the races will rely on sidewalks, with any lane closures overseen by HPD. The board appreciated the updates and asked for continued notice about road conditions to help residents plan their travel. Separately, the chair noted that the Honolulu Marathon would also take place on a nearby Sunday, and residents should expect heightened traffic and porta-potties set up along various areas.
Congressional Update: Representative Ed Case’s Office
Congressman Case’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Kekoa Kaluhiwa, provided an update on federal appropriations work. The congressman is examining budget bills for the remainder of the fiscal year and is also involved in the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes funding for military construction in Hawaiʻi. Kaluhiwa described the congressman’s focus on constituent services for those struggling with federal agencies. He highlighted an ongoing Federal Aviation Administration initiative, the Hawaiʻi Airspace Modernization Project (HAMP), which will examine flight paths, altitudes, and air traffic procedures over the islands during the next five to seven years. The community is encouraged to submit comments by January 31, 2026, and Kaluhiwa brought materials and information online for anyone wishing to participate. Board discussion followed regarding aircraft noise, potential impacts on Diamond Head and Kapahulu, and the role of Congress in ensuring the FAA’s public engagement.
Board Vacancies and October Meeting Minutes
The board filled its at-large vacancy by unanimously voting in a neighborhood resident who has held previous board service. This individual, who also sits on other locally focused committees, expressed a strong desire to advance traffic calming measures. The board next addressed and approved the minutes of the October 2025 meeting after a set of specific corrections clarified missing questions and responses. Concern was voiced about the complexity of accessing meeting recordings on YouTube (particularly amidst ad blockers and sign-in prompts) and ensuring proper archiving so residents can view meetings without subscription barriers.
Mayor’s Representative Report
Director of Community Services Anton Krucke represented the Mayor’s Office and reviewed a wide range of city updates. He noted that new classes of Ocean Safety recruits had recently graduated, strengthening the city's lifeguard force. Krucke urged residents to review the increased sewer fees going into effect in January 2026, pointing to guidelines that could help individuals with billing concerns. The director also highlighted recent city initiatives promoting holiday displays around Honolulu Hale and Thomas Square, reminding the public that many activities and exhibits are free.
Krucke addressed concerns from prior meetings, including building inspections along the Gold Coast, food truck regulation (clarifying that longer-term truck parking triggers restaurant-level inspections), and the feasibility of new restrooms at beach parks on Diamond Head Road, which face limits due to a lack of sewer and water infrastructure. Regarding recent confusion over bus route detours, he acknowledged that signage and rider alerts were not always posted in timely fashion and that the city aimed to improve notifications. He also spoke about ongoing traffic assessments at Diamond Head Road intersections and confirmed that the fence intended to control feral chickens remains in place, though some chickens still fly over it.
Responding to calls for a dog park in the Ala Wai Golf Course vicinity, Krucke offered a city update that the area in question would be used for a sod-farming initiative to provide salt-resistant turf for municipal golf courses. Some board members raised concerns about bypassing prior board recommendations, questioning whether a dog park or other open space uses might better serve the neighborhood. The report concluded with updates on homeless encampment enforcement, Diamond Head Road fire hazards, and operational improvements to the city’s 311 app.
City Council Updates
A representative for Council Chair Tommy Waters outlined a new collective bargaining agreement granting HPD officers wage increases and retention bonuses through 2029. Another measure, Bill 46, was mentioned as it requires HPD to release emergent public safety alerts, such as active shooter warnings. Several neighborhood board members reiterated requests for the council chair to attend an upcoming meeting to discuss issues including the Ala Wai Golf Course usage and Kapiʻolani Park concerns. Meanwhile, Councilmember Calvin Say’s and Councilmember Scott Nishimoto’s offices also extended offers to answer questions for their respective districts. Nishimoto’s representative noted that concerns in St. Louis Heights remain welcome, although no new matters were announced at this session.
State Legislators’ Reports
State Senator Les Ihara joined remotely and agreed to look into parking arrangements and legacy leases near Kapahulu, including concerns regarding public access and possible towing operations. Representative Tina Grandinetti listed her recent caucus activities, including the Working Families Caucus and the Good Government Caucus, both of which examine potential legislation on taxation strategies, campaign finance reform, and other measures. She announced changes in her office staffing and relayed interest in exploring how to regulate or discourage new self-storage developments in critical residential or transit-oriented areas, specifically mentioning a planned self-storage facility near Kapahulu Avenue that community members fear could displace more beneficial housing or commercial opportunities.
Community Concerns and Presentations
Community members brought multiple issues to the board’s attention. One speaker raised questions regarding the health and environmental dangers of potential electromagnetic fields (EMF) and radio frequency radiation from newly installed cell towers. She distributed photos of trees showing asymmetrical leaf loss and speculated that human health could similarly be at risk, urging deeper investigation by the state Department of Health.
Another resident noted a persistent speeding problem and unsafe pedestrian crossings along a stretch of Waiʻalae Avenue near freeway on-ramps. He asked the board to petition traffic agencies for speed humps or increased signage. Ongoing homelessness concerns in that corridor also emerged, prompting calls for city enforcement or improved social services. Additionally, a resident pointed out that Montserrat Avenue faces repeated trenching projects, questioning whether paving might occur only to be torn up again when future complete-streets upgrades take place. Several updates were shared about lingering construction or land usage, including the Kuile Place project on Kapiʻolani Boulevard and the continuing dredging or cliffside issues at Kūʻīleʻia Cliffs, with some members seeking more regular follow-up from relevant city or state officials.
Board Action Items
The board officially decided to create two new committees: one devoted to property taxation and one to aircraft noise and safety. Members explained that a permitted interaction group offers limited scope once it delivers a final report, whereas a standing committee can address evolving priorities and reconvene as needed. They selected a chair for the Property Tax Committee, emphasizing ongoing efforts to find viable legislative or city ordinance solutions to keep residents in their homes. They also formed an Air Traffic Noise and Safety Committee, anticipating long-term coordination with the FAA as flight routes around Waikīkī may be redesigned over the next several years. Both committees aim to gather community input, research data, and present periodic recommendations to the board.
Subdistrict Reports
Subdistrict representatives provided brief statements on local traffic concerns, attendance at community gatherings, and upcoming changes in how certain roads are used or repaired. Members also urged scheduling timely committee meetings before comment deadlines, such as the public input period on the FAA’s modernization project, and expressed interest in coordinating with neighboring boards facing similar aircraft noise challenges.
Adjournment
Chair Welch thanked board members, public officials, and community speakers for their input and cooperation throughout the year. With all agenda items addressed, the chair adjourned the meeting, inviting everyone to reconvene in January 2026. Attendees were reminded to check the Neighborhood Commission website for meeting times, agendas, and any supplementary materials.