No 05 Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St Louis Heights Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting February 2026
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5 Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St. Louis Neighborhood Board Meeting – February 13, 2026
Call to Order and Opening Remarks
Chair Winston Welch convened the meeting, welcomed attendees, and reminded participants about meeting decorum and time limits. The meeting began with an invitation to the Honolulu Fire Department, who were not present at that time. Attendees were informed that HFD or its representatives might join later if able.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 6 Report
Lieutenant Hanuna presented the January crime statistics, comparing them to the previous month. Robberies totaled three (down from six), burglaries were 11 (down from 16), while thefts, at 115, had risen from 85. Car break-ins (UEMV) were nine compared to seven the previous month. Assaults stood at 31, slightly down from 37, and sex crimes rose from three to six. Other data included six citations for bike/skateboard infractions on sidewalks, 23 speeding violations, 1,975 parking infractions, and nine citations for loud muffler or prohibited noise. The District also recorded 81 park closure citations, 32 park closure arrests, and 22 operating a vehicle under the influence (OVUII) cases. Calls for service rose to 4,472 from 4,357.
Attendees inquired about where to locate historical crime data, and HPD confirmed it is available online by community or district. One participant asked about a suspected hit-and-run on Diamond Head Road. HPD noted they would investigate further details if provided specific dates.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 7 Report
Lieutenant Nishimura reported District 7’s monthly statistics: 8 motor vehicle thefts, 2 burglaries, 13 thefts, 2 UEMVs, and 5,804 total calls for service. He highlighted ongoing scams—fake DMV emails, law enforcement impostors, and fictitious payment requests—as a growing concern. Residents were encouraged to call 911 for help verifying suspicious contacts.
Responding to a board member’s question about a Diamond Head Road pedestrian incident, Lieutenant Nishimura noted he would investigate and provide additional details once he pinpoints the exact timeframe. Other previously raised concerns involved traffic accidents on Waialae Avenue and near City Mill, both of which had resulted in non-critical injuries.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) Updates
Board of Water Supply representative Kathleen Pahinui reported no main breaks for the month and promoted the 2026 Poster and Poetry Contest, seeking over 1,000 entries before the February 27 submission deadline. She also highlighted recent rains beneficial to vegetation around Diamond Head and gave updates on water line installations along Campbell Avenue from Monsarrat to Kanowa Street. A question emerged regarding bridge strap repairs near McCully, with BWS explaining the redesign process is underway in partnership with the Department of Transportation Services.
Diamond Head State Monument and Kapiʻolani Community College (KCC)
A planned Diamond Head State Monument update by the Division of State Parks was deferred as no representative arrived. KCC spokesperson Lisa Yamamoto did not attend but left word that there were no new campus updates.
Public Events and Races
Organizers of the Honolulu Rainbow Ekiden announced their relay race scheduled for Sunday, March 15 at 8:00 a.m., marking its 10th anniversary. Teams of five runners each will complete 5K legs, with about 700 participants expected. Traffic advisories will include partial lane closures and coned-off lanes along Kalākaua Avenue, Poni Moi Road, Paki Avenue, and Diamond Head Road’s Makai side until afternoon. Recognizing closures that affect residents, organizers confirmed work with HPD to maintain reasonable road access.
Department of Parks and Recreation Updates
DPR Director Laura Thielen discussed four proposed projects in Kapiʻolani Park:
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A potential walkway in the community garden area near the Waikīkī Shell, adjusted to meet ADA requirements while minimizing impact on garden plots. Drainage and narrower design considerations would be taken into account after community consultation.
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A planned bocce ball court in a quiet section of the park, prompting questions about space use and existing recreational activities. Some attendees felt alternate locations might better accommodate local activities without sacrificing popular open grass areas.
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Additional sand volleyball courts akin to those at Ala Moana Beach Park to accommodate expanding group activity and mitigate overuse of grassy areas.
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An “adopt-a-park” proposal with a nearby hotel to replace worn grass and install permeable pavers in a highly trafficked area near the coconut palm tree rows leading to the beach at Kapiʻolani Park. This project would include irrigation refinements and phased grass installation to preserve public access.
Community members asked to involve the Parks Committee for a holistic review, particularly regarding the historic trust land status of certain areas, carrying capacity considerations, and dog-walking rules who are seeking increased on-leash privileges in or around Kapiʻolani Park.
Joint Committee on Kapiʻolani Park Land Swap
Co-chairs of the Environment, Parks, and Recreation and Planning and Zoning Committees, Arlene B. and Michelle M., discussed ongoing negotiations about city-owned parcels within Kapiʻolani Park trust lands, including the site of the lifeguard operations on Leʻahi Avenue. The city has proposed a land exchange to help streamline oversight, but concerns remain about permanent city usage on trust lands and potentially locating ocean safety training and equipment elsewhere, such as the Koʻolau Basin. A follow-up committee meeting with the managing director is being planned to explore long-term solutions consistent with obligations under the park trust.
Consolidation of Environment and Parks & Recreation Committees
Members voted by roll call to merge the Environment Committee with the Parks and Recreation Committee to ensure continuity and efficiency, especially as certain board members are employed by the city and must recuse themselves frequently from Kapiʻolani Park issues. The consolidated committee retains all previously seated members, with a focus on overseeing environmental, park, and recreational matters across the neighborhood.
Department of Community Services (DCS) Update
DCS Director Anton K. provided comprehensive follow-ups:
• Gold Coast homeowners facing sidewalk and seawall issues were advised that the city will investigate potential property violations and collaborate with owners on needed repairs.
• Lighting concerns on Kapahulu Avenue were addressed, with DFM noting the city typically focuses on right-of-way areas and encouraging better signage and lighting in privately owned lots.
• The Ala Wai Bridge remains under environmental review, with a final environmental assessment submission anticipated by winter 2026.
• A recurring question about Leʻahi Avenue and Paki Avenue configuration was linked to bus route considerations.
• Lifeguard parking stalls near the park were explained as essential for shift changes and public safety readiness.
• Residents were encouraged to use the city’s newly updated 311 app to report problems such as damaged sidewalks or overhanging trees near electrical lines.
City Council Chair Tommy Waters
Council Chair Waters highlighted:
• Planned coordination with Starbucks at Kapahulu to reduce delivery truck street blockages on narrow side streets.
• Reasons why traffic citations cost goes to the State, not the City, and prior legislative attempts to redirect revenue.
• Ongoing interest in improving accountability for affordable housing programs, including Bill 11, which requests a report on which city incentives yield the greatest increase in below-market housing units.
• Potential changes to the “Residential A” property tax category, acknowledging the dilemma when local homeowners renting second properties face higher taxes, which can burden renters.
Several board members and community participants shared perspectives on revising definitions of “affordable housing,” urging that the Area Median Income (AMI) be recalibrated to better reflect true local wages and home costs.
Governor’s Representative and Red Hill Survey
Governor’s representative, Ryan A., posted information about the Governor’s monthly newsletter and the 2026 Red Hill Survey seeking residents’ input on ongoing contamination and related concerns. He responded to a query about immunizations, referencing legislative measures designed to base immunization guidelines on scientific recommendations and guarantee coverage without cost-sharing.
Legislative Updates
• Representative Tina Grandinetti discussed her package focused on housing accessibility, sustainability, renter protections, and tax fairness. She highlighted House Bill 1715’s goal of keeping certain state Housing and Finance Development Corporation (HHFDC) units affordable in perpetuity by limiting appreciation rates and restricting sales to owner-occupants. She also reminded the board that community members should track HHFDC decision-making since 201H projects bypass many City Council amendments under State law.
• Representative Jackson Sayama confirmed ongoing legislative efforts, referencing House Bill 2163 about crosswalk safety and House Bill 2561 targeting feral chickens on state property by instituting fines. He noted the Federal Aviation Administration’s modernization project, which is reviewing flight paths over urban Honolulu. Finally, he announced his decision not to seek reelection to the House and instead explore a run for the State Senate’s District 10 seat.
Community Concerns and Announcements
• Bus Routes: Residents addressed the crowed bus corridors into Waikīkī, specifically discussing Bus 200. Some suggested returning an old Route 9 to avoid redundant coverage, reduce congestion, and serve higher-demand parts of Kaimukī.
• Kuliʻouʻou Cliffs: Concerns persisted about water supply pressures and irrigation timing conflicts between volunteers’ landscaping activities and surfers using the public showers.
• Special Improvement Districts: Comments arose about the Ala Wai Watershed Special Improvement District’s approach and calls for more community-driven oversight on flooding and environmental subjects.
• Upcoming Events: A volunteer-run community “free market” featuring clothing and goods was announced for President’s Day near Waialae.
Adjournment
After nearly three hours of wide-ranging discussion, Chair Welch thanked attendees for their time and encouraged continued community engagement. The meeting ended with a reminder that the next regular meeting is scheduled for March 12 at 6:00 p.m. The board encouraged members of the public to attend and stay informed about neighborhood issues affecting quality of life and local governance decisions.