No 05 Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St Louis Heights Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting August 2026
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5 Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St. Louis Neighborhood Board Meeting – August 14, 2026
Opening, Attendance, and Quorum
Vice Chair Arlene Velasco chaired the meeting and asked speakers to limit comments to two minutes. Nine board members were initially recorded as present, establishing a quorum. Several members participated online, while Allen, Rosman, Kendrick Wong, Linda Wong, and Welch were initially listed as absent; Linda Wong later joined remotely and voted on board business.
District 6 Public-Safety Statistics
District 6 Lieutenant Hanuna reported monthly Waikiki-area crime and enforcement statistics. Robberies increased from none the previous month to two, burglaries rose from eight to 13, assaults increased from 37 to 43, and reported sex crimes increased from five to seven. Thefts declined from 156 to 145, while unauthorized entries into motor vehicles, meaning vehicle break-ins, dropped from 16 to seven. Police issued one citation for bicycles or skateboards on sidewalks, six for speeding, 1,409 for parking violations, and two for loud mufflers or prohibited noise, compared with two, 14, 1,534, and 10 respectively the previous month. Park-closure enforcement increased sharply to 94 citations and 12 arrests, up from 41 citations and six arrests. Calls for service rose from 4,554 to 4,681, and impaired-driving cases increased from seven to 11.
Long-Term Vehicle Encampment Near Paki Avenue
Residents and board members again raised the long-standing presence of a large burned fire van or similar vehicle occupying scarce public parking near Paki Avenue and Pālani/Piloni Park. The community said the vehicle has functioned as an encampment for years on land or parking intended for park users, and noted that a bus formerly associated with the situation had already been removed. Lieutenant Hanuna said District 6’s community policing team is addressing the remaining vehicle and that Major Paula Komodo has pressed officers to continue working on it, but he could not explain how the situation had been allowed to persist or who, if anyone, had authorized the encroachment. He agreed to consult the major and report back.
Legal and Towing Questions About the Paki Vehicle
St. Louis Heights resident Dylan Davis argued that HPD, parks personnel, and a towing company should coordinate a scheduled removal so that the occupant is ordered out before the vehicle is towed. He compared the situation with encampment cleanups, where people are warned to vacate and can face arrest for obstructing authorized work. Lieutenant Hanuna responded that park rules apply only within park property and do not automatically govern a vehicle parked on a public street beside a park; merely occupying a vehicle on a roadway is generally a violation rather than an arrestable offense. Residents countered that long-term residential use of a vehicle in limited public parking remains a street-law enforcement issue and that a tow operator cannot legally move the vehicle while a person is inside. Davis also contended that officers could investigate under reasonable, articulable suspicion and direct the occupant to step out while the vehicle’s status is examined. The board ended the extended discussion after the lieutenant agreed to seek guidance, with suggestions that the District 6 captain or new Police Chief David Lazar be invited to a future meeting after receiving advance notice of the issue.
District 7 Crime and Service Report
Acting Major Lieutenant Thompson reported District 7 statistics for July: three vehicle thefts, two burglaries, 23 thefts, five unauthorized-entry-to-motor-vehicle cases, and 5,475 total calls for service. Questions focused on encampments near Second Avenue, illegal electric motorcycles and dirt bikes, and police conduct during a July 30 response.
Encampments at the Second Avenue Pedestrian Bridge
Resident Gilbert reported recurring encampments on both sides of the Second Avenue pedestrian bridge, including people taking household water and recently damaging a water regulator badly enough that the home temporarily lost water service. He said the problem has persisted for years and appears to be spreading from areas around Kaimukī High School and beneath the freeway toward nearby homes. Lieutenant Thompson agreed to request more patrol checks and said District 7’s ATV and community-policing teams regularly clear people from Kaimukī High School, Harding Avenue, the Harding freeway overpass, and the Waialae Avenue side of Second Avenue, although encampments frequently return after cleanups. He advised residents to call 911 immediately when they observe anyone tampering with private water systems.
Electric Dirt Bikes, E-Motorcycles, and Off-Road Vehicles
Gilbert thanked District 7 for enforcement that he believed had substantially reduced illegal electric motorcycle activity, but said a smaller group continues riding recklessly on Kapahulu Avenue and elsewhere, often without lights, dressed in dark clothing, performing wheelies, traveling against traffic, and passing motorists on the wrong side of the road. He also reported seeing off-road motorcycles and four-wheel vehicles on Kalanianaole Highway. Lieutenant Thompson explained that many machines without pedals are treated as motorcycles and can be cited for lacking a license, insurance, registration, or required equipment; unregistered vehicles may be impounded or towed. Officers generally do not pursue riders who flee over a traffic violation because the danger of a chase outweighs the enforcement benefit. The board later suggested that traffic and transportation issues of this complexity be researched by committee before recommendations are brought back to the full board.
Complaint About Police De-Escalation
Davis described a July 30 response to a roommate dispute that had reportedly ended before officers arrived. He alleged that one officer used profanity and tried to reengage or escalate the situation even after being told that the parties had separated and one tenant did not want police contact. Lieutenant Thompson said he could not assess an incident he had not witnessed and advised that allegations of improper conduct be submitted to HPD’s Professional Standards Office or the Honolulu Police Commission. Board members said fact-specific complaints should be handled through the appropriate complaint process or researched by a committee rather than consuming the public-safety report. The board discussed having its relevant committee examine broader patterns and return with findings and recommendations.
Flood-Mitigation Coordination
Before the board considered its vacant St. Louis Heights seat, a member announced work on flood mitigation in the Kanewai area and encouraged affected residents to attend a related meeting or make contact. The discussion referenced mountain runoff, drainage, sewage or water-main failures, and flooding that can strike several homes bordering Kanewai Park. The board noted that water-management questions in this area include storm drains, the Ala Wai watershed, and earlier proposals for detention or holding basins that had generated substantial resident concern.
Vacant St. Louis Heights–Kanewai Board Seat
The board discussed whether a current at-large member who lives in St. Louis Heights could return to the subdistrict seat, whether the Neighborhood Commission could convert the vacancy into another at-large position, and whether either change would require formal commission action. Members emphasized that any reassignment should be the member’s choice and noted concerns about preserving qualified representation across the board’s subdistricts. The immediate vacancy remained the St. Louis Heights–Kanewai Subdistrict 1 seat.
Nomination of Dylan Davis
Dylan Davis confirmed that he lives above Kanewai Park and volunteered for the vacant Subdistrict 1 seat, citing previous experience on his condominium or homeowners’ association board. He said his proximity to Kanewai makes flooding and runoff directly relevant to him and described homes near the park being inundated by water coming down the mountain during floods, utility breaks, or sewage overflows. In response to questions about redevelopment, he began discussing property taxation, increasing assessed values, and nearby higher-density projects, but the chair deferred that subject because a real-property-tax resolution was already on the agenda. On the announced tally, Davis received five affirmative votes and four abstentions, short of the eight affirmative votes required. The seat remained vacant, and he was invited to return for consideration at the next meeting.
Approval of Six Sets of Minutes
The board considered minutes from November 13 and December 11, 2025, and January 8, February 12, May 14, and July 9, 2026. Member Michelle Matson objected that some Neighborhood Commission Office minutes contained major omissions, incorrectly attributed speakers, or could not be checked against the chair’s AI transcript or summary; she referenced redlined versions previously posted for comparison. Another corrected version of the July minutes had been placed in the shared drive. After discussion about adopting all six records as corrected, the board approved the minutes by nine votes in favor and one against.
Owner-Occupied Real-Property-Tax Resolution
The Property Tax Committee presented a resolution urging Honolulu to replace the current assessment methodology for owner-occupied residential property. The proposal sought to protect kūpuna and kamaʻāina households from being taxed out of long-held or generational homes as surrounding sales prices rise, particularly when outside investors pay amounts local buyers cannot match. The recommended taxable value would be based on the property’s last sales price, the value of substantial improvements, and an annual increase in total real-property tax of no more than 2 percent or the annual inflation rate, whichever is lower, for each year since the last sale. The stated objective was to support long-term ownership and generational rights of survivorship so local families could retain and pass down their homes.
Debate Over Assessment Methods and Tax Equity
Jason Liang, speaking solely as a private citizen but noting six years of experience with the city’s Real Property Assessment Division, said the resolution incorrectly described assessments as a simple average of nearby sales. He explained that publicly available city information describes a weighted comparison process in which sales considered most comparable to the subject property receive differing treatment. He agreed that outside investment can raise values but warned that a system resembling California’s Proposition 13 could transfer a larger tax burden to younger buyers, renters, and newer owners while constraining housing supply. He proposed instead expanding a city tax credit that limits property taxes to roughly 1 percent of household income and raising the qualifying income ceiling. Supporters of the pending resolution replied that his approach could be developed separately and argued that homeowners should not face increasing taxes on unrealized appreciation created by neighbors’ sales. Opponents said long-term owners still accumulate wealth, can borrow against equity, receive city services, and may become less inclined to sell under an acquisition-value system, potentially increasing prices and landlords’ costs. The resolution received seven votes in favor, one against, and two abstentions, failing to reach the eight affirmative votes required for adoption. The board agreed that the issue could return to committee and encouraged members who had concerns, as well as Liang, to participate.
Weather-Related Event Changes
The American Heart Association walk planned for Kapiʻolani Park on Saturday was canceled because of the approaching storm. The board also sought confirmation about the Duke swim scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday at Waikīkī Beach, but no cancellation update was available during the meeting.
Tropical Storm Lala and Emergency Preparedness
Mayor’s representative Director Anton Krucky reported that Tropical Storm Lala could strengthen into a hurricane south of Hawaiʻi Island and was forecast to track approximately 150 miles south of Oʻahu, with potentially heavy rain, wind, and surf beginning Saturday and continuing into Sunday. Forecast confidence was described as medium, and officials emphasized that storm tracks can change, citing Hurricane Iniki as an example. The city planned public updates at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. until the storm passed and urged residents to use Honolulu Alert or text 888-777, store food and water, fuel vehicles, keep cash available in case electronic systems fail, and charge phones. A member reported receiving fewer alerts than expected, while others said they received numerous text and email updates.
Emergency Shelters and HONU Relocation
The city planned to open seven shelters at Castle High School, Kahuku High School, Moanalua High School, Nānākuli High School, Blanche Pope Elementary School, Mililani High School, and Kapolei. No shelter within the board district had yet qualified for hurricane use; Roosevelt High School was identified as the closest possible additional location if conditions worsened. The Hawaiʻi Convention Center, sometimes used for this area, was unavailable because of construction. The city also planned to close the HONU temporary shelter operation, move its residents to Kapolei on Saturday morning, dismantle the structure for the storm, and reconstruct it after conditions improved.
Mayor’s Newsletter and Citywide Programs
The mayor’s office announced a redesigned Hawaiʻi driver’s license and state identification card, the first major design change in 17 years. Although one resident disliked its yellow, orange, and peach rainbow background, the city said the design offers production savings, added functionality, and better nighttime visibility for police. The Department of Housing and Land Management is also publicizing transit-oriented-development plans through ʻEwa. David Lazar was sworn in as Honolulu’s 13th police chief, school-area speed limits are being lowered to improve safety, and Honolulu received national recognition for greener city parks. The Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency opened the Youth Climate Action Fund, offering awards of up to $4,999 for youth-designed climate projects through resilientoahu.org/ycaf.
Pahoa/Pāhuki Avenue Pedestrian Stop Sign
The Department of Transportation Services responded to continuing confusion over a sign instructing motorists to “stop here for pedestrians.” Some drivers reportedly stop even when no pedestrian is present. DTS said the sign uses standard wording found elsewhere on the island and does not recommend a supplemental sign, despite the repeated concern that motorists misunderstand it.
Monsarrat Avenue Parking Markings
The city corrected overextended red curb markings on Monsarrat Avenue by painting gray over the unnecessary portions. The remaining red curb covers the bus stop and appropriate approach and departure areas around nearby driveways so buses can pull fully out of traffic and safely reenter the roadway.
Ala Wai Pedestrian Bridge Project
The final environmental assessment for the Ala Wai bridge project was published the day before the meeting, accompanied by a public announcement explaining where the document could be reviewed. The Department of Transportation Services anticipated issuing a final request for proposals later in summer 2026 and awarding a contract early in 2027.
Kapiʻolani Park Projects and Historic Review
The Department of Parks and Recreation had presented several potential projects for Kapiʻolani Park, and archaeological surveys were being submitted or conducted before further decisions. Residents questioned how projects could be funded internally without City Council hearings and whether new activity would be compatible with the park’s status as historic trust land, its limited parking, and court restrictions against expanding hard surfaces over the landscape. The board requested confirmation that the State Historic Preservation Division would conduct a historic-preservation review in addition to archaeological review. A future committee meeting is expected to examine all proposed park redevelopment projects comprehensively, with Parks Director Laura Thielen invited to participate.
Diamond Head Tennis and Pickleball Courts
DPR said it is not opposed to converting Diamond Head Tennis Center Courts 8 and 9 into dedicated permitted pickleball courts, although two courts are already striped for both tennis and pickleball. Residents living above the facility have opposed dedicated pickleball use because hard paddles and balls, along with players’ shouting, create sustained noise near homes. Members cited similar disputes in Mānoa and suggested that courts farther from residences or other locations may be more suitable. The issue will be included in the planned park-project committee discussion.
Diamond Head Road Traffic Enforcement
Following a request for enforcement after an April 22 head-on collision on Diamond Head Road that sent three people to the hospital, District 7 conducted traffic and impaired-driving enforcement from July 17 through July 27. Officers issued 16 citations covering speeding, disregarding stop signs, driving without a valid license, expired safety inspections or registrations, and lack of insurance, along with two warnings.
Neighborhood-Board Boundary Changes
The Neighborhood Commission Office explained that district boundaries can be reviewed through a petition adopted by a neighborhood board, a petition signed by the lesser of 5 percent or 100 registered voters in the affected area, or an initiative begun directly by the commission. The process requires at least two public hearings in the affected area, acceptance of written testimony, and a final commission decision approving or rejecting the proposed amendment.
Winam Avenue No-Parking Work Order
In response to a request for additional no-parking signs and curb work on Winam Avenue between Moʻoheau Avenue and Hoʻoʻulu Street, the Department of Facility Maintenance issued paint-and-sign work order 39338. Completion was tentatively scheduled for September 2026. Residents said parked vehicles in the area can block traffic approaching the stop sign at Moʻoheau Avenue.
Coastal Erosion and Park Damage
Vice Chair Velasco said a Honolulu 311 request concerning unsupported asphalt at the Kūpikipikiʻō/Kūilei cliff area resulted only in caution tape, which she considered inadequate because someone approaching from above may not see that the pavement lacks support. She suggested physical removal of the hazardous asphalt. She also asked about erosion at Leʻahi Beach Park, where two large undermined trees had been removed and a larger indentation or collapse extends from the roadway toward the ocean. The mayor’s representative agreed to check whether additional repairs are planned and to seek an update on another collapse near Barefoot Beach Cafe.
Diamond Head Community Garden Parking
Members asked whom to contact following the departure of Managing Director Mike Formby about opening one or two legal parking spaces near Diamond Head Community Garden while preserving the required clearance around a crosswalk. A gardener had reportedly received a ticket while standing beside her car and unloading soil. The mayor’s representative identified newly confirmed Managing Director Krishna Jayaram as the appropriate official and offered to forward photographs and details directly.
Storm Drains and Honolulu 311
A member asked whether damaged storm drains receive priority as storms become more frequent, citing problems on 16th Avenue and near Dole and Frank Streets. The mayor’s representative described drains, streams, and potholes as continual maintenance needs covered by broad plans but said specific 311 reports remain important because they alert departments to immediate field conditions not captured in general schedules.
Shopping Cart Enforcement and Bill 53
Discussion began on City Council Bill 53, which would prohibit possession of shopping carts outside the legal owner’s premises. The city reportedly retrieves approximately 5,000 abandoned carts annually, with replacement costs ultimately affecting food prices and carts sometimes creating safety hazards or clogging waterways. Several participants warned that enforcement could disproportionately affect homeless people or residents who use carts to transport purchases and intend to return them. The bill remained at first reading, leaving those concerns for committee testimony and possible amendment.
Bus Service on Routes 1 and 2
A resident welcomed newer buses replacing some older or articulated buses on Routes 1 and 2 but said the system’s busiest routes still suffer from driver shortages and long waits. She suggested reducing limited Route U service to the University of Hawaiʻi or reallocating one Route W express bus per hour to Routes 1 and 2, noting that multiple W buses sometimes pass through Waikīkī before a Route 2 arrives. The mayor’s representative said the Department of Transportation Services would follow up and encouraged a transportation committee meeting with transit officials, building on earlier productive discussions about Diamond Head signage.
Council District 4 Legislative Update
Council Chair Tommy Waters’ representative, Kevin Imanaka, reported that Bill 52 would increase penalties for illegal peddling, particularly unauthorized Waikīkī tour operations, from $100 to $500 for a first violation, $250 to $750 for a second, and at least $1,000 for a third. The higher fines are intended to deter businesses that currently treat smaller penalties as an operating expense. Bill 53 concerns unauthorized shopping-cart possession. Bills 45 and 46 would raise homeowner property-tax exemptions from $180,000 to $200,000 for residents age 65 and older and from $140,000 to $160,000 for owner-occupants age 64 and younger. Bill 47 would lower the county vehicle weight tax for passenger cars and light trucks. Resolution 26-159 urges the Board of Land and Natural Resources to prohibit commercial aquarium harvesting of aquatic life from Hawaiʻi waters. Questions included whether unpaid fines are tracked or routinely dismissed and whether Chair Waters would attend an August 28 BLNR hearing concerning aquarium collection.
Council District 5 Update
Councilmember Scott Nishimoto’s representative offered assistance on St. Louis Heights matters, shared office contact and newsletter information, and urged residents to remain safe during the storm. No substantive questions were raised.
Congressional Appropriations and Federal Services
Congressman Ed Case’s representative, Kekoa Kaluhiva, reported that the House Appropriations Committee completed review of all 12 federal funding bills for fiscal year 2027. Case secured or supported funding for Native Hawaiian housing through the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, community policing, coral reef protection, invasive-species prevention, the East-West Center, Women’s Business Centers, and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. He is also working through the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus on gerrymandering reform and through the Pacific Islands Caucus on the Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative Act addressing transnational crime. The office is accepting nominations for U.S. military service academies and entries for the Congressional App Challenge, and continues constituent assistance with veterans’ benefits, Social Security, passports, and other federal agencies at 808-650-6688 or case.house.gov.
Hawaiʻi Airspace Modernization Project
The FAA’s Hawaiʻi Airspace Modernization Project entered its solution-development phase in August 2026, during which specific airspace and flight-procedure changes will be developed. Issues include safety, low-altitude commercial flights, nighttime operations, congestion near Honolulu, and tour-helicopter routes. The congressman urged residents to continue participating through the FAA website. A board member who reviewed the FAA’s recorded presentation said community submissions accounted for approximately 82 percent of comments and that the comment heat map was concentrated over the board’s districts. He felt the FAA had heard neighborhood concerns, including requests to route more flights over water. The board asked that the lengthy FAA link be emailed for placement in its shared drive.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Concerns
Vice Chair Velasco asked Congressman Case to examine reports of deaths, contaminated food or water, child detention, family separation, and proposed “shock gloves” for Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel. She described the reported equipment as capable of electrically shocking detainees and urged federal action to protect adults and children in detention. Case’s representative agreed to bring the concerns to the congressman.
Medicare for All and Hawaiian Home Lands
A resident congratulated Case on his primary election victory but urged him to support Medicare for All, noting that many Democratic candidates around the country are running on that policy and criticizing past votes aligned with Republicans. Another resident asked Case to support directing revenue from the Hale Koa Hotel to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to help provide turnkey homes for approximately 29,000 beneficiaries on the waitlist.
State Consumer Protection and Towing Hearing
State Representative Tina Grandinetti announced a House Consumer Protection informational briefing on towing complaints and alleged predatory towing practices for Wednesday, August 19 at 10 a.m. in Capitol conference room 309. The hearing was also to be livestreamed on the House YouTube channel.
Government Ethics and Contractor Contributions
Grandinetti reported that the bipartisan, bicameral Good Government Caucus asked legislative leaders and Governor Josh Green to convene a special session based on Senate Bill 2530. The proposal would close a loophole allowing officers and family members of government contractors to make campaign contributions and was among the Foley Commission’s recommendations. Although convening requires agreement from two-thirds of each chamber and would involve added cost and time, supporters wanted action before the general election or at least a firm commitment to pass the measure in the next regular session. Grandinetti said the effort was intended to respond to corruption scandals and rebuild public trust.
Legislative Committee Transparency
Vice Chair Velasco questioned the practice of legislative committees recessing into private discussions and then allowing a chair to kill a bill without publicly explaining the reasoning. Grandinetti said recesses often last only a minute or two and are generally used to secure quorum or inform members of the chair’s intended recommendation. A recent lawsuit found the practice did not violate House rules, but she said lawmakers are encouraging chairs to explain recommendations publicly as a best practice and to avoid the appearance of secret decision-making.
Community Concern About Unresolved Police Calls
During community concerns, Davis compared the 4,681 District 6 calls for service with the much smaller number of listed arrests, citations, and reported crimes. He questioned how many calls HPD classifies as non-investigable and whether police are declining to investigate situations that could be examined under reasonable, articulable suspicion, such as videos showing people dismantling mopeds. He requested greater transparency about call dispositions and suggested that neighborhood boards may eventually consider a resolution. The chair said the matter should be referred back to police for explanation.
Red Hill Registry Overview
Tara Sutton, Director of Community Engagement for the Red Hill Registry, described the registry’s work following the 2021–2022 Red Hill fuel contamination crisis. Its goals are to document each participant’s exposure and health effects over time, connect affected people with resources and services, and create educational materials for healthcare providers, residents, and other communities facing similar disasters. Registry staff attend public meetings, conduct food and clean-water distributions and cleanups, visit classrooms, participated in the Capitol’s University of Hawaiʻi Research Day, and consult a community advisory work group every six weeks. The University of Hawaiʻi received $27 million through the National Defense Authorization Act, funded by the Department of Defense, to operate the program.
Registry Eligibility and Enrollment
The registry was designed to include more than only those exposed during the principal November 2021 through March 2022 contamination window. Participants first complete a roughly 10-minute pre-enrollment questionnaire describing how, where, and when they used water. The baseline questionnaire covers people exposed during the main contamination period, while expanded enrollment covers people who used the Navy water system before or after that period, people in buffer areas around flushing zones, and unexposed household members who may serve as a comparison group. A person over age 18 may consent for themselves, a minor, or another adult for whom they are a legally authorized representative. Although an estimated 93,000 people may have been exposed, only about 500 had completed the second enrollment step. Reaching military families is difficult because many have relocated globally and military email systems can block civilian bulk messages. Enrollment assistance is available at 808-427-8260 or info@redhillregistry.org.
Red Hill Health and Community Resources
The registry partnered with Unite Us, a national health and community-care technology platform, to create a public directory at redhillregistry.org/resources. Unlike many Unite Us systems, it does not require registry enrollment or a login and can be used by anyone in the United States, including people seeking storm-related assistance. Results can be customized by ZIP code and accessed in hundreds of languages. Sutton asked residents to share registry materials, connect staff with healthcare providers and trusted community spaces, and follow the registry’s online channels.
Children and Long-Term Red Hill Effects
Sutton described how families displaced to hotels during the crisis were legally considered homeless and could access additional school resources. Her own family had to commute between Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Waikīkī for showers and meals while her daughter attended Radford High School. The crisis coincided with the COVID-19 Delta surge, shifting public messaging from “stay home to remain safe” to a situation in which the home’s water itself was harmful. The registry has not yet released child-specific educational materials, but future data may identify different impacts among infants, children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, adults, and kūpuna. The Board of Water Supply and Navy continue monitoring groundwater because fuel remains in a plume within the aquifer even though the Red Hill tanks have been defueled and the immediate facility threat reduced.
Fuel Tank Advisory Committee and Navy Cooperation
Sutton said the Navy invites registry staff to open houses and Fuel Tank Advisory Committee meetings and has allowed engagement with Red Hill Clinic personnel. The Fuel Tank Advisory Committee currently meets twice a year, although quarterly meetings have been discussed. With Red Hill defueled, the committee now considers other underground fuel-storage sites as well as the remaining contamination and groundwater monitoring around Red Hill.
Neighborhood Commission Brochure Review
A permitted interaction group consisting of board members reviewed an NCO brochure titled “Neighborhood Meetings” and concluded that it minimized the formal role of neighborhood boards, emphasized the Neighborhood Commission Office and city branding, omitted important history, and failed to describe the boards’ public-service function accurately. The group prepared a marked-up version and narrative in the shared drive and presented concerns to the Neighborhood Commission. Members objected that the NCO then sought input from another board on a revised brochure without consulting the board that initiated the complaint. Because a permitted interaction group automatically dissolves when it reports, the board agreed to place an action item on the next agenda to establish a special-subject committee that could continue reviewing the brochure, communicate with the commission, and advocate for accurate information about the development and role of all 33 neighborhood boards.
Planning, Preservation, and Community Notices
The board received notice of a special-management-area major permit application for a vacant coastal lot near Shangri-La in the neighboring Kahala area and agreed to place the information in the shared drive because nearby coastal development can have broader effects. It also announced a Department of Planning and Permitting hearing on September 11 concerning proposed Title 20, Chapter 32 administrative rules governing the Oʻahu Historic Preservation Commission. International Dog Day was scheduled for Wednesday, August 26 at the Clark Hatch Bark Park at Diamond Head.
St. Louis Heights School-Safety Sign Waving
The St. Louis Heights subdistrict reported school-safety sign waving near Hokulani Elementary School and announced another session for the following Tuesday from approximately 7 to 8 a.m. at Dole Street and St. Louis Drive. Residents were reminded to watch for children and parents now that school is back in session. The subdistrict is also working directly with its City Council representative on several unresolved local matters.
Noela Street “Monster House” Concern
Subdistrict 3 reported approximately six additional very large houses on Noela Street, each reportedly containing around eight bedrooms and four bathrooms. A member said the concentration suggested development by one owner or a coordinated group and raised concern about a continuing trend toward oversized or high-occupancy homes in an established residential area. She agreed to provide the addresses so the board could review property ownership and tax-map information.
Closing and Next Meeting
Members closed by reiterating storm-preparedness advice, including keeping sufficient water, fuel, cash, and charged phones available. The next regular meeting was announced for Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 6 p.m.