No 23 Ewa Beach Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting September 2025
Ewa Beach Neighborhood Board Meeting
Introduction and Call to Order
The meeting convened at 7:01 p.m. in a hybrid format, with Board Chair John Clark conducting proceedings. Several members were absent due to travel, prompting the Chair to note that meetings are held both in person and online. The Chair reminded attendees that the Board is advisory and seeks to increase effective citizen participation in government decisions. He outlined speaking rules, including requesting to speak by raising one’s hand and limiting each speaker to one minute per turn. Reports should remain under three minutes, and presentations under ten. Mobile devices were requested to be silenced. Because there was no quorum (only four members present out of an eleven-member board), no official votes could be taken on significant issues.
Roll Call and Quorum Status
A quick roll call was attempted to confirm additional Board members, who might be online or in person. Only four members ultimately responded, confirming the lack of quorum. The Chair emphasized that without at least eight members, items requiring Board action could not be approved or added to the agenda.
Public Safety First Responder Reports
A representative from the Ewa Beach Fire Station reported on activity over the past month, which included 11 fire-related incidents and 199 total emergencies, of which 187 were medical calls. Fire safety tips focused on the hazards posed by lithium-ion battery charging. The Honolulu Fire Department announced a Fire Prevention Family Day at the Honolulu Zoo. A representative from the Honolulu Police Department provided crime statistics for the district, including 27 motor vehicle thefts (14 in Ewa), 10 burglaries (5 in Ewa), and 117 thefts (30 in Ewa). Traffic enforcement statistics showed 1,315 total citations issued in August. HPD noted that stepped-up traffic enforcement and special traffic projects contributed to the high number of tickets. Members of the public asked about catalytic converter thefts, reporting procedures, and whether HPD could intervene without an immediate victim complaint. HPD representatives explained that the vehicle owner must file charges, though witnesses can provide essential details. Graffiti and vandalism concerns were also raised, prompting discussion about reporting suspicious activity by calling 911.
Potential Resolution: Pedestrian Safety near Elementary School
Parents voiced concerns about dangerous sidewalk obstructions along Papepe Road in front of Ewa Beach Elementary School. Signs mounted in the center of the narrow sidewalk compel children on foot, scooters, or bicycles to swerve close to vehicle traffic, creating hazards. Some parents recounted incidents where children nearly fell into the roadway. Suggestions for improving safety included relocating or consolidating the signage, placing a curbside barrier, and increasing sidewalk width. Because the Board lacked quorum, no formal resolution could be adopted. However, participants agreed to revisit the matter at the next full Board meeting and to invite more parents for broader support.
Potential Resolution: Heat Abatement and AC Maintenance in Schools
Community members revealed that air conditioning units at area schools often malfunction and that many classrooms no longer cool properly. A principal described how solar-powered AC systems, installed during a statewide heat abatement push, struggle to operate on overcast days and lack adequate repair funding. Parents recounted incidents of children returning home overheated and finding it difficult to concentrate in class. A parent read a statement from a student emphasizing the discomfort and the need for a suitable learning environment. Officials from the Department of Education, including an interim assistant superintendent and an interim complex area superintendent, attended and agreed that consistent repairs and simpler, more reliable AC systems might resolve some of the chronic breakdowns. The Board intends to draft a resolution urging repairs and better maintenance, pending a quorum at a subsequent meeting.
Community Information: Kalaeloa Regional Park Plans
The Chair introduced a website outlining plans for the future Kalaeloa Regional Park, which comprises roughly 400 acres set aside for amenities such as open spaces, sports fields, and possibly a temporary or permanent racetrack. The public was encouraged to visit the website to learn about proposed uses and share comments. Emphasis was placed on understanding language promising that long-term plans “can” include a motorsports facility, which may not guarantee final implementation. Residents were asked to weigh in to guide the planning process and voice whether they support or oppose any particular aspect of the park’s development.
Community Information: Climate Action Pathways
A state-led website was highlighted for residents seeking to address climate change at a local level. The site provides resources and paths for individuals to comment on proposed emission reduction policies and to learn about existing climate initiatives. Community members were encouraged to submit feedback and review other residents’ comments, contributing to an evolving plan that can track new suggestions in areas such as waste management and energy efficiency.
Community Information: City Charter Revisions
The Chair announced the City and County of Honolulu’s Charter Commission is inviting proposals for amendments to the City Charter. Proposals can address local laws, governance issues, and resident concerns that may require city-level solutions. Any person or organization can submit ideas by November 7. The Commission ultimately decides which proposals go on the 2026 ballot for a public vote. The Chair noted that one commissioner previously served on a neighborhood board, suggesting a direct line of communication and stronger potential for community-driven amendments.
Resident and Community Concerns
No new concerns were brought forward beyond the issues already discussed. An online speaker reminded the public of the Red Hill Registry, which tracks individuals who may have been affected by the Navy water system fuel leaks in 2021. The Red Hill Registry is enrolling participants at redhillregistry.org and aims to connect them to health care and other social services.
Government Agencies and Elected Official Reports
Representatives from the Marine Corps Base Hawaii and the U.S. Navy gave brief announcements. The Marine Corps Base reported that a sand fence for a training facility would soon be erected. The Navy advised of statewide community service initiatives, ship tours, and Pearl Harbor boat tours. The Navy also reminded residents of the Red Hill weekly highlights newsletter. Other local and federal government officials’ updates were postponed or absent, likely due to other events on the same day.
Committee Reports
Education Committee and members revisited the heat abatement conversation, agreeing that maintenance and preventive care must be part of any future AC initiative. Transportation Committee updates included announcements from members who attended Hawai‘i Department of Transportation briefings and concerns about roadway safety. The Climate Change and Resilience Hubs Committee plans another meeting on October 1 at 7:00 p.m. in the local library to continue planning for potential emergency and community service hubs. No additional topics were reported.
Closing Remarks and Next Meeting
The Chair acknowledged the significance of the September 11 date and concluded with remembrance. He reminded attendees that the next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Ewa Beach Public Library, with a virtual option. Meeting broadcasts and recordings will be made available on local channels and on YouTube. The Chair encouraged everyone to remain engaged, reiterating that community action helps shape decisions about safety, infrastructure, and public services. The meeting then adjourned without quorum but with plans for further resolutions and a hope that more members will join the next session.