No 23 Ewa Beach Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting November 2025
Ewa Neighborhood Board Meeting
Opening Procedures and Housekeeping
The meeting convened promptly at 7:00 p.m., beginning with an explanation of speaking rules and Sunshine Law requirements. The Vice Chair emphasized that this board is an advisory body dedicated to fairness, integrity, and civic participation. Anyone wishing to testify was reminded to address the chair first and keep comments concise. Members and attendees were asked to silence electronic devices. It was clarified that the board may take action only on properly noticed agenda items or through a two-thirds vote to add items in urgent circumstances. After these ground rules, board members in attendance introduced themselves, including several participating virtually. There was an apology for a missed meeting the previous month, with the chair explaining the circumstances resulting in no minutes for October. Approval of September’s minutes proceeded without substantive corrections.
Public Safety Updates: Fire and Police
Representatives from the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) and Honolulu Police Department (HPD) shared statistics and seasonal reminders. HFD reported 202 calls for service in October 2025, including structure fires, brush fires, cooking fires, and medical incidents. With the holiday season approaching, the captain stressed safe cooking habits to prevent kitchen fires, such as not leaving stoves unattended and keeping flammable materials away from cooking appliances.
HPD noted an increase in calls for service, with over 8,000 total calls in the district during October. Officers cited data for motor vehicle thefts, burglaries, thefts, and unauthorized entries into vehicles. They also provided updates on traffic citations issued, including speeding violations and other moving infractions. Board members asked about potential connections between thefts and various age groups, while HPD indicated that the patterns seemed random. The department highlighted recent enforcement against illegal e-motorcycles, pointing to stepped-up efforts that have yielded multiple citations and reduced the number of such vehicles operating unsafely.
Board Administration: Emails, Communication, and Planning
The board discussed how best to handle emails that the chair receives from various government agencies, organizations, and community members. The possibility of forwarding informational notices to all members was examined, with caution to avoid Sunshine Law breaches. Members acknowledged that thorough sharing of information improves transparency but must be managed under legal parameters. The board also touched on how to handle survey-based feedback on issues—such as potential sites for allowing dogs in certain parks—while remaining compliant with open meeting rules.
Proposed Christmas Tree Decor Project
A board member described an initiative to decorate a Christmas tree at Kapolei Hale under the theme “Season of Stars,” reflecting Native Hawaiian heritage and local natural elements. The board voted unanimously to approve participation, acknowledging this civic tradition of holiday displays. Decorations would feature representations of limu (seaweed), pearl oysters from Pu‘uloa, and other symbols. The tree will be displayed from December 6 through January 4.
Planned Luau Proposals at WaiKai
Representatives for Haseko and affiliated companies presented two proposed Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Major projects: a temporary luau on the special events lawn at WaiKai and a permanent luau on the western side of the lagoon. The temporary site, covering 1.75 acres, would seat up to 350 guests and operate potentially seven nights per week until 10:00 p.m. The permanent site, a 4.2-acre parcel, would eventually host 1,200 attendees in permanent facilities. Questions centered on possible use of tour buses to mitigate traffic, the duration of the temporary operation (two to three years while the permanent site is built), and environmental considerations. Concerns included noise impacts, roadway capacity, and responsible cultural representation in luau entertainment. Attendees also raised questions about why the project does not trigger further environmental assessments or lie within the Special Management Area (SMA). The presenters indicated an intention to engage with area homeowners associations and the broader public, including a required city review and hearing process.
Fort Weaver Road Sewer Repairs
The Department of Transportation provided an update that sewer-related work under Fort Weaver Road should conclude by January or February of the coming year. Crews have been installing a new 36-inch pipe. Extended work hours are anticipated to accelerate completion, which has been delayed over the past two years. Residents highlighted concerns about past sewage spills into the canal and stressed the importance of verifying that no further wastewater discharges occur into the ocean.
Kapolei Parkway Extension Proposal
A forthcoming one-mile extension of Kapolei Parkway between Kapolei Commons and Ko Olina was outlined. Though still in early planning, the roadway may feature four lanes, a signalized intersection, and roundabouts. A pre-assessment consultation is open for public comment until December 4. Multiple board members recognized the potential benefits of a continuous corridor for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, while also noting the importance of a full environmental assessment and community feedback to address possible traffic congestion and sensitive environmental areas.
Resident and Community Concerns
Members of the public announced various gatherings and activities in the district. Some expressed worry over the long-term impacts of ongoing development, resource consumption, and traffic burdens, urging thorough environmental studies. The Red Hill Registry reminded people to enroll if they fear contamination exposure from prior water issues, and shared plans for a “Remembering Red Hill” event. A local race organizer recapped upcoming 5K, 10K, and half-marathon events, highlighting minimal impact on roads and the group’s efforts to raise money for local charities.
Government Reports: Navy, City, and Council
A U.S. Navy chief petty officer and a representative for the Navy’s Red Hill Task Force updated attendees on tank decommissioning progress, mobile app dashboards tracking cleanup, and future community ship tours. Follow-up questions included scheduling confusion and ongoing safety concerns about suspected water contamination. The City administration’s representative gave highlights from the mayor’s newsletter, including Skyline (rail) expansion updates to the airport, new sewer rates arriving January 2026, gradually introduced repairs at Fasi Municipal Building, and announcements for upcoming holiday concerts. The deputy director for the Department of Parks and Recreation returned to the Ewa board as a liaison, signaling renewed focus on repairing the local district park system. Board members and elected officials pressed for improvements at Puʻuloa District Park, the need for dedicated pickleball courts, and more urgent attention to local parks’ restrooms, irrigation, and general field conditions.
City Council and Mayoral Updates
Councilmembers underscored legislative priorities ahead of the new year, including improved dog park requirements for developers, the vacant police officer task force report, and expanded powers for addressing loose livestock under updated “Poundmaster” provisions. Efforts to legalize or designate on-leash dog-friendly parks continue, and the board was urged to submit specific park requests for consideration. A recently enacted measure exempts honorably discharged veterans over 65 from certain registration fees—a step local legislators and the mayor cooperated on. Conversation also turned to possible restricted or emergency-only connections along roads near Ko Olina, with councilmembers explaining that new infrastructure sometimes requires memoranda of understanding to open roads during accidents or natural disasters rather than full public usage.
State Legislative Updates
State senators and representatives reported on major roadblocks to completing key projects. In particular, repeated reallocation of funds intended for Fort Weaver Road widening has stalled relief from traffic congestion. Lawmakers shared interest in forging alliances with the city to open alternative routes out of Ewa, if possible through former federal lands. There was discussion of additional recreation space proposals, local events, and legislative recognition for community members who acted heroically during emergencies. Residents and board members expressed hopes that major developments, such as the Prince Kūhiō Marketplace proposed near Old Fort Weaver Road, include meaningful enhancements to roads, drainage, and pedestrian safety.
Parks Committee Report
The board’s Parks Committee summarized communication with city officials on Oneʻula Beach Park, noting that a playing field recently under construction should soon be turned over to the Department of Parks and Recreation. The restroom and comfort station project remains in design review at the Department of Planning and Permitting, with funds tentatively allocated for 2027. Community members met to explore a new community garden concept in Ewa, potentially located at a park site referred to as “Singh Park.” The committee committed to seek further input on designing and sustaining that garden.
Closing and Next Steps
In concluding remarks, the board confirmed that the next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting adjourned with holiday well-wishes, renewed commitment to address community priorities, and a reminder that the board’s purpose is to provide a forum for Ewa residents to engage local government, stay informed, and seek solutions for quality-of-life concerns.