No 23 Ewa Beach Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting January 2026
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Ewa Neighborhood Board Meeting – January 9, 2026
Call to Order and Initial Proceedings
The meeting began at 7:00 p.m. with Chair John Clark welcoming attendees both in person and online. Vice Chair Alex Gauss read the rules, outlining that the Neighborhood Board is an advisory group providing fairness and integrity to ensure effective citizen participation in government decisions. Speakers at the meeting are encouraged to keep comments concise, and all electronic devices should be silenced. The Chair introduced board members present in the room and online, briefly noting the history of the board and extending thanks to long-serving members. The meeting was then turned to official agenda items.
Public Safety Reports – Honolulu Fire Department (HFD)
A fire captain from the Ewa Beach Fire Station presented statistics for December 2025. There were two structure fires, one brush fire, and one nuisance fire outside vehicles or structures. The department responded to 23 alarms without fire present, 185 medical emergencies, one motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian, five other crashes, and three hazardous materials incidents. Electrical safety tips were provided, including cautions to avoid overloading outlets with heat-producing appliances and to regularly check electrical cords. No questions arose from the board or community.
Public Safety Reports – Honolulu Police Department (HPD)
An HPD District 8 officer provided December 2025 crime statistics, noting 24 motor vehicle thefts (12 in Ewa), nine burglaries (two in Ewa), 105 thefts (27 in Ewa), and 15 vehicle break-ins (three in Ewa). Speeding citations reached 70, with a total of 1,211 citations issued in District 8. Board members raised concerns about the increase in children riding high-speed e-bikes without helmets and performing dangerous maneuvers, along with difficulties in enforcing current regulations. HPD acknowledged they had conducted enforcement operations resulting in arrests and confiscations of unregistered vehicles but noted ongoing challenges. Another concern was traffic violations at certain intersections, where drivers frequently ran red lights or made illegal turns, highlighting a need for increased patrols.
Board Administration – Attendance and Communications
The board discussed the need to streamline and archive incoming communications. Members voted unanimously to establish a central board email repository to ensure equal access to information and avoid unintentional Sunshine Law violations through direct group discussion. All board-related communications will be forwarded or copied to that centralized email, and a clear written process for using it will be introduced at a future meeting.
Board Administration – Possible Developer Presentation Request
The Chair mentioned a recently publicized land deal involving the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and a developer. Although the board considered asking for an official letter inviting a presentation, the matter was tabled in favor of first making informal inquiries and returning to the board if a formal letter became necessary.
Board Administration – Member Absences and Seat Vacancies
The Chair announced that a board member had three absences, fulfilling grounds for automatic seat vacancy. After attempts to contact had failed, the board unanimously voted to vacate that member’s seat. A second board member also had three absences but provided explanation in advance about out-of-state travel obligations; the board voted to retain this member.
Public Safety and Emergency Access – Transportation Initiatives
Vice Chair Gauss and Board Member Rogers introduced a proposed plan to establish a public vehicle and pedestrian link between Tripoli Street and Keoneula Boulevard. They noted it could provide emergency evacuation routes, improve traffic flow, and offer direct access to nearby coastal and recreational areas. The board discussed multiple possible routes, recognized the need for coordination with various landowners and government agencies, and prepared to bring a formal resolution.
Presentation – Proposed Community Garden at Asing Park
A representative from the Department of Parks and Recreation described the city’s community garden program and a plan to establish a medium-sized garden at Asing Community Park. The site was selected after evaluating community demographics, park amenities, and existing city resources. Community members were encouraged to submit feedback on the proposed location. Some board members voiced concerns about displacing other park uses, such as youth athletics, and suggested investigating alternative spots within or near the park. The presenter assured listeners that no final decision is made and the department welcomes more public input.
Residents and Community Concerns
Board members cited the Oahu Regional Transportation Plan (ORTP) 2050 draft as a key community interest, encouraging residents to submit feedback on proposed projects. The plan features interactive maps and welcomes public comments online. Some members also repeated concerns that local streets, sidewalks, and heavily utilized parks suffer from inadequately maintained infrastructure, creating safety hazards and inconvenience. Questions arose about gate closures along certain pedestrian and bike paths, illegal dumping, and ways to address these long-term quality-of-life issues.
Developer and Landowner Updates
Various development companies provided brief progress reports. Gentry updated the board on a pending traffic signal at Geiger Road and Kamakana Street, explaining that coordination with the city’s Department of Transportation Services remains stalled. The board expressed frustration at repeated delays, urging Gentry to speed negotiations and commit to firm next steps. Haseko offered to arrange coffee hours for residents and reminded board members that opening a currently fenced roadway to enable direct travel from neighborhoods into the adjoining resort or coastal areas would require negotiation with multiple landowners, government agencies, and security concerns.
Government Officials’ Reports – Federal Representatives
The Marine Corps Base Hawaii described ongoing discussions in a facility-led working group regarding potential lead contamination at the Puʻuloa Range Training Facility. Members are reviewing existing testing data and plan new air and water sampling to address local concerns. The Navy’s representative reported progress with Red Hill defueling preparations, including cleaning and ventilation of more fuel tanks. Both the Army and Navy answered questions regarding possible expansions or road construction around West Loch Annex, though no official timeline was provided. The Army highlighted a January training schedule, emphasizing live fire training and general noise advisories for neighboring communities.
Government Officials’ Reports – City Agencies
The Mayor’s representative read responses to previously raised concerns, including issues with signage, local parks, and naming facilities. The city confirmed progress on the Kālaeloa Regional Park Master Plan, the selection of a planning consultant, and the expected formation of a working group involving community stakeholders. Board members reiterated requests for better park maintenance, especially with the heavy use of sports fields near populated neighborhoods and schools.
Government Officials’ Reports – State Legislature
Several state legislators and representatives, in person and online, sent greetings for the new year. They focused on mounting pressure for improved community infrastructure, such as parks, recreational facilities, and public safety, particularly in heavily used Ewa Beach locations. Reports highlighted concerns over new housing developments lacking the corresponding school capacities. There was also news of a new interim Complex Area Superintendent of the Hawaiʻi Department of Education for the Campbell and Kapolei areas, who discussed ongoing campus construction at James Campbell High School and the urgent need for additional schools in rapidly growing residential areas.
Closing Announcements and Next Meeting
Before adjourning, board members reaffirmed the importance of re-integrating all relevant resolutions and meeting minutes into the official record. The Chair reminded attendees of upcoming deadlines for public comments on various environmental and city planning proposals. The meeting ended with notice that the next regular session would be held on a Thursday at 7:00 p.m., both in person at the Ewa Beach Public Library and virtually. Board members acknowledged the value of in-person attendance, expressing hope for better community engagement and swift action on pressing local issues.