No 01 Hawaiʻi Kai Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting January 2026
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1 Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board Meeting – January 28, 2026
Board Introductions and Attendance
The meeting was called to order by Board Chair Roberta Mayer. She noted that the Board currently has 15 seats, 12 of which are filled, ensuring a quorum. Each attending member introduced themselves, representing various sub-districts in Hawaiʻi Kai or serving at-large. The meeting welcomed both in-person and online participants, including sub-district representatives and a neighborhood assistant who supports meeting logistics. Chair Mayer explained that three vacancies exist in Sub-Districts 1, 7, and 8, but the Neighborhood Commission Board had recently voted to allow these vacant seats to be temporarily reclassified as at-large. At the next meeting, community members from anywhere in Hawaiʻi Kai may volunteer to fill those seats.
Honolulu Fire Department Report
Captain Waipo Parker from the Hawaiʻi Kai Fire Station presented wildfire, rescue, and medical response statistics for December 2025. These included one brush fire, five false-alarm activations, 93 medical calls, five motor vehicle collisions, four mountain rescues, one ocean rescue, and two hazardous materials incidents. He emphasized electrical safety in the home, advising residents not to overload outlets, to refrain from using extension cords as permanent solutions, and to schedule work with licensed electricians. The Board thanked Captain Parker for his service, and no follow-up questions were raised.
Honolulu Police Department Report
Lieutenant Taro Nakamura provided December crime statistics compared to the previous month, reporting a decrease in motor vehicle thefts (1 compared to 4), burglaries (0 compared to 1), thefts (5 compared to 8), and unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (1 compared to 4). The total calls for service reached 5,968 for the local district. As safety guidance for the rainy season, Lieutenant Nakamura urged drivers to slow down in wet conditions, turn headlights on, and avoid slamming on the brakes if the vehicle starts to hydroplane. Despite the opportunity, members did not voice additional concerns or questions.
Board of Water Supply Report
Board of Water Supply representative Iris Oda cautioned residents about ongoing utility scams and reiterated that the Board of Water Supply (BWS) does not accept payment via gift cards or outside regular business hours. She also noted that BWS now provides water rebates for residential customers, including $150 for an Energy Star clothes washer, $200 for a WaterSense-labeled toilet, and $400 for a smart water monitor. Recent main breaks in the area included incidents on Kialala Place, Lunalilo Home Road, and Hahaione Street. The Board thanked her for facilitating home visits to investigate intermittent water pipe noises and for recording addresses where road patching may be needed after waterwork projects.
Kaiser Complex Schools Update
Principal Shannon Gu summarized recent and upcoming events. Kaiser High School hosted its inaugural Science Olympiad, attracting seven participating teams. In partnership with a Hokkaido school, Kaiser is formalizing a sister-school agreement and looks forward to potential exchange programs. Noteworthy is the Middle Years Project for sophomores, who combine learning from sixth to tenth grade in a culminating presentation. The Kaiser High Parent-Teacher-Student Association has scheduled a Makers Explorium and Night Market in February. Additionally, Kaiser’s ROTC program will undergo a Pentagon inspection, and three robotics teams recently competed in Washington State, earning an Energy Award. On the arts front, a Visual and Performing Arts Complex is planned for completion in 2028, and a Kaiser student, Mia Matsura, was recognized on a state level for her historical essay. In the middle school sector, Niu Valley Middle School is building an international relationship with a junior high in Taiwan.
Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Updates
Speaking online, Galen Wong announced that the resurfacing of Kalanianaʻole Highway, from Makai Pier to near Hānāma Bay, is now expected to begin around July 2026, following completion of required environmental documentation. The Department also plans to expand the red-light camera program island-wide, examining intersections between ʻĀina Haina and Hawaiʻi Kai for possible installation. Galen Wong clarified that the focus in those additional ten intersections would likely be on red-light enforcement rather than speed enforcement, with a warning period before any citations begin.
Community Announcements
Multiple attendees shared projects and events that enrich the neighborhood:
• Lakealapuna Wetland: An upcoming World Wetlands Day celebration on February 7 will feature music, bird watching, plant demonstrations, and free family activities.
• Poetry From Ridge to Reef: Two local poets described their plan to install temporary poetry post boxes around Maunalua to inspire nature awareness. Poems would rotate every two weeks, focusing on local environmental themes.
• Sierra Club Efforts at Vāwamalu Beach: Volunteers have conducted monthly conservation outings for the past five years to continue restoring and protecting this scenic shoreline. Over 600 volunteers have participated, and their work complements the boulder barrier installed to stop off-roading damage.
• H.A.R.D (Hāhaʻione Advocates for Respectful Development): The group continues to gather thousands of signatures advocating preservation of the historic James Building and neighboring properties. They encourage more community support and the Board’s assistance in achieving respectful solutions with the landowner.
• Hawaii Kai Mile: An annual one-mile run on March 29 will take place from the Hawaiʻi Kai State Park to Kaiser High School. The event caters to runners of all ages and abilities, offering a short but enjoyable roadside race and culminating with participants leaving the course by about 8:15 a.m.
Public Concerns: Fencing in Upper Pīʻā Valley
A representative from the Koʻolau Mountain Watershed Partnership explained a fencing proposal in Upper Pīʻā Valley within Kulioʻo Forest Reserve. The 21,000-foot fence would enclose about 522 acres of state land to prevent hooved animals from damaging native vegetation. Once built, hunters would be invited to help eradicate pigs within the fence. The presenter emphasized that over time, reducing ungulate populations helps preserve forests, prevent erosion, and protect both the watershed and vulnerable species.
Verizon Wireless Proposal at Hawaiʻi Kai Golf Course
A site acquisition agent for Verizon described the intent to install a 50-foot “stealth” monopine tower near the 10th hole tee box at the Hawaiʻi Kai Golf Course. The project aims to improve coverage at the Ka Iwi trailhead, Sandy Beach, and Blowhole areas. The presenter noted that neighboring properties would still receive mailed notice and that Verizon plans to keep the tower’s faux-tree appearance maintained. Board members asked about aesthetics and maintenance responsibilities, which the agent promised to address. A second presentation on this project will occur at a future meeting once residents are fully notified.
GROW Pilot Program (Green Recycling Organic Waste)
Recycling Program Branch Chief Henry Gabriel introduced the City’s new pilot program, commencing April 1, 2026, in Hawaiʻi Kai and several other selected areas. Residents currently placing green waste in the green cart will soon be allowed to include food scraps—such as fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and grains. Gabriel stressed best management practices to avoid odors and rodents, including storing scraps in freezers or layering food with green waste in the bin. Hawaiian Earth Recycling’s in-vessel compost system will process the material into usable compost. Some residents expressed concerns about rodent control, the frequency of pick-up, and practical limitations like freezer space or large gatherings. Gabriel invited the community to upcoming workshops designed to outline strategies for sanitary participation.
Vacant Board Seats and Temporary At-Large Status
Chair Mayer reminded the community that three neighborhood board seats remain unfilled. The Neighborhood Commission Board approved recasting these spots as at-large to increase volunteer eligibility. The Board seeks new members for Sub-Districts 1, 7, and 8, encouraging anyone from Hawaiʻi Kai to apply at the February meeting.
Elected Officials’ Highlights
Multiple elected officials provided updates relevant to Hawaiʻi Kai:
• City Council Chair Tommy Waters discussed a proposed new parking lot at the ball fields near Job Corps to relieve overflow from hikers and baseball parents. He also summarized the newly effective camera pilot program at scenic lookouts along the Ka Iwi coast, which drastically reduced car break-ins. Waters noted continuing conversations with Kamehameha Schools regarding the James Building and urged community engagement on topics like the proposed expansion of the Cocoa Villas onto preservation land. He pledged to support the neighborhood’s wishes, recognized local advocates for their conservation efforts, and reiterated that any re-zoning request would face extensive procedures.
• Governor Josh Green’s Office, represented by Cameron Black, updated the Board on the emergency siren near Portlock, stating that noise meter readings were within acceptable range. Also, the Department of Boating and Ocean Recreation anticipates completing dredging and repairs at the Maunalua Bay boat ramp by late February. Inquiries about potential offshore wind developments in the Ka Iwi Channel remain ongoing, pending further research on federal filing procedures.
• Representative Micah Aiu Hashim helped secure funding for dredging projects in Maunalua Bay and described a prospective “phase two” for bulkhead enhancements, a re-paved parking area, and additional docking space at the boat ramp.
• Senator Stanley Chang’s staff highlighted legislative priorities, including housing, and confirmed his continued focus on addressing the need for accessible, affordable living conditions. They also reminded attendees to subscribe to the Senator’s newsletter for more detailed updates.
• Senator Chris Lee announced legislative efforts on reducing costs for renewable energy installations, wiping out medical debt for thousands of individuals, and allocating funds to preserve open spaces. He assured that avenues exist to keep critical parcels in perpetually protected status and encouraged robust public involvement to safeguard preservation lands.
• Representative Joseph Gideon reported robust turnout at a recent Talk Story session with local agriculture experts and promised another session focusing on community concerns about the Cocoa Villas expansion. He noted ongoing discussions with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) about their 80-unit housing plan in Hawaiʻi Kai and pledged to ensure any new development addresses parking and congestion issues. Gideon also committed to alerting residents about any shifting energy proposals, including offshore wind in the Ka Iwi Channel.
Board Business and Key Follow-Ups
The Board reaffirmed its opposition to any reclassification of preservation land for luxury development at the Cocoa Villas site and reported that G70, representing that proposal, will meet with the Board’s Planning, Zoning, and Environment Committee on March 3. The meeting will proceed at the Hawaiʻi Kai Library, and community members are strongly encouraged to attend. Subsequent dialogue surfaced regarding how these requests conflict with the East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan and community desires to protect scenic and cultural resources around Cocoa Head.
The Board reminded residents that the City Council is still committed to upgrades at the Cocoa Crater Stables, where $350,000 is provided in the current budget to improve aging facilities. Residents expressed concern about delays, but city officials are moving systematically through the planning and permitting process.
Approval of Minutes and Next Meeting
Having no corrections to the November meeting minutes, the Board approved them as distributed. Chair Mayer announced that the next regular meeting of the Hawaiʻi Kai Neighborhood Board will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 7 p.m., at the Hahaʻione Elementary School cafeteria, with a WebEx option for remote participation. She thanked everyone for attending and sharing their input, then adjourned the meeting after confirming the broadcast schedule on ʻŌlelo Channel 49 and online platforms.