No 01 Hawaiʻi Kai Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting February 2026
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1 Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board Meeting – February 25, 2026
Introductions and Board Composition
Chair Roberta Mayer welcomed everyone and invited Board members to introduce themselves, including those participating online. Eleven of the fifteen seats were noted as filled, with three at-large vacancies open to volunteers. Chair Mayer encouraged community members interested in serving on the Board to come forward later in the meeting. No new volunteers stepped up at this session.
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Report
Newly assigned personnel from Engine 34 introduced themselves and provided safety tips, emphasizing that calling 911 is the best way to secure the closest available fire company. They reported January 2026 incident statistics for the district, which included two activated alarms with no fire, one fire alarm, and five mountain rescue calls. Questions followed regarding the frequency of mountain rescues and the Department’s stance on rescue cost recovery proposals for individuals who venture into restricted areas. HFD noted several legislative attempts to address rescue reimbursement. Concerns were also raised about narrow roads and parked vehicles hindering fire truck passage. HFD reiterated that they routinely survey local streets and coordinate with dispatch if access is blocked by vehicles parked illegally. They plan to return next month with more detail regarding the locations of mountain rescues.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Report
Lieutenant Mira presented January 2026 statistics: one motor vehicle theft, one burglary, eight thefts, and three unauthorized entries into motor vehicles, with 5,804 total calls for service. In light of recent heavy rains, HPD advised the public to learn evacuation routes, avoid playing in streams or drainage ditches, and refrain from driving through floodwaters. No new concerns were raised by Board members or the community, and HPD concluded with a reminder to prioritize safety during potential flash floods.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) Report
A BWS representative announced two January main breaks: one near 7192 Kalanianaʻole Highway on January 1, and another near 1085 Kamoʻo Koa Place on January 9. BWS also reminded students in grades K–12 of the 2026 poster and poetry contests themed “Everyday Conservation,” closing February 27. Residents were informed of an upcoming construction project at the Kamehame Booster 1 station set to begin on or after March 16, involving installation of a temporary pumping connection. The Board will share details with the public once available.
Kaiser Complex Schools Update
The Kaiser Complex is a fully authorized International Baccalaureate system, and the representative highlighted the program’s emphasis on compassion and community action. Kaiser High’s girls’ flag football teams have begun their second season, drawing approximately 50 students. Upcoming events include the April 11 “Aloha in Action” day of service, in which local schools will undertake community projects throughout the area, and an Earth Day Festival at Kaiser High on April 17. Science fair achievements were noted, with several Kaiser students winning best-in-category awards and advancing to state- or international-level competitions. The school’s auditorium renovation updates remain in progress, and the community will receive more details in future meetings.
Neighborhood Commission Report
Chair Patrick Smith of the Neighborhood Commission explained the Commission’s role in revising the neighborhood plan, examining Board boundary issues, and assisting with procedural questions. He highlighted ongoing updates to the complaints process, primarily aimed at compliance rather than punishment, and reiterated the Commission’s help for Boards grappling with sub-district vacancies or planning needs. Board members praised the Neighborhood Commission Office for quickly sharing relevant community announcements.
Department of Transportation Update
A representative for the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation relayed a clarification about the short, 650-foot distance at the ʻĪnāʻula intersection where drivers seek to move between lanes. Engineers recommend proceeding to the next intersection for a safer U-turn, as that junction does not allow enough room to merge across several lanes in so short a distance.
Community Announcements
Attendees announced a March 3 Planning, Zoning, and Environment Committee meeting at the Hawaiʻi Kai Public Library, where Group 70 (G70) will discuss a proposed expansion of the Koko Villas development near Koko Crater. Other updates included the ongoing Aloha in Action Day of Service on April 11, sponsored in part by Friends of Hāʻenauma Bay, and a February 27 town hall at the Oʻahu Club focusing on “The Heart of Hawaiʻi Kai.” Advocates for the James property in central Hawaiʻi Kai are exploring its potential use as a community resource center, city facility, and preschool location.
Public-Generated Issues: Koko Villas Expansion
Several residents voiced concerns regarding a proposal to build 34 additional townhomes near Koko Villas in preservation-zoned acreage at the base of Koko Crater. Speakers questioned whether such rezoning is appropriate, citing flood risks and ecosystem disruption. Others expressed reservations about traffic congestion, insufficient parking, and whether the development’s layout has been fully planned. That topic will be discussed in detail at the planned March 3 committee meeting, organized to gather facts and resident opinions before the Board makes any recommendation or decision.
Kaʻiwi Coast Run
Race Director Katrina Perez announced that the next Kaʻiwi Coast Run will be on November 22, 2026. The run will begin at Sandy Beach at approximately 6:45 a.m. and end near the Maunalua Bay canoe halau around 9:00 a.m. Proceeds and donations benefit various local groups, including Livable Maunalua Hui, to support conservation and community projects along the Kaʻiwi coast. Organizers will continue outreach to ensure minimal disruption to traffic and residents on race day.
Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response
A presenter from the CRB Response Team discussed how these beetles threaten coconut and other palm species by attacking the heart of the tree. Most of their life cycle sits in compost, mulch, or decaying logs, making it crucial to manage green waste properly and inspect potting soil or compost bags for signs of infestation. Attendees voiced concerns about large mulch piles in nearby agricultural areas and the possible spread through lightly regulated soil or mulch sales. Bills at the Legislature include potential funding for CRB control, as well as research into long-term biocontrols that might reduce beetle populations. Residents were urged to contact the CRB team if they find beetles or suspicious larval forms.
Volunteer Board Seats
With three at-large seats currently vacant, the Board welcomed nominations or volunteers from the community. No residents offered to fill those positions at this meeting; the call remains open for next month.
Elected Official Reports
Mayor’s Representative
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s office reported that the Managing Director plans to meet with the current equestrian vendor leaseholder regarding needed demolition of a derelict structure at the Koko Crater stables, which includes hazardous materials. Parks and Recreation’s new citywide initiative to allow on-leash dogs in more public parks was mentioned, with Camilo ʻĪki Neighborhood Park designated in Hawaiʻi Kai and several other local parks nominated for possible inclusion. The Department of Transportation Services notified the Board of a minor schedule change for bus Route 23, aimed at easing transfers.
Governor’s Representative
Governor Josh Green’s office confirmed that Maunalua Bay’s dredging and beach restoration were completed ahead of schedule. Regarding the Koko Head siren in Portlock, a representative has monitored monthly tests and continues to coordinate with Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency to address community complaints that some cannot hear the siren. The Governor’s office also highlighted the Hawaiʻi Department of Hawaiian Home Lands’ interest in a 2.88-acre parcel near the Hawaiʻi Kai Post Office. As the land acquisition proceeds, DHHL remains in the early due diligence stage, with no finalized plans or timelines yet determined.
Senator Stanley Chang
Senator Chang noted that some bills regarding hiking rescue reimbursement have stalled while legislators weigh concerns about discouraging needed 911 calls. A measure proposing a historic marker referring to “Maunalua Island” at the Hawaiʻi Kai Town Center was withdrawn following community opposition. He also mentioned Senate Bill 2925, which recognizes coconut trees as vital cultural and sustainable food resources; it may help secure further funding for anti-CRB efforts. Senator Chang reminded everyone that the legislative session remains in progress, and community members are encouraged to submit comments or track bills through the Public Access Room.
Senator Chris Lee
Senator Lee summarized the hectic legislative schedule and updated the Board on various bills, including measures addressing illegal ticket scalping, possible CRB response funding, and concepts for preserving nearshore coral reef habitats. He also described ongoing debates around hiking rescue cost recovery and explained that some proposals had been deferred, in part due to safety and liability concerns. Senator Lee reported that a measure to cancel unpayable medical debt is advancing, as well as legislation aimed at directing additional funds toward conservation land acquisitions.
Representative Joe Gideon
Representative Gideon announced survey results regarding the proposed Koko Villas expansion, reporting that about 80% of 281 respondents opposed the project. He promised a detailed summary of survey findings to help the Board and residents become better informed for the March 3 committee meeting. Updates on Mariners Ridge street repairs revealed that an earlier water leak caused erosion under the road; the Board of Water Supply is working on a timeline for corrections. Representative Gideon is also holding a public “Heart of Hawaiʻi Kai” forum at the Oʻahu Club on February 27, featuring local environmental and community groups.
Representative Mark Hashem
Representative Hashem’s office provided updates on discussions with the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation regarding future pavement work and lighting improvements along Kalanianaʻole Highway, set to begin in spring 2026. He confirmed that state agencies have secured staging areas near Kalani High School and other nearby parcels to mitigate neighborhood traffic impacts. As Chair of the House Committee on Water and Land, Representative Hashem is considering multiple proposals on conservation, historic preservation, and public access for beaches and shorelines.
Ongoing Board Business
No major updates were given on the Kaʻiwi Coast Scenic Byway or Kamilonui Valley agriculture. Concerning Koko Crater stables, the Mayor’s office reported that contractual and structural issues still require resolution, including removing a lead-based paint structure, before improvements or a permanent reopening can occur.
Next Meeting
The Board adjourned after announcing that its next regular meeting is set for March 31, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Hahaʻione Elementary School Cafeteria, with simultaneous Webex access. All sessions are recorded and are made available for future viewing via the Honolulu Neighborhood Commission website and ʻŌlelo Community Media.