No 01 Hawaiʻi Kai Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting March 2026
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1 Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board Meeting – April 1, 2026
Introductions and Attendance
Chair Roberta Mayer welcomed attendees, introduced herself and board members, and noted that the board has 15 seats, with 12 currently filled. She invited interested residents to apply to fill the 3 vacant seats. Board members stated their sub-district affiliations, and the Neighborhood Commission Office assistant, Anson Wu, was also acknowledged. Several new arrivals were recognized, confirming that 11 of 12 filled seats were present.
Honolulu Fire Department
Captain Waipo Parker from the Hawaiʻi Kai Fire Station reported statistics for February 2026, with zero structure fires and brush fires, one nuisance fire, two cooking incidents, and six activated alarms with no fire. There were 86 medical emergencies, zero motor vehicle collisions, zero mountain rescues, zero ocean rescues, and zero hazmat incidents. The captain explained that a previous question concerning five mountain rescues referred to rescues at the Koko Head Trail. He emphasized the importance of smoke alarms, recommending that they be installed in every bedroom and tested monthly, and replaced every ten years or when they fail to respond.
Honolulu Police Department
Lieutenant Amir presented February 2026 crime statistics for the area: two motor vehicle thefts, one burglary, six thefts, one unauthorized entry to a motor vehicle, and 5,229 total calls for service. He offered disaster preparedness tips, highlighting the importance of maintaining emergency plans, checking equipment such as radios and generators, preparing for medical needs, and trimming trees near wires. He also noted that residents should review their insurance policies to ensure sufficient coverage. Several board members thanked the police for their presence and responsiveness during the recent severe weather.
Board of Water Supply
Board of Water Supply representative Iris Oda announced that there were no main breaks in February 2026. She highlighted the upcoming Detect a Leak Week from April 12 to 18, encouraging residents to locate and repair household leaks, especially faulty toilet flappers. Free dye tablets are available at BWS, City Mill, and satellite city halls. She also followed up on three reported uneven pavement locations in Hawaiʻi Kai, confirming that two do not involve BWS work and should be referred to the Department of Facility Maintenance, and that the third site was previously paved after a water main break in 2023, but BWS would look into its current condition.
Kaiser Complex Schools
Mr. Gu, representing Kaiser Complex Schools, recounted the community’s resilience after recent storm challenges. He spotlighted a student-led drive for flood victims and previewed the upcoming April 11 “Aloha in Action Day,” involving service projects across all area schools. He announced that EarthFest would return to the Kaiser High campus lawn on April 17 with vendors, food trucks, and educational booths. Schools in the complex will also offer summer learning hubs free of charge to keep students academically engaged. The complex continues a career exploration focus, with job fairs and guest speakers, and elementary schools will host exhibition nights featuring compassion projects created by fifth graders. Mr. Gu invited the community to attend these events, including a fun fair on April 18, all emphasizing student engagement and public service.
Student Initiative: EarthFest at Kaiser High
Kaiser High sophomore and Wipeout Crew president, Eloise Harrison-Jones, described the club’s dedication to ocean stewardship and sustainable initiatives, having removed over 19,000 pounds of marine debris and planted thousands of native Hawaiian plants over the past 12 years. She discussed the April 17 EarthFest event at Kaiser’s Great Lawn from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. featuring live music, food, educational nonprofits, and local vendors. Flyers were provided, and the community was encouraged to attend and support sustainability efforts.
Department of Transportation Update
Department of Transportation representative Galen Wong noted that 44 highway-related bills remain active in the legislative session, including House Bill 2021 clarifying the use and regulation of electric bicycles and House Bill 2033 concerning photo enforcement programs. He addressed the request for additional trash receptacles at the lookout area on Kalanianaʻole Highway between Koko Marina and Hanauma Bay, and promised to follow up on potential parking and traffic restrictions near the bay lookout. Additional concerns included morning traffic backups caused by people waiting for the Hanauma Bay parking lot to open, and the possibility of stricter enforcement.
Community Concerns: Hāhāione Advocates for Respectful Development (HARD)
Tom Cooper spoke on behalf of HARD, which seeks to preserve and protect the James Building, Koko Head Building, and adjacent property housing 7-Eleven after their current leases expire in 2028. He mentioned the aim to prevent large-scale or high-rise commercial development on that site and reported a growing petition with thousands of signatures. HARD’s request to host a May 9 open house at the James Building is on hold, pending approval from landowner Kamehameha Schools. Community leaders and elected officials have taken interest in possible civic uses for the property, and the group continues outreach and petition efforts.
Infrastructure and Storm Aftermath
Several residents raised concerns about flooding issues during the recent Kona Loa storms, homeless encampments in and around Sandy Beach, and road maintenance problems in Kalama Valley. The board considered forming an ad hoc committee to gather information on vulnerable areas in Hawaiʻi Kai, with the aim of sending proactive recommendations to the city. Members of the board volunteered to identify storm-related vulnerabilities, such as blocked streams and drainage paths, to mitigate future flood damage.
Sandy Beach Vandalism
Reports of vehicles damaging grassy areas and irrigation systems at Sandy Beach prompted discussion of potential law enforcement and infrastructure responses. It was noted that HPD cited two individuals, but further enforcement is complicated by difficulties determining which drivers caused specific damage. Attendees suggested installing boulders or other barriers to prevent vehicular entry onto the grass. Local officials pledged to encourage more vigorous investigation and to consider resources for prompt repairs.
Follow-Up on the Cocoa Crater Stables
The mayor’s representative, Amy Asselbey, presented five points clarifying the status of the Cocoa Crater Stables concession. Past documents indicated the vendor was aware of deteriorating site conditions and would be responsible for significant operational improvements. She confirmed that $350,000 had been allocated in the previous CIP budget, and $280,000 of that would fund entrance and waterline upgrades shared by both the botanical garden and stables areas. Concerns persist about unsafe structures, lead paint, and site preparation for public use. Board members and the current operator requested clearer timelines, and multiple questions remained about public access, demolition of unsafe buildings, and long-term city responsibility.
City Council Chair Tommy Waters
Chair Waters recognized board member Greg Knudsen for over two decades of service. He confirmed that HPD classified the Sandy Beach damage case as second-degree criminal property damage but indicated difficulties in enforcement and restitution for losses. He shared his intent to push for further follow-through on investigations. He also discussed his ongoing efforts to block legislation that would allow residential lots to be subdivided by right into 2,500-square-foot parcels, which could yield overly dense “monster homes.” He noted that $34 million remains tentatively placed in the budget to purchase the James Building if Kamehameha Schools decides to sell, but he cautioned that the city faces heavy costs from storm recovery, potentially complicating major expenditures. He indicated ongoing support of stream maintenance, debris clearance, and other resilience measures.
Governor’s Representative
Governor Green’s representative, Cameron Black, provided updates on the Portlock siren testing and indicated that the Department of Agriculture had investigated a mulch pile in Kamilo Nui Valley for possible coconut rhinoceros beetle. He will follow up on enforcement details and potential spreading requirements. He also noted an available free public pre-K program opening through the Executive Office of Early Learning and offered to report back on federal reimbursement progress for storm-related damages.
Legislative Updates from Senator Chang’s and House Representatives’ Offices
A staff member for Senator Stanley Chang acknowledged the board’s concerns over the proposed subdivision bill (Senate Bill 2423), confirming that the senator would be informed of neighborhood opposition. Members expressed frustration that such measures might bypass local zoning processes. Representative Joe Gideon detailed his office’s role in coordinating flood relief support in other parts of Oʻahu, shared progress on dredging and improvements at Maunalua Bay, and highlighted his resolutions for improved hurricane shelter transparency, permanent pickleball amenities at Kamiloki Park, and tree planting initiatives in East Oʻahu. Representative Mark Hashem’s staff reported on ongoing stream repairs and the Ina Haina Library’s upcoming book sale, mentioning that little fire ant detection kits are available for residents there.
Committee Reports
Elizabeth Reilly and Johanna Ward presented the Planning, Zoning, and Environment Committee’s account of a well-attended community meeting with G70 regarding proposed development at Maunalua. Attendees raised strong opposing views, and G70 agreed to return with further updates at a future committee meeting. The board discussed other committees: an interest was expressed in reestablishing a Transportation Committee, with several board members willing to participate to address traffic congestion and transit concerns.
Approvals, Announcements, and Adjournment
The board approved meeting minutes for January 27 and February 24, 2026, without revisions. Chair Mayer reminded everyone that the board’s next meeting will be on April 28, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the Hāhāione Elementary School cafeteria and via WebEx. She noted that board meetings are broadcast on ʻŌlelo Channel 49 and available online. The meeting adjourned following these announcements.