No 01 Hawaiʻi Kai Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting May 2026
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1 Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board Meeting – May 27, 2026
Meeting Opening, Board Attendance, and Vacancies
Chair Roberta Mayer opened the meeting, introduced herself as the representative for Subdistrict 10, and asked attending board members to identify themselves. Present in person or online were Paula Bender, Greg Knutson, Johanna Ward, Paige Alton, Tiffany Donnelly, and Lisa Bishop, along with Neighborhood Assistant Anson Wu. The board noted it is a 15-member body with 12 seats currently filled and three at-large vacancies remaining. The chair invited community members to consider volunteering for those open seats, indicating that recruitment for board service remains an ongoing need.
Honolulu Fire Department Report
Although Honolulu Fire Department personnel had to leave to respond to an emergency call, they submitted a written report covering activity in the board area for the previous month. The report showed zero structure fires, zero wildland brush fires, one cooking fire, and three activated alarms with no fire. HFD responded to 91 medical emergencies and conducted three mountain rescues, including two at the Koko Crater Stairs/Trail and one at the Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail. The department’s public safety message focused on wildfire prevention as Hawaiʻi enters a season of heightened wildfire risk, urging residents to clear dry brush around homes, avoid parking on dry grass, refrain from spark-producing activities during hot, dry, windy weather, and monitor fire conditions through official websites. Greg Knutson asked that the record clearly refer to the rescue location as Koko Crater rather than “Cocoa Head” to avoid confusion.
Honolulu Police Department Crime Statistics and Emergency Alert System
Lieutenant Mira of the Honolulu Police Department reported crime statistics for the prior month in the Hawaii Kai area, stating there had been 1 motor vehicle theft, 2 burglaries, 7 thefts, and 2 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles. Total calls for service reached 5,614. HPD also used the report to encourage residents to sign up for HNL Alert, the City and County of Honolulu’s official emergency notification platform, which can send customizable alerts by text, email, or app notification for severe weather, emergencies, road closures, ocean conditions, and water main breaks. No board questions followed the report.
Board of Water Supply Toilet Rebate Program
Board of Water Supply representative Iris Oda joined remotely and announced an expanded rebate program for WaterSense-labeled toilets using 1.28 gallons per flush or less. Residents may now receive a rebate of up to $200 per toilet, an amount that was doubled with support from the City’s Department of Environmental Services. The program is intended to promote water conservation, with projected savings of 20 to 60 percent in toilet water use, or roughly 13,000 gallons annually per fixture. Oda directed residents to the Board of Water Supply rebate website for details on toilet rebates and other conservation incentives.
Kaiser Complex Schools Update and Graduation Achievements
Hahaʻione Elementary Principal Kathy Gu, representing the Kaiser Complex schools, reported that all schools in the complex are offering some form of summer learning hub for students. She then highlighted recent accomplishments at Kaiser High School, beginning with the girls water polo team winning the OIA championship and placing third in the state. She described the May commencement ceremony as especially notable, with the school using a jumbotron for the first time and hosting members of the Class of 1976, Kaiser’s first full four-year graduating class, for their 50th anniversary reunion.
Principal Gu gave extensive graduation statistics for Kaiser High School’s Class of 2026. The school graduated 250 students, with a 95.5 percent graduation rate, which she said ranks among the best in the state. There were 52 valedictorians, defined as students with a 4.0 GPA or higher plus an honors recognition certificate and six senior-year credits. There were 93 honor graduates with at least a 3.5 GPA and the same honors certificate criteria. Twenty-eight students earned the Seal of Biliteracy, demonstrating proficiency in English and another language. Twenty-six students completed the International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme. Additional distinctions included 79 summa cum laude graduates with GPAs of 3.8 or higher, 35 magna cum laude graduates at 3.5 or higher, and 55 cum laude graduates at 3.0 or higher. Seventy-one students graduated with high school diplomas noted separately in the report, 41 earned Career and Technical Education honors, and 92 received DOE academic honors certificates. Principal Gu emphasized that 71 percent of all graduates earned some type of special recognition.
Board members praised the quality of the graduation ceremony and the achievements of individual students, including Farrah Wang, who placed third at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Arizona and will attend MIT in the fall. Greg Knutson also thanked Principal Gu for helping New Valley and Kaiser complex students participate in the recent Sister States and Sister Cities summit organized with Japanese leaders, noting the students made a strong impression with their thoughtful presentations. Paige Alton asked whether schools in the area serve as hurricane shelters, especially Kaiser and Hahaʻione, and whether any are pet-friendly. Principal Gu said she would follow up on which campuses may be designated shelters depending on civil defense decisions and storm type, noting tsunami-zone constraints.
State Department of Transportation Highway, Signal, and Safety Updates
Galen, speaking for the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation, reported follow-up on several transportation concerns raised in prior meetings. He said traffic signal timing issues along Kalanianaʻole Highway had been referred to the City Department of Transportation Services, which controls the signals. Although the state did not receive a formal response from DTS, a city employee reportedly adjusted the signals, and no further complaints had been received.
On slope stability and roadside safety, HDOT is preparing a bid or contract to address the mauka slope near Halona Blowhole because of rockfall concerns. Galen clarified that the rock wall and parking lot by Halona Blowhole fall under City and County of Honolulu jurisdiction, so the city would be responsible for those features as well as any additional trash cans residents want placed there. He also said state staff will inspect guardrails along Kalanianaʻole Highway from Hanauma Bay Road to Sandy Beach and determine whether repairs can be made individually or whether a larger replacement project is needed. In response to questions, he confirmed that congestion into Hanauma Bay in the morning is managed by the city because it controls access into the parking lot. Lisa Bishop followed up about trash containers at the scenic lookout across from Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, and Galen said he understood the concern and would check on it.
Poetry for Earth Community Installation at Kīaʻi Wetland
Wendy White and Sue Cowan introduced “Poetry for Earth,” a new community project combining conservation and language arts. The effort places poetry posts in areas of natural and cultural significance to encourage people to reflect on place and deepen their care for the environment. Their first installation was to be unveiled at Kīaʻi/Keaʻīwa? Wetland in partnership with Livable Maunalua Hui on World Wetlands Day, but weather delayed the event. The unveiling was rescheduled for Saturday, May 30, at 10 a.m. They explained that the post will rotate locations every two months and the poem itself will change every two weeks.
James Building and Hahaʻione Commercial Area Survey on Future Use
Tom Cooper of Hahaʻione Advocates for Respectful Development, or HARD, spoke about the group’s recent open house at the James Building, attended by about 200 people. He thanked board members and elected officials who attended or supported the event, including Kamehameha Schools for permission to host it, current lessee Fujitsu LTD, Representative Joe Giden, Representative Mark Hashem, Senators Chris Lee and Stanley Chang, and Council Chair Tommy Waters. Cooper said HARD is now focused on a community survey about the future of the James Building, the preschool, nearby 7-Eleven and Boston’s Pizza, and the Koko Head Plaza structure that houses churches, a school, a pet clinic, yoga studio, and small businesses.
He stressed that the survey is different from the group’s petition opposing high-rise redevelopment and demolition. The petition expresses what the community does not want, while the survey seeks constructive direction on what residents do want. Options in the survey include a resiliency center, community center, satellite city hall, nonprofit hub, arts center, senior facility, museum, charter school, cultural center, and write-in alternatives. Cooper said Kamehameha Schools has specifically expressed interest in seeing the survey results, making broad participation especially important. He emphasized the need for valid, representative responses from the local community rather than inflated numbers from outside the district. Paige Alton questioned whether the survey’s write-in structure was too broad and suggested narrowing it to more realistic ranked choices, though Cooper said the survey already includes common options and allows write-ins only as an uncensored supplement. Paula Bender asked how many surveys had been completed; Cooper responded that fewer than one-third of the roughly 200 open-house attendees had taken it so far, and he expects outreach to continue all summer.
Candidate Introductions for Upcoming Elections
Several individuals introduced themselves as candidates for public office. Bobby Silva announced he is running for State Senate District 25, which includes Hawaiʻi Kai, Waimānalo, Kailua, and Lanikai, and spoke briefly about his roots in East Honolulu. Kahi Pakaro introduced himself as a candidate for State House District 19, though the chair cut off campaign remarks once they became election-related. Jason Liang introduced himself as a candidate for City Council District 4 and said he would remain after the meeting to speak with residents. Tara Malia Gregory also announced her candidacy for City Council District 4. James “Jamie” Wataru introduced himself as a candidate for State House District 18 and noted his 52 years in the community.
Sandy Beach Park Stewardship and Five-Year Anniversary of Park Adoption
Speaking in his non-campaign capacity, Kahi Pakaro described ongoing stewardship work at Sandy Beach through a park adoption agreement under nonprofit organization Parley for the Oceans. He said the group has spent five years transforming what had been a dump area at the Gas Chambers section into a cared-for park landscape. A June 6 event will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the adoption through invasive species removal, native plant care, and community participation. Pakaro described a long-term vision of creating a stronger physical and ecological connection between Sandy Beach and Halona Blowhole.
Concerns Over New Parks Field Permit Pilot Program and Access to Hawaii Kai District Park
A major public concern centered on a new Department of Parks and Recreation pilot program governing permits for field use. Community member Kaleo, speaking as a coach and parent involved in youth baseball and softball, said the program is making it harder for local organizations to secure practice space at Hawaii Kai District Park and other nearby fields. He described Hawaii Kai as a deeply rooted baseball community serving children from age four through high school and beyond, and said the district park has long functioned as a high-quality, well-cared-for community resource. According to speakers, local families often supply their own soap and toilet paper for bathrooms and help maintain the grounds, reflecting a strong sense of neighborhood stewardship.
The concern is that outside organizations from other parts of the island can now reserve local fields through a competitive system that may not prioritize neighborhood-based leagues. Discussion suggested permits may now be reapplied for every three months, with reservations made in advance through a points-based system. Another community member explained that Hawaii Kai Baseball League serves more than 700 keiki across 66 teams, ages 4 to 16, yet receives only three points in the allocation system, while club teams reportedly receive five points. This means outside club organizations may outcompete local recreational leagues for field time. Board members expressed concern that this undercuts the intended neighborhood purpose of district parks and may increase parking and scheduling conflicts that the community has already worked to address. The board chair said the topic warrants a larger future conversation with city officials to explain the rationale for the pilot program and its local effects.
Hanauma Bay Cleanup with Koko Head Elementary
Lisa Bishop, speaking for Friends of Hanauma Bay, reported a successful cleanup event held May 2 at Hanauma Bay as part of Koko Head Elementary School’s annual Aloha in Action Day of Service. About 90 participants, mostly from Koko Head Elementary and Friends of Hanauma Bay, took part. She thanked Principal Lindsay Bracken, Community Liaison Officer Michelle Schall, Hanauma Bay Management staff member Lynette Liu, board member Paige Alton, and Representative Joe Giden for their support. The event was described as a positive service experience for students and a meaningful contribution to bay stewardship.
Petition to Name Kaiser High Baseball Field After Sid Fernandez
Tara Malia Gregory announced that supporters have gathered more than 400 signatures backing a proposal to name Kaiser High School’s baseball field “Sid Fernandez Field” in honor of the former Major League pitcher and Kaiser alumnus. She described Fernandez as arguably the fourth-best Hawaiʻi-born Major League pitcher and emphasized the value of local athletic role models for current students. Chair Mayer advised her to consult the Department of Education before proceeding too far with the petition because DOE has a formal process for naming facilities after individuals.
Public Concern Over Clean Water and Natural Lands Funding Integrity
Elizabeth Reilly raised a forceful public issue concerning two public funding mechanisms that have benefited East Honolulu conservation projects: the state Legacy Land Conservation Program and the City and County’s Clean Water and Natural Lands Fund. She said these programs helped protect Ka Iwi mauka lands, Kīaweʻawa Wetland, Hāwea Heiau, Maunalua Fishpond Heritage Center, and other East Honolulu landscapes, but she argued that elected officials and the Charter Commission are now eroding the purpose and integrity of those funds. She specifically objected to discussions about using Clean Water and Natural Lands money for refuge-related purposes outside the original scope of protecting cultural and natural landscapes and supporting community stewardship.
Reilly also noted a decline in available state Legacy Land funding, saying that annual funding levels have dropped from about $10 million to about $5 million even though a single land acquisition can cost several million dollars. She urged the board and public to reassert the original voter intent behind these dedicated funds and asked for a future board discussion with speakers on the issue. Paige Alton strongly supported Reilly’s concerns and credited her advocacy over many years for helping secure protected places across Hawaii Kai, including Ka Iwi, Kīaweʻawa Wetland, and Hāwea Heiau. The chair agreed to seek speakers for a future meeting.
Verizon Proposal for New Telecommunications Facility at Hawaiʻi Kai Golf Course
Verizon site acquisition agent Stephen Sung presented a proposal to construct a new telecommunications facility on the 11th hole of the Hawaiʻi Kai Golf Course. The project would include a 50-foot stealth monopole designed to resemble a pine tree, with artificial needles increasing the apparent height to 55 feet, along with a small equipment compound and generator. Sung said the site was chosen to improve cellular coverage along the Makapuʻu Trail, another nearby trail corridor, and the Kalanianaʻole Highway stretch back toward Sandy Beach and Halona Blowhole. He stated that the antennas would be directed toward those public outdoor areas rather than nearby residences, which are already served by existing coverage.
Board questions focused on aesthetics, maintenance, environmental concerns, and resiliency. Greg Knutson asked about long-term upkeep of artificial pine needles, observing that similar stealth towers can deteriorate visually over time. Sung said Verizon maintains such towers and replaces faded or damaged artificial branches as needed. Questions were raised about whether nearby Board of Water Supply property had been considered instead, but Sung said water tank sites often lack sufficient space and no longer permit antenna mounting on tanks.
The discussion then shifted to backup power and disaster readiness. Chair Mayer asked whether cell towers could operate independently during outages rather than relying solely on the electric grid. Sung replied that this proposed site includes a generator, and he estimated that roughly 70 to 75 percent of Verizon’s sites already have emergency generators, while others rely on battery backup for six to seven hours until field crews can respond. Board members said backup power for all cell facilities is increasingly important in Hawaii Kai, where electrical vulnerability has been exposed by past storms.
Community testimony included concern from Kahi Pakaro about artificial pine needles as plastic debris, referencing an alleged lawsuit elsewhere involving microplastic pollution from stealth towers. Another speaker, Kaleo, questioned whether the location truly benefits Hawaii Kai residents if the coverage is directed largely toward the coast and trail corridor, and raised additional worries about potential plastic debris entering the marine environment. Sung responded that the site was selected because of a demonstrated public safety need for coverage in the Makapuʻu Trail area, where people may need to call for help, and that the artificial elements are built to withstand weather and are not expected to shed frequently.
East Oʻahu Community Climate Mandate and Resiliency Planning
Aloha McGuffey, facilitator for the Community Climate Mandate for East Oʻahu steering committee and executive vice president of Ulu Mau, returned to present the second phase of a climate and resiliency initiative previously introduced to the board. She explained that the draft mandate grew out of a September 18–19 symposium on climate resilience hosted by the KISCA Hui, with KISCA standing for the Kahala Initiative for Sustainability, Culture, and the Arts and sponsored by the Kahala Hotel and Resort. The initiative aims to produce a place-based climate and resiliency framework for East Oʻahu grounded in local values such as aloha, mālama, kuleana, and ho‘omau.
McGuffey described the process used to create the mandate. Input from 10 roundtables at the symposium, covering mauka-to-makai challenges and possible solutions, was compiled into a draft and reviewed by Hawaii Green Growth staff, who support the state’s Aloha+ Challenge dashboard. The resulting draft, about 28 pages long, is now publicly available through the Neighborhood Commission Office website along with a survey and the meeting presentation. The mandate is intended to involve communities across East Oʻahu, including Kaimukī, Pālolo, Waiʻalae-Kāhala, Kūliʻouʻou/Kalaniʻiki, Hawaiʻi Kai, and Waimānalo, and to enlist households, schools, businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and neighborhood boards.
She said the KISCA Hui currently includes nearly 150 members and uses the Basecamp platform for collaboration. Organizations represented include Livable Maunalua Hui, Protect and Preserve Hawaiʻi, Mālama Maunalua, 808 Cleanups, and Maunalua Fishpond Heritage Center, among others. McGuffey encouraged board members and residents to review the draft, complete the survey, and consider what role they might play in implementing the plan. She noted that the time horizon extends to 2050 and that implementation will require local volunteers and strategic action over many years. Chair Mayer said she had reviewed the draft and found it well organized and useful. Elizabeth Reilly asked for an update on outreach to other neighborhood boards, and McGuffey said she had already presented to five boards and is continuing the second round of engagement.
Mayor’s Office Report: Tree Maintenance and Koko Crater Stables
Amy Asselbaye from the Mayor’s Office of Economic Revitalization delivered the mayor’s report and responded to several prior board inquiries. On Kaluanui Road, she said an arborist from the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Division of Urban Forestry inspected reported root damage to the curb, gutter, and walkway on the lower portion of the road but found no visible roots and could not confirm that city tree roots caused the problem. However, Urban Forestry will coordinate with the Department of Facility Maintenance on any necessary tree work that may help with repairs.
She also reported on tree maintenance at several locations. At the Hawaiʻi Kai Park and Ride across from Hawaiʻi Kai Towne Center, the city arborist found that a few trees need maintenance and two dead trees need removal, with work anticipated by the end of June 2026. The city will consider replanting where appropriate. Overgrowth behind the fence there comes from private property, so it is not the city’s responsibility. She further clarified that the harbor next to the park and ride, the Great Lawn at 6520 Kalanianaʻole Highway, and the Hawaiʻi Kai Post Office grounds are not city-maintained sites, being private or federal property.
The most sensitive portion of the report concerned Koko Crater Stables. Asselbaye said she could not provide full detail because the city had been informed that the concessionaire had consulted or might retain counsel, making further public comment difficult. Chair Mayer then gave additional background, explaining that the concessionaire had reportedly received a city letter last week ordering the property vacated by June 30. She said the board had been disappointed that such action appeared to be proceeding without briefing the neighborhood board and that she had been hoping a resolution could be found to allow horses to remain while improvements moved forward. Concessionaire Kim Hollinsworth then addressed the board directly, stating that she had only consulted an attorney, had not formally retained one, and hoped to reach a positive solution with the city. She said she had believed progress was being made after site visits involving city officials and discussions about addressing the condemned building, asbestos, and lead paint, and that she was surprised to receive a five-week notice terminating the contract “for the convenience of the city.” Hollinsworth said a meeting scheduled that day appeared to be focused on moving out rather than moving forward, so she chose not to attend, but she remains open to renewed discussions that would reopen the facility as a public equestrian asset.
Board members expressed frustration at the lack of transparency and stressed the importance of preserving Koko Crater Stables as a community-serving horseback riding facility. Reilly also used the mayor’s report period to ask whether the mayor or managing director could be approached in support of preserving the integrity of the Clean Water and Natural Lands Fund. Asselbaye said she would relay the request. Mayer also asked the mayor’s office to have city staff return at a future meeting to explain the new athletic field permit system raised earlier in the evening. Lisa Bishop closed the segment by thanking the city’s urban forestry staff for noticeable tree and landscape improvements at Hanauma Bay.
Governor’s Office Report: Sirens, Flood Recovery, Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles, and DHHL Site
Cameron Black from Governor Josh Green’s office responded to several recurring state issues. He addressed the community’s ongoing concern about emergency warning sirens, stating that according to the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency there is one siren tone used for all hazards and that the operational status of individual sirens can be checked on HEMA’s website. He noted that the Koko Head siren has reportedly been functioning well in recent months and said the next scheduled test would occur on June 1. He also referenced the governor’s newsletter, which contains information on resources for residents, businesses, and farmers recovering from recent flood and storm damage.
Paige Alton raised continuing concerns about coconut rhinoceros beetles in Kamilo Nui Valley, saying at least four or five coconut trees there are now affected and warning of possible spread toward Hāwea Heiau and Maunalua Fishpond, where coconut trees have cultural significance. Black said he would follow up with both the Department of Agriculture and the CRB response team.
On the proposed Department of Hawaiian Home Lands project at Maunalua near the post office triangle parcel, Black said DHHL had no new update to share regarding due diligence on the site, but he will continue to follow up. Reilly also asked about the governor’s veto timeline and whether he might still act on legislation affecting Legacy Land funding. Black said he would confirm the status and report back quickly.
Representative Joe Giden’s Legislative and Community Update
Representative Joe Giden reported on a busy period of school graduations and community meetings, noting his attendance at Kaiser High’s graduation and events at Hahaʻione, Kamiloiki, and Koko Head schools. He also commented on the James Building open house, saying he was impressed by how well the property has been maintained. He said his office plans to work with HARD on a more guided survey to gather community preferences for the site in a format useful to the neighborhood board, city, and Kamehameha Schools.
He summarized results from his own end-of-session constituent survey. One key result was that 80 percent of respondents said they were concerned that continued development in Hawaiʻi Kai could worsen traffic, strain infrastructure, and affect emergency response. On utility reliability, especially after recent Kona low storms, only about 2 percent of respondents said they were satisfied. He used this to preview a June talk story meeting featuring Hawaiian Electric, scheduled for June 25 at 6 p.m. at The Oahu Club, where residents will be able to ask questions about the local grid and rising rates.
Giden also reported on a recent meeting with Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen to discuss East Honolulu transportation concerns. He said HDOT plans to fully repave the roadway from Waimānalo to Makapuʻu first and then continue into Hawaiʻi Kai and along the scenic Kalanianaʻole corridor, with work hoped to begin by the end of the year, though dates are not yet final. Other concerns he raised with transportation officials included slope instability and rocks near Halona Blowhole, guardrails, trash cans at the scenic lookout before Hanauma Bay, the problematic left turn into and out of Koko Marina, and confusion at the right-turn lane from Keahole onto Kalanianaʻole where many drivers stop despite having a dedicated lane. Officials told him safety is their top priority, though he is still pushing for better signage or delineation. He also said his office is working with the city on faded double yellow striping along Hawaiʻi Kai Drive from the James area to Kalanianaʻole and on speeding problems along Lunalilo Home Road.
Regarding Maunalua Bay, Giden said he met with Department of Boating and Ocean Recreation officials, Representative Mark Hashem, and others to address debris that washed onto Keiki Beach after the Kona low. Some cleanup has occurred, but buried sticks and branches remain in the sand, creating hazards. Because agency responsibility remains unclear and action has been slow, he said he intends to help organize a volunteer cleanup, possibly with borrowed tools, while continuing to press the responsible agencies to do their part.
Giden also highlighted several major bills passed by the legislature. These included increases to film industry tax credits from $50 million to $60 million, an increase in the minimum age for riding in the bed of a pickup truck from 12 to 16, new e-bike safety requirements including helmet use and speed restrictions on sidewalks, and a pilot program intended to help counties speed up building permit approvals by hiring more staff, increasing salaries for key permitting positions, and rewarding performance. Board members thanked him for helping bring attention to the emergency siren issue and for hosting board members at the Capitol earlier in May.
Kaʻiwi Scenic Shoreline Naming and Future Monitoring
During the exchange with Representative Giden, Elizabeth Reilly revived a prior concern about an effort to rename the Kaʻiwi Scenic Shoreline as “Kaʻiwi State Park.” She reminded the board that it had previously sent a letter opposing the change, arguing that the existing identity as a scenic shoreline and byway already reflects the area’s significance and that a formal state park designation could alter its character or management implications. She said the matter had gone quiet and asked that the board and state representatives monitor whether it reappears before the Board of Land and Natural Resources.
Board Action on Koko Crater Stables Letter
During board business, Chair Mayer said she had no additional updates on the Kaʻiwi Coast Scenic Byway or Kamilo Nui Valley agriculture matters. Attention then returned to Koko Crater Stables. Elizabeth Reilly moved that the board send the previously circulated draft letter to the city urging speedy resolution of the stable issues and emphasizing continued public use of the facility. Paula Bender seconded the motion. Because only eight board members were present and eight votes were required to take official action, the board conducted a roll call vote. All eight voting members supported the motion: Paige Alton, Lisa Bishop, Tiffany Donnelly, Greg Knutson, Roberta Mayer, Elizabeth Reilly, Johanna Ward, and Paula Bender. Mayer said she would revise the draft to reflect the vote and send it promptly, reaffirming the board’s support for maintaining Koko Crater Stables as a public equestrian facility and resolving the longstanding issues preventing its full community use.
Planning and Zoning Committee Update on Koko Villas
Elizabeth Reilly reported that the board’s Planning and Zoning Committee had expected to reconvene in July with Group 70 regarding Koko Villas for a second community meeting, but the consultants requested a later date in the summer because they are still completing studies and analyzing data. She said the next community discussion will therefore occur in late summer. Chair Mayer reminded committee chairs that minutes from earlier committee meetings still need to be submitted.
Approval of Minutes and Next Meeting
The board approved the minutes of the prior regular meeting with one correction, changing “Kalani Highway” to “Kalanianaʻole Highway” on page four. The next regular meeting of the Hawaiʻi Kai Neighborhood Board was announced for Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Hahaʻione Elementary School cafeteria and on Webex. The chair again encouraged residents to consider volunteering for one of the board’s three vacant at-large seats before adjourning the meeting.