No 29 Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting September 2025
Kahalu Neighborhood Board Meeting on September 10, 2025
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Monthly Report
Captain Sueda of the Kahalu Fire Station presented statistics for the previous month, noting two nuisance fires, one activated alarm, 36 medical emergencies, two motor vehicle collisions, and one ocean rescue. He emphasized a nationwide fire safety initiative focused on lithium-ion battery use, explaining that these compact power sources can overheat, catch fire, or explode if overcharged or damaged. Although the Honolulu Fire Department offered four key points on buying and charging these batteries responsibly, the core message was that residents can reduce household fire risk by purchasing certified products, using the correct charging cables, and recycling properly at approved sites like call2recycle.org. HFD also invited the community to a Fire Prevention Family Day event planned for October 4, 2025, at the Honolulu Zoo, where families can learn more about fire and life safety.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Monthly Report
HPD highlighted several community concerns, beginning with questions about enforcement against moped and motorcycle riders who perform dangerous stunts, pop wheelies, and disrupt traffic. Officers described a strategy that balances public safety with the risk of high-speed chases, which can be deadly if riders refuse to stop. HPD has been using unmarked vehicles to track violators until they stop voluntarily, then issuing citations and involving parents if the offenders are juveniles. Members also raised concerns regarding staff vacancies and asked whether HPD was able to recruit new officers effectively. HPD representatives did not have detailed figures at hand but promised to follow up with more information at a future board meeting. They also addressed a recent altercation in a Windward Mall parking lot where teenagers shot a slingshot, endangering bystanders. HPD reported cases of robbery and assault had been opened and were under active investigation. Community members sought clarity on self-defense parameters, and HPD advised that if people can safely leave a dangerous situation, they should do so and call 911 immediately.
Board Vacancies and New Member Introduction
The board officially opened two seats for Sub-District 6. One of these vacancies was filled by longtime community member Kuʻupoli Fernandez, who has lived in Kahalu since 1983 and is active on her homeowners association board. She was unanimously welcomed to the neighborhood board, with other open seats to remain available until the board can identify additional residents from that sub-district interested in serving.
City and State Representatives’ Updates
Mayor’s Representative: Department of Facility Maintenance
Deputy Director Warren Mamisuka reported on overgrown vegetation that bus drivers have difficulty navigating along sections of Kamehameha Highway from Lulani Street to ʻĀhuimanu Road. He explained that the Department of Planning and Permitting is still determining ownership responsibilities for these areas before final maintenance schedules can be confirmed. Mamisuka also addressed questions about food trucks in problemsome locations, noting that property zoning affects permitting for food truck vendors. The city wants to ensure safe traffic circulation and compliance with zoning but acknowledged challenges in meeting heightened demand for roadside vending.
Senator Brenton Awa
Senator Awa described his recent trip to Washington, D.C., where he met with federal officials and congressional representatives regarding a potential legal challenge to Kamehameha Schools’ admissions policy. He also referenced ongoing community clean-up efforts, particularly the use of Genki Balls to tackle pollution in local waterways. Although a recent study questioned the balls’ effectiveness in Kailua, Senator Awa emphasized differences in scale and frequency between pilot projects. He encouraged continued community engagement to address cesspool pollution in Kahalu and noted that local churches have volunteered to pilot solutions, such as using microorganisms to reduce wastewater contamination.
Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina
A staff absence prevented a direct report, and no new updates were presented on her behalf.
Councilmember Matt Weyer
Staff liaison Chelsea reported on multiple council measures. Resolution 25-234 urges stronger emergency action planning, including installing traffic cameras in flood-prone coastal areas. Resolution 25-185 focuses on potential displacement when new developments occur, advocating for relocation assistance programs. Residents were reminded that September 30 is the deadline for real property tax exemptions, dedications, and credits. Chelsea also detailed an unsheltered persons’ encampment cleanup at Kahalu Regional Park and revealed that the Department of Parks and Recreation hopes to initiate large-scale clearing of invasive trees before the end of the year. The plan may depend significantly on community volunteers and coordination with the Department of Urban Forestry.
Representative Lisa Kitagawa
Representative Kitagawa was absent but extended gratitude for community help at her recent flu shot clinic, thanking the neighborhood for its consistent support of public health efforts.
Windward Community College
Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg invited the public to a free “Paniolo Barbecue” event on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The family-friendly gathering will feature music, horse rides, a petting zoo, and fundraising for student scholarships. Chancellor Eschenberg also shared unsettling federal updates: the U.S. Department of Education has ended all Title III Native Hawaiian-serving grants, which have long funded numerous programs and expansions at Windward Community College, including early college initiatives, specialized classrooms, and essential renovations. She stressed that this abrupt policy change leaves significant financial gaps and could affect the scope of educational opportunities offered to students in the community over the coming years.
Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi (MCBH)
MCBH community liaison Christy briefed the board on aviation operations and clarified that the base’s airfield is usually closed on weekends to reduce noise disturbances, barring any mandatory training. She provided a QR code for residents to submit concerns about noise or safety issues directly to base officials. Multiple questions arose regarding MCBH’s water usage, especially whether the golf course uses large amounts of potable water. MCBH engineers are exploring a water reclamation system to reduce reliance on drinking water, but they await final permitting and approval from the Department of Health. Board members also inquired about potential landfill disposal practices, on-base environmental compliance, and whether more data, particularly monthly water-use reports, could be shared with the community. Christy agreed to relay those requests and clarify details at upcoming meetings.
Community Topics and Concerns
Residents spoke about several issues affecting daily life in Kahalu. One concern focused on ongoing challenges in recycling lithium-ion batteries safely and ensuring local drop-off points are better advertised. Another major topic was the difficulty for multi-unit homeowners to obtain solar installations under the city’s permitting guidelines, as Bill 58 did not fully address condominiums and townhouses. One resident, who lives in a townhome near Times Supermarket, explained that her association’s members have repeatedly been denied permits and seeks clearer county and city direction to remove barriers to renewable energy solutions.
Attendees also raised the visibility problem and overgrowth near Hui ʻIwa Street and Kāhekili Highway, worrying that obstructed lines of sight endanger students and drivers. The condition of Heʻeia State Park caused further frustration, as reports surfaced that the gate appears locked even if it is unlocked, blocking morning park access. Community members recounted calling the Department of Land and Natural Resources, which seemed unaware of the faulty procedure causing confusion and extended wait times for park visitors.
Board Business and Sub-District Reports
Discussion of sub-district reports centered on traffic safety, vegetation management, and strategic property acquisitions to improve infrastructure, such as at Kamehameha Highway and Waiheʻe Road. Some board members suggested championing the city or state purchase of a strategic corner lot to facilitate safer turning lanes or a second roundabout. Board members also referenced a request from the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board to collaborate on island-wide hurricane preparedness strategies. The board will consider finalizing a joint resolution at a future meeting once a draft is circulated. While the prospect of forming new committees to manage issues such as education, Hawaiian affairs, and legislative proposals was acknowledged as important, formal committee assignments were deferred in the absence of the board chair.
Next Meeting
The board thanked all community members and public officials for attending and for contributing their concerns and proposals. The next regular Kahalu Neighborhood Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the KEY Project. The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m. with a reminder that participation from local residents remains vital for the well-being and future of Kahalu.