No 29 Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting October 2025
Kahaluu Neighborhood Board Meeting
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Report
The meeting opened with a representative from the Kahulu Fire Station providing monthly statistics for September, which included two nuisance fires, one activated alarm, 47 medical emergencies, one motor vehicle incident, and one hazardous materials incident. The hazardous materials call stemmed from a suspected gasoline odor. HFD also offered a seasonal fire safety tip urging residents to use only fire-resistant, non-combustible holiday decorations, ensure decorations carry Underwriters Laboratories (UL) labels, follow manufacturer instructions on installation and electrical load, and power down decorative lights before leaving home or going to sleep. Attendees were reminded not to overload power strips or leave candles unattended. There were no further questions following HFD’s explanation of typical hazardous materials calls.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Report
An HPD watch commander introduced Officer Brandon Cruz to present District 4’s September statistics. Vehicle thefts decreased from three to one, burglaries from two to one, thefts from eleven to four, and UAMVs (unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle) from nine to one, with zero reported robberies. A recent week was noted to have no reported incidents in several categories, marking a rare period of zero major crimes. HPD shared their nightly staffing range of 17 to 20 officers, subject to leave schedules. When asked about new pay raises amounting to a roughly 17–20 percent increase over four years, HPD representatives expressed hope that higher pay would aid both recruitment and retention. Community members voiced concerns regarding underage and unregulated e-bike and moped use, including riding without helmets or traveling on the wrong side of the road. HPD said they pursue enforcement but must judge each situation for public safety. Officers advised residents to call in any violations.
Board Vacancy
The board announced a single open seat in Sub-District 6. Anyone living in the vicinity behind Times Supermarket and Temple Valley, or knowing someone interested, was invited to submit an application and attend the next meeting or email the Neighborhood Commission Office.
Election of Officers
With the chair frequently occupied, the board discussed the need to fill a second vice chair position to ensure meeting coverage. Members were asked to recognize the importance of this role and consider stepping forward at the following meeting.
Mayor’s Representative’s Update
A deputy director of the Department of Facility Maintenance presented follow-ups to seven previously raised questions. The city’s efforts to coordinate enforcement on homeless issues at a hillside across He‘eia State Park and at Kahaluu Regional Park were outlined. The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) gave detailed guidelines clarifying that multiple food truck operations on B1-zoned property require compliance with floor area ratio limits, a 10-foot yard setback, parking management, restrooms if patron seating is provided, and likely a Special Management Area (SMA) permit. A new electronic permitting system, HNL Build, had gone live in August 2025. The Department of Transportation Services looked into bus stop relocations along Kamehameha Highway and announced collaborations with the Hawaii Department of Transportation for potential siting changes. Clarifications came on a phone line outage on September 3, 2025, and official press release timelines. Discussion also involved vegetation overgrowth on Kamehameha Highway’s right-of-way, with the city explaining city, state, and private responsibilities. A resident inquired about stalled guidelines that prevent multi-unit dwellings from obtaining rooftop solar permits. The update concluded with the city representative pledging to follow up on further concerns, including drainage clearance and any relevant DPP enforcement.
Councilmember Esther Kia‘aina’s Office
A staff representative announced an upcoming Honolulu Charter Commission convening to consider charter amendments for the November 2026 ballot. The commission is soliciting proposals until November 7 and will hold an informational session at Windward Community College on October 16 at 6 p.m.
Councilmember Matt Weyer’s Office
An aide provided details of a “talk story” session at KEY Project on October 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. where community members could share concerns directly with the councilmember and staff. Updates included the collaborative Stored Property Ordinance enforcement at Kahaluu Regional Park, continued removal of ironwood trees, and clearing overgrown brush in unimproved areas. Officials are exploring ways to coordinate resources and secure contracts for larger-scale park cleanups. The office also took note of suggestions to rename and publicize a housing rehabilitation loan fund to include sewer and cesspool conversion options.
City Division of Urban Forestry
A community forester explained the Exceptional Tree Program, established in 1975, which provides legal protection for trees of cultural, historical, or botanical significance. Though O‘ahu is home to more than 1,400 designated exceptional trees, the program aims to expand this list and preserve noteworthy examples that define neighborhoods. Private property owners who have an eligible exceptional tree are allowed a state income tax deduction of up to $3,000 every three years for maintenance. Nomination requires a simple application, with the Mayor’s Arborist Advisory Committee reviewing each candidate before City Council approval.
State Senator Brenton Awa’s Office
A staff member relayed that a Department of Transportation repaving project from the Kahaluu Bridge to Waihole Valley Road is anticipated to begin in January 2026. There was a request to add a left turn lane onto Waihole Road during this work. A community member asked for assistance with Ulumau’s state park gates that repeatedly remain locked, limiting access. The office will follow up with the Department of Land and Natural Resources on this recurring issue.
Representative Lisa Kitagawa
Representative Kitagawa reported that while the Legislature is not in session, preparations are underway for the upcoming term. Residents were urged to share any legislative proposals. She also mentioned a city Halloween event planned for Kaneohe District Park on October 24. Concerns arose regarding possible unpermitted excavation at Kualoa Ranch, with community members seeking State Historic Preservation Division input.
Kualoa Ranch Excavation
Multiple board members and community residents brought up concerns and photographs showing large-scale earthwork at Kualoa Ranch. Questions focused on whether any required DPP or State Historic Preservation Division approvals were secured. The matter is pending state and city review, with requests for assurances that cultural and archaeological sites be safeguarded.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii
A prepared statement explained that government funding lapsed on September 30, 2025, placing many civilian employees on non-work, non-pay status and leaving only essential military operations. As a result, no Marine Corps Base staff could address neighborhood issues until appropriations are restored.
Community Initiatives
Representatives of the Vibrant Hawaii program updated the board on neighborhood resilience hubs, focusing on emergency preparedness, food security, and general community self-sufficiency. CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training was announced for January, involving two full Saturdays and one half-Saturday of lessons and practical drills.
Board Business: Creation of Committees
The board formalized several committees to handle recurring topics. A Transportation and Infrastructure Committee was established, chaired by a board member responsible for assisting with road, traffic, and city service issues. An Education Committee was formed to improve public awareness of board activities and local governance. A Hawaiian Affairs Committee was tasked with cultural matters, including potential impacts to ‘iwi kūpuna and liaison with related agencies. A Legislative Committee will follow state and county sessions to track potential laws affecting Kahaluu. A Legislative Budgetary Committee will specifically address capital improvement and related funding requests. Lastly, an ‘Āina Committee, intended for parks and natural resource concerns, awaited a volunteer chair.
Approval of Minutes
The board discussed and adopted corrections to the prior month’s meeting minutes, clarifying spellings, location names, and statistical references. With those emendations, the minutes were formally approved.
Announcements and Next Meeting
Final announcements included the upcoming Honolulu Charter Commission sessions across O‘ahu, scheduled at multiple venues throughout October, as well as public reminders about city permit and safety updates. The next regular neighborhood board meeting was set for Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 6 p.m. at KEY Project.
Adjournment
The meeting concluded at 8:01 p.m. with mahalo expressed to all attendees and presenters for their contributions.