No 29 Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting January 2026
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29 Kahaluu Neighborhood Board Meeting – January 15, 2026
Mayoral Updates and Department of Facility Maintenance
In his capacity as Deputy Director of Facility Maintenance and the Mayor’s Representative, Warren Mamizuka conveyed highlights from the Mayor’s newsletter. He announced that Ocean Safety has a new Chief, Kurt Logger, following committee approval, and noted the positive working relationship city officials have had with Chief Logger. Mamizuka also spoke about new flood risk maps taking effect on June 10, warning residents to be aware of possible changes to their flood insurance requirements. Adding to infrastructure concerns, Mamizuka referenced ongoing troubles with vandalism at restrooms near Kapi‘olani Community College, explaining that the city’s approach has been to shut down the facilities pending significant repairs. Construction work at Waianae Police Station was also mentioned, along with upcoming transit-oriented housing developments in Kapolei and Kalihi, which could introduce expanded affordable living options. Mamizuka further discussed the city’s upgraded HNL 311 system, intended to streamline residents’ service requests and direct concerns—such as potholes or overgrown street trees—to the correct departments. When asked about the lack of recent updates on solar installations for multi-unit structures, Mamizuka stated he would seek more information for an upcoming meeting. Board members also highlighted a leaning telephone pole by the 7-Eleven, and Mamizuka urged residents to call 311 so it could be addressed promptly.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Report
Following a brief delay, Lieutenant Drew Okagi delivered crime statistics for December. The area in Kahalu‘u recorded no motor vehicle thefts (unchanged from the previous month), two burglaries (up from zero), two theft cases (down from eight), five car break-ins (up from two), and no robberies, the same as the previous month. These statistics were provided to give residents and the board a clear idea of shifting crime trends. Lieutenant Okagi identified himself as one of six lieutenants in the district and reiterated HPD’s willingness to work with the community on any concerns. A community member asked whether the numbers referred strictly to Kahalu‘u or the broader Ko‘olaupoko region, clarifying jurisdiction boundaries. With no further questions from attendees, HPD concluded its report.
Updates from Council Member Esther Kia‘āina
Council Member Kia‘āina’s office announced a key community meeting regarding FEMA’s updated flood insurance maps, which have relevance to the entire Windward side and could affect homeowners required to carry flood insurance. She also discussed her strong opposition to a proposed agritourism Gondola Project slated for the North Shore, referencing a recent City Council resolution expressing serious reservations about the project’s potential environmental and community impacts. Kia‘āina indicated she would propose new legislation to refine agritourism rules, seeking to shift certain large-scale projects from minor to major conditional use permits, although it would not affect the immediate project under discussion. On the preservation front, the Council Member is advancing an amendment to allow the Clean Water and Natural Lands Fund to also fund historic preservation, which would bolster the work of O‘ahu’s newly established Historic Preservation Commission. Kia‘āina asked for continued community support as this measure progresses, emphasizing the balance between use of existing funds and protection of O‘ahu’s cultural heritage.
Board of Water Supply Absence
Though the Board of Water Supply representative was listed on the agenda, there was no official report given to the Kahalu‘u Neighborhood Board. It remained unclear whether any immediate concerns related to water infrastructure would be addressed at this specific meeting. The board noted it would invite the representative again or place key water topics on the next agenda.
Governor’s Office Representation and Priorities
A new Governor’s representative, Jenna Siegel, introduced herself and outlined the Governor’s major policy priorities, including expanding affordable housing, strengthening healthcare, compassionately addressing homelessness, and safeguarding the climate for future generations. Siegel recapped the Kakua Food Drive efforts in response to disruptions in federal SNAP benefits, highlighting that over 3,500 households benefited from more than 21,000 pounds of donated food. She also explained the $18 million released by the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority to assist underserved households and organizations in making energy improvements, such as installing solar water heaters, solar PV systems, and heat pumps. Additionally, the Department of Human Services is offering a $50 incentive for families enrolled in Medicaid and Med-QUEST whose children undergo annual checkups. A resident expressed deep concern about a friend detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), requesting that the Governor be made aware of community anxieties around these enforcement actions.
Senator Brenton Awa’s Updates
Speaking for Senator Awa’s office, Elizabeth shared details about the January 21 opening day of the legislative session and important deadlines like the January 23 cutoff for grant-in-aid applications. She recounted the ongoing Genki Ball Project aimed at improving water quality in local streams, stating that the final round of ball drops was approaching, with future administration of the project shifting to community partners. The senator’s team also remains committed to sustaining local food initiatives, pointing out related efforts to air-layer ‘ulu trees in Kahaluu. In response to a concern from a previous meeting, Senator Awa’s office clarified that DLNR staff now have assigned days to open the Ulu Mau area gates, with Mondays designated for gate closures.
Representative Kitagawa’s Office
A legislative aide to Representative Kitagawa noted that the Representative is currently preparing bills for the session and invites the public to watch informational briefings via the State Capitol’s official YouTube channel. One highlighted initiative, developed together with sixth graders from Waiahole Elementary, seeks to institute a 10 fish per day bag limit for amaama during open season to address overfishing concerns. It was explained that the Representative will inform supporters when the measure is scheduled for a hearing, encouraging testimony from the community. Kitagawa also serves on the House Finance Committee and has been working to assess state department funding requests before the legislature convenes in full.
U.S. Congresswoman Jill Tokuda’s Report
Congresswoman Tokuda’s Community Relations Manager, Emily, provided legislative updates on federal funding proposals affecting Hawaii. She stated that Tokuda voted to protect health coverage and keep Affordable Care Act subsidies in place for three more years, and also supported a government funding package for Departments of Commerce, Justice, and Energy. Other funding bills are still under negotiation, and the Congresswoman remains engaged in avoiding a partial government shutdown by January 30. The office can assist constituents needing information on ICE detentions, suggesting that those with immediate concerns contact her staff directly. Board members voiced support for any form of assistance to community members facing immigration-related uncertainties.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii Activities
Representing Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), Kristi Kolohewa reported that base personnel will participate in the opening day ceremonies at the State Capitol. MCBH continues its tradition of open 5K runs each month, and community members can obtain base access by completing the online process via DBIDS. Plans for the closing of Makahiki on February 13 and 14 at Ku‘au (known on base as Pyramid Rock) are moving forward, and MCBH leadership welcomes continued collaboration with cultural practitioners. Kolohewa further addressed water usage concerns, clarifying that MCBH technically appears as the largest single water user only because it is connected under one main meter that covers the entire base population. Lastly, MCBH indicated its recycled water initiative, funded with congressional support, is still on track for improving irrigation efficiency, particularly on the base golf course.
Genki Balls Discussion
Professor Carmela Vizza from Hawai‘i Pacific University spoke about extensive scientific research on Genki Balls, which are used in local restoration efforts aimed at reducing pollution in streams and ponds. She explained that her team studied Hamakua Marsh at the request of DLNR and found no significant benefits to water quality from these treatments. She also highlighted potential concerns, such as lowered dissolved oxygen and increased phosphate levels in tank experiments, underscoring the importance of evidence-based approaches to environmental repair. Some community members expressed interest in exploring further test methods in Kahaluu’s waters, while others noted that Genki Ball deployments bring the community together and raise environmental awareness.
Infrastructure Issues near Sunshine Gallery
Residents voiced frustration about recurring damage to the bridge in front of Sunshine Gallery, where recent collisions led to repeated construction projects and traffic disruptions. Members of the board agreed to inquire further with state officials and to coordinate with HPD on traffic safety measures. The suggestion of installing speed humps or other traffic calming devices arose, though no firm plan emerged during the session. Attendees were reminded that concerns of this nature could also be reported via HNL 311.
Homeless Encampments and Public Safety
Community members raised worries about lighting and encampments at the edge of local park properties, particularly near Waihe‘e Bridge and along a fence line in Kahaluu. They described signs of an unsanctioned encampment, including bright lights at night. Some expressed fear that, if unaddressed, the situation could grow more permanent and complicated. Board leaders recommended calling 311 to initiate official reports and exploring ways to coordinate with social services or outreach programs that can help relocate unhoused individuals to safer, more stable areas.
Concerns over War Emergencies and Shelters
A question arose about where local residents should go in the event of a major conflict or war, given that Kaneohe was historically attacked in World War I and II. The Governor’s representative was asked to seek information from the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency on designated shelter areas and whether such resources have been identified in Windward O‘ahu. Board members noted that knowledge of local shelters could help the community be better prepared and avoid uncertainty during any regional crisis.
Illegal Dumping and Landfill Rumors
A board member and residents provided details on what they perceived to be a potential landfill operation or large-scale dumping site off Kamehameha Highway and Waihe‘e Road. Although officials had previously been notified, it was unclear what enforcement actions might be underway. The board noted that the Department of Planning and Permitting, along with Army Corps of Engineers, had been involved, but there was no new report on current status. The board encouraged additional calls to HNL 311 if new or ongoing dumping activity was observed.
Proposed Freshwater Shower Facilities at He‘eia Pier
A resolution from the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board seeking the installation of freshwater rinse or shower amenities at He‘eia Pier was brought up for the Kahalu‘u Neighborhood Board’s consideration. Such facilities would benefit paddlers, fishers, and others who use the pier daily, preventing skin irritation and gear contamination. Board members expressed strong support, acknowledging that other state-managed harbor areas already have similar facilities. However, a final vote on the resolution could not take place due to lack of quorum, and the matter was deferred to the next meeting for possible adoption.
Board Logistics and Closing
Throughout the meeting, questions arose regarding forming board committees and adjusting their purview or membership, with instruction given to chairs about meeting notice requirements. There was insufficient quorum to formally vote on approving past meeting minutes or creating a new unified contact list of board members. The next Neighborhood Board Meeting was announced for February 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at KEY Project. Discussion ended on a note of caution regarding increased traffic at the “most scenic McDonald’s” in the nation, which has drawn more visitors. With no quorum for additional motions and no further public comments, the meeting was adjourned.