No 29 Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting February 2026
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29 Kahaluu Neighborhood Board Meeting – February 12, 2026
Honolulu Fire Department Monthly Report
Captain Scott Conomos from the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) presented January’s incident statistics for Kahaluʻu, including one structure fire, two activated alarms, and 42 medical needs. He emphasized the HFD safety tip of calling 9-1-1 first rather than driving to the nearest station, as the fire company may be occupied with inspections, training, or other emergencies. Captain Conomos also reinforced the department’s ability to receive text messages at 9-1-1, providing an option for those in areas with weak voice reception. No further questions were asked, and the board thanked the HFD for its report.
Honolulu Police Department Update
No representative from the Honolulu Police Department attended the meeting, so no report was provided. Board members noted the importance of receiving monthly police updates to address any concerns or trends in the community. They will follow up with HPD to ensure representation at future meetings.
Board Vacancies and Election of Second Vice Chair
The board announced a continuing vacancy for Sub-District 6, noting that no nominee had come forward either in person or online. They deferred the matter to the next meeting. The board also asked if anyone would be willing to serve as the second vice chair. Because no individual self-nominated or was put forward by others, the position remains open until further notice.
Mayor’s Office Report
Deputy Director Warren Mamizuka from the Department of Facility Maintenance shared highlights from Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s newsletter. He congratulated HFD for celebrating 175 years of service and noted the appointment of a new Ocean Safety Department deputy chief. He also discussed improvements to the HNL 311 system, emphasizing that residents can now report issues such as potholes and uplifted sidewalks online.
Warren then addressed specific concerns raised at previous meetings. For Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP)-related items, he noted that communication has opened with board members regarding solar permitting for multi-unit structures. He affirmed that guidelines exist on the DPP website and provided contact information for a DPP Building Safety Division Chief to pursue clarification.
Warren transferred remaining items, such as a request to evaluate a speed hump near the Sunshine Gallery Bridge, to the State Department of Transportation, and deferred questions about war-related emergency shelters to the Department of Emergency Management, which will respond next month.
City Council Updates
Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina reported on a resolution altering the land-use ordinance for agritourism, seeking to require a major conditional use permit rather than a minor one. This would mandate notification of neighborhood boards and a public hearing for large agritourism projects. She referenced the Kamana Nui gondola project on the North Shore and explained that DPP has extended the decision on whether to revoke its permit for 30 to 60 days to allow time for further public input.
She additionally addressed a question from a board member regarding charter amendments tied to salary commission procedures. She noted that any such proposal requires specific language and that she is open to discussing changes to the city charter with community members, clarifying that one can propose charter amendments outside of the commission’s ten-year cycle.
Councilmember Matt Weyer’s Office
A staff representative updated the board on Bill 4, introduced by Councilmember Weyer, to increase subsidies and grants for affordable rental housing projects under Chapter 32 of the Honolulu ordinances. The measure has passed first reading and is under review by the Zoning and Planning Committee. The councilmember’s staff also acknowledged the ongoing agritourism project concerns and will continue coordinating with other councilmembers for consistent policy approaches.
Governor Josh Green’s Office
Jenna Segal provided the Governor’s newsletter focused on the State of the State address, which covered lowering the cost of living, housing production, and healthcare expansion. She noted that the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation’s mortgage programs continue assisting first-time homebuyers. She also invited the community to attend a virtual Hawaii Tourism Authority meeting regarding Oʻahu’s draft destination management plan.
Responding to previous inquiries about emergency shelters, she confirmed that the city’s Department of Emergency Management is the responsible agency and that she is awaiting their formal guidance to address war-related emergency preparedness questions. She thanked the board for raising issues regarding manhole risers on Kamehameha and Kahekili Highways and offered to coordinate further with state agencies.
Senator Brenton Awa’s Office
Senator Awa shared updates from the legislative session, mentioning the controversial proposed ban on neonicotinoid pesticides due to concerns about their overuse in agriculture and tree protection. He also discussed the Kahaluʻu tree-planting project, where fruit-bearing ʻulu trees are already producing. Regarding the Genki Ball pilot for water remediation, he noted that they received both support and criticism; however, recent data from the Blue Water Task Force suggests water quality gains in some sites, leading to a private donor extending the pilot. The senator emphasized ongoing collaboration with community groups and researchers to improve local stream and bay conditions.
Representative Lisa Kitagawa’s Office
A representative from Rep. Kitagawa’s office highlighted several introduced bills, including a measure appropriating additional funds for cesspool conversion grants. Another bill strengthens the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council by requiring quarterly meetings and rotating chairpersons. She also mentioned a school-driven initiative from Waiāhole Elementary to regulate daily bag limits for the amaʻama fish, set to be heard in an upcoming committee meeting. The board was encouraged to track hearing schedules and share testimony through capitol.hawaii.gov.
Windward Community College
Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg announced that WCC received a full seven-year accreditation with commendations for Native Hawaiian support and no recommendations for improvement. She also promoted the upcoming Koʻolau Career Expo set for March 31, which targets higher-wage employers and invites the community and recent alumni seeking improved economic opportunities. The college aims to compile a resume book for employers to assist participants who cannot attend in person.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs Legislative Package
OHA representatives Kihaunani Kekina and Michelle McCoy summarized OHA’s 2026 legislative package. Among the six bills, they emphasized greater support for island burial councils, stricter historic preservation requirements, and ensuring at least one Land Use Commission member has water resource expertise. They also proposed a permanent ban on commercial aquarium collection, a state constitutional amendment to prohibit live-fire military training on select public lands, and rent stabilization measures that cap annual rent increases at 3%. They encouraged community members to submit testimony in support.
Yabusame Hawaiʻi Event at Kualoa Ranch
A representative of Honolulu Foundation shared news of a planned Yabusame demonstration, a traditional Japanese mounted archery performance rarely held outside Japan. Scheduled for Sunday, June 14, at Kualoa Ranch, Yabusame will include archers in historical samurai attire galloping at high speeds and shooting arrows at targets. Organizers and Kualoa Ranch intend to erect an eight-foot-tall visual barrier along Kamehameha Highway to avoid traffic slowdowns. The event is largely a cultural exchange and is open to the community at nominal cost.
Genki Ball Research Findings
Dr. Carmela Vizza from Hawaiʻi Pacific University presented the results of an extensive two-year study on Genki Balls, showing no significant water quality improvement in controlled field and lab tests. High concentrations of Genki Balls were associated with decreased dissolved oxygen, algal blooms, and increased nutrients, E. coli, and total coliform bacteria. DNA analysis revealed higher than expected levels of Clostridium species, some of which can pose health risks. She urged that anyone handling the Genki Ball materials use gloves, especially children. The board thanked her, noting an ongoing dialogue with supporters of the Genki Ball project in Kahaluʻu.
Kualoa Ranch Excavation Concern
Community inquiries centered on a newly constructed feature on a Kualoa hillside. John Morgan of Kualoa Ranch explained that the work is a modern cultural landscape addition designed to honor local deities and the sun. Some board members and residents questioned whether an archaeological survey had been performed and stressed the need to preserve significant sites and stones. Morgan explained that in locations where they suspect true historical features, an archaeologist is brought in. He also noted they strive to avoid damaging existing structures and walls, while acknowledging that large-scale land management can be complex. Concerns about continuous monitoring, possibly using technology like LIDAR, were also raised for future excavations.
Various Sub-District Updates
Several board members reported on community-level topics. In Sub-District 6, there were concerns about broken curbing along the shopping center road and canal cleaning responsibilities. Others raised renewed worries over leaning utility poles, especially after storms. The board advised using the HNL 311 system and contacting Hawaiian Electric immediately if the pole poses a hazard. The board also reminded the community that unregistered or immovable trailers parked too close to the highway may warrant HPD intervention. A request emerged for improved emergency communications (including Starlink and walkie talkies) and structured outreach for residents with disabilities.
Adoption of Resolution for Freshwater Rinse Facilities at Heʻeia State Pier
The board formally adopted a resolution, originally introduced by the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board, urging the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation to install a freshwater rinse or shower at Heʻeia State Pier. The resolution references the importance of hygiene, safety, and equipment maintenance for the many canoe clubs and individual paddlers who use the pier. The motion to adopt was approved unanimously, and members plan to transmit the resolution to DLNR officials and other stakeholders.
Creation of Board Committees
Board members discussed organizing standing committees to streamline recurring issues. New committees include: Legislation, Budget and Finance, Hawaiian Affairs, Social Media, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Land and Natural Resources. Board members debated whether some committees should merge, but ultimately created distinct areas of focus. Each committee chair will determine membership, meeting schedules, and methods of presenting findings to the full board, consistent with the neighborhood plan.
Approval of Meeting Minutes and Next Meeting
The board approved the minutes from October 2025 and January 2026 without amendments. The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the same venue. The board encouraged community members to attend and participate in ongoing discussions about public safety, land management, legislative initiatives, and environmental stewardship in Kahaluʻu.