No 29 Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting May 2026
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29 Kahaluu Neighborhood Board Meeting – May 14, 2026
Meeting Resumption After Storm Cancellations
The board opened by noting that this was the first meeting in nearly three months because the March and April meetings had been canceled during the severe storms and flooding. The chair thanked the Neighborhood Commission and others involved in keeping the community informed and safe during that period. That framing shaped much of the meeting, as many later reports and resident concerns returned to storm recovery, flooding, drainage, debris, emergency response, and disaster preparedness across Kahaluʻu and the broader windward and Koʻolaupoko area.
Honolulu Police Department Crime Statistics and Traffic Complaints
HPD Lieutenant Villaflor reported crime statistics for the area for March, stating there were no motor vehicle thefts, three burglaries, two thefts, no unauthorized entry into motor vehicles, and no robberies. He also compared these figures with the previous month, which had included two motor vehicle thefts, two burglaries, five thefts, one unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, and no robberies. Residents then shifted the discussion from crime numbers to recurring traffic and nuisance issues. One resident described ongoing problems with loud motorbikes racing down Kamehameha Highway, turning into ʻĀhuimanu Place, and entering residential areas at high speed, raising concerns for children and elders. HPD advised residents to call 911 or the non-emergency line when incidents happen, but emphasized that better enforcement depends on receiving specific information such as time, location, and frequency so officers can be positioned in advance. The lieutenant also recommended using the city’s 311 system or app, which allows complaints to be tracked and documented with follow-up on enforcement action taken.
Mud Bogging, Illegal Vehicles, and Highway Blockages During Rain
A second HPD-related concern involved trucks engaging in mud bogging near the intersection of Old ʻĀhuimanu Road and Kahekili Highway, particularly in the low-lying area on the makai Kahuku side of the intersection. Residents said the activity occurred during recent storms, blocked traffic on Kahekili Highway, and had been reported while still underway. HPD acknowledged the recurring pattern, noting that such activity is weather-dependent and tends to appear when the area becomes muddy after rain. The department said it is trying not only to disperse the activity but also to target the vehicles involved, describing many of the modified mud-bogging trucks as illegal and subject to citation. In response to a resident’s account that officers had been called while traffic was still blocked, HPD confirmed that officers did respond, cite vehicles, and clear the area.
House Fire on Lulani Place and Suspected Squatting
The chair asked HPD about a recent house fire on Lulani Place reportedly linked to homeless squatting activity. The lieutenant did not have immediate details and said he would follow up by email after looking into the incident. Although brief, the exchange reflected continuing concern over vacant or unsecured properties, fire risk, and the overlap between housing insecurity, public safety, and neighborhood conditions.
Persistent Board Vacancy and Discussion of At-Large Representation
The board announced that Subdistrict 6 still had one vacancy and asked whether anyone present or online wished to nominate themselves or another person. No nominee came forward. A board member then raised the idea of converting that seat into an at-large position, arguing that the seat has reportedly been vacant for around 10 years. The chair responded that the Neighborhood Commission Office had previously provided information on the issue and that the commission is considering at-large options for other boards as well. No action was taken, but the exchange reflected frustration with long-term underrepresentation in one part of the district.
Mayor’s Office Storm Recovery Website, Debris Disposal, and Emergency Information
A representative from Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s office reported that the City and County of Honolulu continues islandwide response and cleanup related to the recent series of Kona Low storms. He announced the launch of a recovery website, described in the meeting as 1oahu.org / oneoahu.org, intended to provide residents with centralized information about reporting home damage, health and safety guidance, assistance programs, and ways to support impacted communities. He said cleanup operations remained active, especially on the North Shore, with dozens of debris-hauling resources in use, including dump trucks, heavy machinery, and dumpsters. Residents were told that storm debris can be taken to city transfer stations and convenience centers, including certain construction-type debris such as dirt, rock, and concrete. The representative also said the mayor’s planned town hall meetings had been indefinitely postponed while departments focused on storm damage and preparation for future weather events. Additional items from the mayor’s newsletter included the mayor’s 2026 State of the City address, accreditation of the Honolulu Zoo by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, expanded housing options in Chinatown, release of the annual sustainability report, and appointment news within the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency.
Civil Defense Guidance for a Wartime Emergency
Responding to a question raised at a prior meeting about where residents in Kahaluʻu or Kāneʻohe would go in the event of war, the mayor’s office relayed guidance from the Department of Emergency Management. The message was that, in the event of an attack, public instructions would likely be to “get inside, stay inside, stay tuned.” Residents indoors should remain there and stay away from windows; those outside should seek immediate shelter in a building; and drivers should safely pull over and seek shelter or lie flat if necessary. The city stated that public shelters would be opened only once authorities determined that conditions warranted it, and locations would be announced in real time based on safety and need rather than predefined by neighborhood.
Kaneohe Bay Debris, Dredging Debate, and Alternatives to Mechanical Removal
Residents used the mayor’s office report to again raise longstanding concerns about debris accumulation at the mouth of the stream entering Kāneʻohe Bay near Kahaluʻu. One resident described years of unmanaged buildup, including tangled hau brush and sediment that at low tide can obstruct navigation enough that boats cannot pass. The mayor’s representative responded that dredging of the pond and surrounding area had previously been discussed, possibly dating back to when the district park was built, but noted that dredging would require complex permitting from agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the state Department of Health, as well as a suitable place to dewater and dispose of the material. The chair reminded the city that the board had previously discussed the issue extensively and had collectively decided not to support dredging, instead favoring restoration approaches such as riparian zones and the use of mussels and clams to improve water quality naturally. This exchange highlighted a policy divide between engineered sediment removal and ecological restoration.
Recognition of Waikāne and Waiāhole Storm Response and Role of Key Project
Board members and residents thanked the city and state for quickly clearing debris near Waikāne and Waiāhole Bridge after the first Kona Low, noting that prompt action there likely prevented worse flooding and road closures in later storms. Several speakers also emphasized the major role played by Key Project as a local disaster-response hub serving not only Kahaluʻu and Kāneʻohe but also farther communities such as Waiāhole and Waialua. Residents said Key Project coordinated supplies, food distributions, donations, personnel, and recovery support after the storms, and they argued that it needs more recognition, funding, and staffing support because this facility becomes a lifeline when roads close or communities are isolated.
Proposal to Pre-Identify Local Contractors for Emergency Response
A major theme in the storm discussion was the need for a more formal system to activate local contractors and community leaders during emergencies. The mayor’s office acknowledged discussions with state transportation director Ed Sniffen and others about using private contractors with heavy equipment to respond more quickly in flood-prone communities. Speakers described how, during storm response, some operators initially stepped in informally and later had to be contracted to address liability concerns. Board members argued that communities like Kahaluʻu already know which contractors have trucks, excavators, and local knowledge, and that the city should pre-arrange mechanisms to mobilize them legally and quickly rather than improvising during disasters.
Coral Kingdom as a Potential Emergency Resiliency Hub and Ambulance Site
A board member asked about a previously discussed idea involving Coral Kingdom, which is for sale, as a possible emergency resiliency hub or emergency medical staging site. The mayor’s representative said he had heard discussions but was not directly involved. Another community member added that Emergency Services Director Jim Ireland had specifically envisioned the site as a possible ambulance location that could serve the north windward coast without being pulled too quickly toward central Kāneʻohe. No update was available, but there was visible interest in having the city continue to pursue the site for emergency infrastructure.
Abandoned Boat Hazard on Kamehameha Highway
A resident asked the mayor’s office to address an abandoned boat on a trailer without wheels near 47-315 Kamehameha Highway, close to the Kāneʻohe end of Lulani Street. The speaker described it as a roadside hazard in a dangerous location. The mayor’s representative said he knew the location and would look into it. The discussion also revived an earlier request that Kamehameha Highway from Hygienic Store to Haʻikū be considered for state rather than city jurisdiction because of its heavy use and strategic importance.
Questions About Lifeguard Staffing at Kualoa and Pupukea
A resident asked for more information on where staffing for a new lifeguard tower at Pūpūkea would come from and whether staffing changes might affect Kualoa Beach Park. The mayor’s office did not have the answer immediately but agreed to provide information later. A board member then offered context, stating that Kualoa Beach Park has lifeguards daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day and weekends outside the summer season, and that Kualoa is the end of the North Shore lifeguard district. The board requested a schedule or flyer so the community could be informed about beach safety coverage.
Councilmember Kiaʻāina’s Budget Priorities, Key Project Funding, and Food Systems Plan
A representative from Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina’s office reported that the council is considering the fiscal year 2027 budget, including approximately $9 million in grants-in-aid. She said the councilmember had secured an additional $2 million so more organizations could receive funding and that, if the budget passes on June 3, Key Project is slated to receive support. She also announced that the city’s draft Oʻahu Food Systems Plan had been released by the Office of Climate Change on May 7 and is open for public comment through June 30. The office encouraged residents to review the plan and submit feedback.
Bacterial Exceedances in Kāneʻohe Bay and Base Wastewater Concerns
Councilmember Kiaʻāina’s office also addressed concerns about bacterial exceedance levels in Kailua and Kāneʻohe Bay. The representative said a UV system installed last December at the Kailua wastewater treatment plant had helped improve conditions at Kailua Bay. She then said the councilmember remained concerned about bacterial exceedance levels in Kāneʻohe Bay and would be visiting Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi the following morning to examine planned improvements intended to address the issue. This tied directly into later discussions with the Board of Water Supply and Marine Corps Base representatives about wastewater reclamation and storm-related discharges.
Follow-Up Request on Council Salary Increases
A board member asked Councilmember Kiaʻāina’s office to report back next month on her position regarding a Salary Commission recommendation that would reportedly grant an automatic 5% pay raise unless the council voted against it. He also raised the broader issue of amending the charter so pay raises for elected officials would not take effect automatically. The office agreed to provide the councilmember’s position at a future meeting.
Councilmember Weyer’s Budget Amendments and Unfunded Flood Control Request
A representative from Councilmember Matt Weyer’s office highlighted several budget amendments. She said the councilmember had secured acceptance of amendments including $1 million for kupuna feeding and social support programs and $150,000 for a stream maintenance plan report. She also pointed out that a proposed $5 million amendment for flood control improvements in Koʻolaupoko had not been accepted in the latest Budget Committee meeting, despite significant community concern during the storms. The representative stressed that the budget process is still ongoing, but the rejection was flagged as important for residents tracking flood mitigation funding.
FEMA and SBA Assistance Deadline and In-Person Help at Key Project
Councilmember Weyer’s office reminded residents that both FEMA assistance applications and SBA disaster loan applications are due June 14. The closest in-person help site was identified as Key Project, reportedly available every Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m., subject to confirmation. The office said FEMA coordinators are finding that some residents are not applying because they think they are not eligible or because the process feels burdensome for smaller repairs. The representative urged everyone affected by storm damage to apply anyway.
Kalahaka Bridge, Road Ownership, and Infrastructure Risk
A lengthy discussion centered on Kalahaka Bridge at the beginning of ʻĀina Haina / Ahilama Road and the section of road leading toward the Waiāhole Stream bridge. Residents said the bridge and adjoining road segment remain privately owned, creating complications for maintenance even though city trash trucks and diverted traffic use the route regularly. The board stressed that this has become an urgent infrastructure issue, especially after the second Kona Low caused heavy flooding there. Residents argued that the city should acquire that short section of roadway as an initial step, since it links to city-owned road beyond Waiāhole Stream and serves broader public functions. Additional concern came from the fact that a 5-inch Board of Water Supply main crosses there, and replacement of that line cannot proceed until bridge issues are resolved.
Illegal Wetland Filling Near Waiāhole and Kamehameha Highway
A community member asked for an update on illegal filling activity in federally designated wetland parcels at the corner of Waiāhole and Kamehameha Highway on the mauka Kahuku side. Councilmember Weyer’s office said the Department of Planning and Permitting had an assigned investigator, was monitoring the parcels, and had issued or was preparing additional notices of violation. Speakers emphasized that much of the activity appears to happen on weekends and argued that enforcement alone is not enough; they want city and state transportation agencies to jointly address the broader intersection and circulation issues there rather than remain in constant reactive mode.
Board of Water Supply Rainfall Data and Marine Base Reuse Planning
Board of Water Supply representative Barry Usagawa reported that rainfall measured in March reached 319% of normal, following February totals of 270% of normal. He said those are the highest two-month totals he has seen in roughly 40 years, underscoring just how extreme the recent weather was. He said the board is waiting for National Weather Service forecasts for the latter part of the year and had heard reports of a possible strong El Niño, though nothing official had been issued yet. Usagawa also confirmed that the Board of Water Supply would join Councilmember Kiaʻāina the next day for a tour of Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi to discuss water reclamation. He explained that the base still uses potable water for all irrigation but has requested funding for a study on developing an R-1 recycled water facility and expanding reuse on base, which would reduce demand on the Koʻolaupoko potable water system.
Water Testing Limits and Department of Health Coordination
During the Board of Water Supply discussion, residents asked whether household water could be tested upon request. Usagawa said the board’s lab can perform straightforward microbiological testing in certain cases but not full chemical analysis. More complex contaminants, including hydrocarbons and fuel-related compounds, are sent to contracted labs on the mainland. He was unsure what testing the Department of Health could provide directly, though another speaker noted that DOH’s Safe Drinking Water / Clean Water programs may be relevant.
Governor’s Office Disaster Assistance, Tax Relief, and Highway Repairs
A representative from Governor Josh Green’s office distributed the governor’s May newsletter, which focused heavily on severe weather response and recovery. She said the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs had created a post-disaster insurance claims guide and instructional video to help residents file claims. Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency had opened an interim disaster case management program, available at no cost, and affected residents can call 211 to begin enrollment. The Department of Taxation secured state and federal tax relief, including use of Form L-115 for disaster-related penalty and interest waivers. The state tax deadline was moved from April 20 to July 20, and certain federal filings originally due March 10 are now due July 8. She also reported that the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is repairing the H-3 ramp from Kamehameha Highway in Kāneʻohe, with ramp access expected to be restored by mid-June and overall repairs completed by mid-August.
Hawaiian Diacritical Marks on State Highway Signs
The governor’s office also announced that HDOT is continuing an effort to add proper Hawaiian diacritical markings to street names and destination signs on state highways and connecting streets. Public feedback can be submitted through HDOT’s master list online, and comments are accepted year-round. While the program is focused on approximately 2,000 state highways and connected streets, feedback concerning county streets will be forwarded to the proper county agencies.
State Response on Mud Pit Access and Uneven Manholes
Following up on earlier board concerns, the governor’s representative said the muddy parcel used for mud bogging is a highway remnant under the DOT Highways Division. DOT is considering additional signage and ways to keep unauthorized vehicles out while still allowing maintenance contractors access for mowing. On road conditions, she said HDOT is submitting a work order to adjust uneven manholes on Kahekili Highway. Uneven covers on Kamehameha Highway through Kāneʻohe were said to likely be related to the city Department of Design and Construction’s road rehabilitation project.
Shoreline Dumping Complaint and Frustration With Enforcement
A resident described an incident in which someone wheelbarrowed dirt from storm cleanup down to the shoreline and dumped it there. According to the resident, DLNR responded but did not cite the responsible party or require removal of the material, despite the person allegedly admitting what they had done in the presence of a Department of Health official. The speaker asked who can be contacted when field response appears inadequate. The governor’s representative agreed to find the proper escalation path. Board leadership noted that they had already advised the reporting resident to go to the media after government response fell short, but the resident feared retaliation.
Utility Pole Maintenance, Public Utility Attendance, and 5G Concerns
Residents raised multiple utility-related issues, including overgrown vegetation and sagging telecommunications lines along Kualoa Regional Park, asking for better coordination under the joint pole-use framework involving Hawaiian Electric and telecommunications companies. Another community member from Kaʻaʻawa reported seeing crews measuring a utility pole directly in front of her home and said she was told it might involve a 4G or 5G installation. She objected strongly to such infrastructure being placed immediately outside her bedroom without community notice. Board members supported bringing utility representatives to future meetings, arguing that Hawaiian Electric, Hawaiian Telcom, Spectrum, and others should attend at least quarterly so residents can raise questions directly about rates, resilience, infrastructure, and communications upgrades.
Legislative Session Close, Community Issues on Nukupuʻu Street, and Food Tree Project
A representative from Senator Awa’s office reported that the 2026 legislative session adjourned on May 8 with 268 bills passed by the legislature. Nine had already been signed into law, while 259 awaited the governor’s action, with July 15 identified as the veto deadline. She said none of Senator Awa’s own primary bills passed, but many bills he supported did. She then discussed complaints from residents on Nukupuʻu Street in ʻĀhuimanu about heavy traffic and activity linked to easement access for Valley of the Temples / Temple Valley. She said Senator Awa had visited the area on the adjournment weekend and has a site visit and meeting scheduled with Valley of the Temples leadership to discuss possible solutions. On a positive note, she highlighted the senator’s hands-on work at the Kahaluʻu Food Tree Project, where he has been trimming trees and using air-layering to propagate new plants. She said he had recently prepared 63 new tree air layers, which would be distributed to schools and community members, and that the project’s mountain apple trees had produced fruit for the first time.
Campaign Finance Bill on Corporate Donations
In response to a question about Senate Bill 2471, the senator’s office confirmed that the bill restricting corporate donations to politicians had passed in a cleaner form after a controversial provision involving attorney general discretion was removed through a floor amendment on the final day. Residents praised the bill as a major step forward and noted it still awaited enactment by the governor by the July 15 deadline.
Representative Kitagawa’s Report: Kaneohe Regional Council Bill, School Maintenance, and E-Waste Drive
A representative from Representative Kitagawa’s office said the legislature had adjourned and reported that House Bill 2361 relating to the Kāneʻohe Regional Council had passed and now awaited the governor’s signature or automatic enactment by July 15. She also said the representative had secured funds in the state budget to address deferred maintenance projects at ʻĀhuimanu, Kahaluʻu, and Waiāhole schools. The office announced an annual e-waste drive at Castle High School on Saturday, June 20, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the auditorium parking lot, and said an end-of-session newsletter would be mailed in early June.
Federal Disaster Response, Farm Bills, and Agriculture Policy
A representative from U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda’s office said the congresswoman had visited communities across her district after the Kona Low storms, including Waialua, Lāʻie, Māʻili, and Molokaʻi, to assess damage and discuss recovery with farmers, small businesses, and residents. Tokuda also met with the U.S. Farm Service Agency and the SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center and encouraged all eligible residents to apply for aid. The office said anyone who has already applied for federal assistance but has not heard back or is having trouble should contact the congresswoman’s office at 808-746-6220. In Washington, Tokuda voted for the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act, which would increase upfront USDA disaster assistance for farmers rebuilding after disasters. She also introduced the Farmland for Farmers Act to limit future ownership and leasing of agricultural lands by corporate investors and help keep those lands in local and independent hands. The office added that the five-year farm bill had passed the House by a 224-200 vote, and that Tokuda had testified before the House Rules Committee in support of amendments aimed at improving agriculture and nutrition outcomes for Hawaiʻi.
Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi: RIMPAC, Command Change, Wastewater, and Reuse
A Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi representative attended in place of the base’s usual liaison. He announced that RIMPAC would run from late June through early August and that a change of command is coming, with Colonel Bevan stepping down and Colonel DeTrinis taking over. In response to questions, he said he would raise with the base whether the influx of RIMPAC personnel could also support the community if El Niño weather creates emergencies during that period. The discussion then returned to wastewater and water use. The board chair emphasized that the next day’s meeting among the base, Councilmember Kiaʻāina, and the Board of Water Supply should provide important context on improvements to water reclamation that would reduce both pollution risk and potable water demand. When asked about the most recent wastewater discharge from the base, the representative said the back-to-back storms had overwhelmed the base facility through sheer inundation, highlighting the need for greater capacity, redundancy, and treatment upgrades. He said multiple studies are underway to detect leaks, examine increased rainwater catchment, and replace aging pipes. The board also thanked the base for participating in the closing of the Makahiki ceremony at Kūkaniloko / Kuālono? Actually the discussion referred specifically to the Makahiki observances associated with Kualoa and Pyramid Rock, and a board member praised the attendance and cultural respect shown by senior base leadership.
New Wastewater Technology for Cesspool Conversion
Representatives from Wai Home presented a compact wastewater treatment product called “MATA” aimed at reducing the cost and physical difficulty of cesspool conversions. They explained that instead of a conventional 1,000- to 1,500-gallon underground septic tank requiring excavation, their system uses a much smaller above-ground unit with roughly a two-foot by four-foot footprint. Solids are screened and dehydrated rather than stored in a large tank. They said the current product cost is about $7,500 and that, where an existing cesspool can be reused as a seepage pit under evolving Department of Health rules, total permitting, product, and installation could potentially come in under $15,000. They described six months of free maintenance support after installation and said homeowners could then either self-maintain the unit or continue service through the company. The group said they had just passed IAPMO performance and facility testing and were now awaiting formal listing and Department of Health permitting as an approved alternative technology under the state’s cesspool upgrade framework. They stressed that the system can already be installed in some circumstances as a plumbing appliance, even while DOH approval for cesspool-upgrade compliance is still pending.
Waste Handling, Power Use, and Resilience of the New System
Residents asked detailed questions about how the system works. The presenters said solids are dehydrated in alternating chambers using a 300-watt heater and fan, with temperatures rising above 140 degrees Fahrenheit to assist thermal sterilization. Odor is managed through an activated carbon filter. The resulting dry biosolids are not intended as topsoil but may be usable in certain tree-planting or larger agricultural settings; otherwise, disposal may be possible through green waste or regular refuse depending on final DOH requirements. They also said the system is designed to continue operating during short power outages, such as for 48 hours, because it primarily relies on gravity flow and uses minimal power outside of intermittent dehydration cycles. This made the discussion especially relevant in a community increasingly concerned about storms, flooding, and grid vulnerability.
Kuʻola Program: Native Hawaiian Men’s Health and Community Recruitment
Representatives from the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center’s Kuʻola program introduced their work, describing it as a more than 30-year effort that began with Native Hawaiian women’s breast cancer research and evolved after participants said their men also needed support. The program now focuses on the health and wellbeing of kāne and their families statewide, encouraging healthier lifestyles through community-driven programming. They outlined four pillars of work, including support for venues and food at meetings, some cancer screening services, scholarships for certified research professional training, and community consultation sessions. Their core activity is the “kūkā kūkā” session, a hale mua-style conversation space for men led with physician participation. Sessions can last up to two hours and cover both health and cultural modules. Health topics include colorectal, lung, mouth and throat, and prostate cancer, while cultural topics include healthy eating, fishponds, cordage, and prayer. The presenters said they are actively trying to recruit men age 18 and older, preferably Native Hawaiian but open to all, and asked the board for help identifying existing men’s groups, schools, hālau, Hawaiian-focused programs, and community networks that could serve as entry points. Board members suggested reaching out to Hawaiian immersion school parent groups, hospitals, Native Hawaiian Health services, hālau hula, OHA, community colleges, and existing father networks.
Storm Recovery Check-In and Key Project Recognition
Under resident and community concerns, the chair invited participants to identify any major unresolved issues remaining from the storms. Community members again thanked Key Project and specific local leaders and staff for their work during and after the flooding, including food distribution, supplies, and direct support to families. Another resident asked about the turnaround time for complaints submitted through the HNL 311 system because she had filed a report before the board’s last meeting and still had no response or status update after roughly three months.
Remaining Sandbag Supplies Near Hāʻula
A community member noted that a large pile of sand had been placed near Hāʻula during storm preparation and said some residents could still use the remaining sand to fill more bags. It was suggested that permission be clarified for access to the pile and that empty bags were still available. The comment showed that ad hoc storm-response materials remain in the community and may still be useful before the next major weather event.
Storage Container Request for Keahiākohohi Canoe Club
The board discussed a request from Keahiākohohi Canoe Club to place a 20-foot storage container at the Kahaluʻu District Park makai paddling practice site. The presenting board member explained that the city had objected because the container could not belong to a private entity on city land, but said the club would accept city ownership if that allowed them to use it. The need is tied to the growing number of children using the site after school and concerns over theft of backpacks, laptops, phones, and water bottles, as well as the need to store safety equipment, balers, and medical gear. Homeless encampments in the surrounding brush were also cited as part of the context. The vice chair proposed drafting a board resolution in support of the request for consideration at the June meeting, and another member suggested inviting Parks Director Laura Thielen to attend and address the issue directly.
Laos Village Evictions, Land Use Uncertainty, and Bigger Questions for Kaʻalaea
The board revisited concerns about Laos Village at the bottom of Lamaula Road in Kaʻalaea, described as a roughly 10-home settlement similar to Wong’s Village. A board member said the property had recently been purchased by PNG Corporation and that tenants had been told to leave, while trucks and dumping activity had been observed. She noted that the parcel is nonconforming, zoned X, and served by a cesspool, meaning conversion to septic and a wastewater variance would be required before major redevelopment. Because no affected former tenants were present to testify, the board limited itself to what had been reported and encouraged residents to report visible activity to DPP. Another community member urged a broader conversation about the future of Kaʻalaea’s agricultural floodplain, warning against piecemeal development in lowlands historically used as loʻi. He said the board should invite the new owner, canoe club interests, and former residents to discuss both immediate concerns and a long-term vision for the area, which lacks basic infrastructure such as sewer service.
Heʻeia State Park Closure, Boat Harbor Showers, Bus Stop Conditions, and Canoe Club Fencing
Additional community concerns included the closure of Heʻeia State Park on Mondays, which residents questioned given the lack of accessible open space. A board member said he had requested a state key so he could open the park himself on Mondays as a state employee but had not yet heard back. Residents also complained that showers and bathroom facilities at Heʻeia Boat Harbor have been unavailable for about two years, which was linked to earlier board efforts to restore them, especially because of impacts on youth canoe paddlers and regular harbor users. Another issue was the long-unresolved condition of a bus stop that has lacked a proper shelter for roughly two years and now has only a slab and bench. Residents also asked for updates on a requested fence for Kāneʻohe Canoe Club, which had been discussed with state agencies about a year and a half earlier.
Kualoa Ranch Grading, Cultural Landscape Dispute, and Notice of Violation
A board member provided an update regarding concerns over earthmoving and grading on Kualoa Ranch lands. He said the State Historic Preservation Division’s ethnographer had reviewed two parcels and reported that SHPD had no record of current projects on them. He also relayed that a planning inspector had visited the site, examined walls visible in photographs, and concluded that while the walls were riprap without concrete or conventional construction materials, their height exceeded 30 inches. DPP therefore planned to issue a building code notice of violation to the landowner. The board member then read a statement from Kamuela Kalaʻi objecting to what she called an artificial “cultural landscape” built into the sacred pali of Kualoa using heavy machinery, arguing that the true cultural landscape is the mountain itself and that such construction desecrates an area listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another board member cautioned that such testimony should be carefully handled in the minutes rather than amplified orally in ways that could create problems, and the board later agreed the February minutes should be revised to better capture past discussion and written testimony on the issue.
Committee Organization and Incomplete Board Administration
Under board business, the chair reminded members that if standing committees are to function properly, each committee chair needs to provide a list of members, meeting dates, and formal purview language so the board can ratify them. The Committee on Land and Natural Resources already has a chair, but other committee structures remain unfinished. The board also attempted to approve the February 11, 2026 meeting minutes but delayed action after objections and requests for revisions, especially regarding how testimony and discussion on Kualoa Ranch had been summarized.
Subdistrict Reports: Road Hazards, Erosion, Bars, Tourism Pressure, and Illegal Driving
During subdistrict reports, multiple unresolved neighborhood issues were documented. One member raised concern about recurring dirt and potential slope instability along Kamehameha Highway before Hygienic Store and said the area must be monitored so it does not become another landslide danger. Another reported falling blue rock and larger boulders beside Kamehameha Highway just past the cemetery when heading toward Kāneʻohe, saying the increasing size of rocks after the storms suggests a hazard that should be addressed before someone is hurt. The same member also described damaged curbing at the bus stop behind Times and unresolved drainage responsibility behind Koʻolau Shopping Center. She raised serious concerns about speeding, donuts, late-night disturbances, and a past major crash linked to a nearby bar operating until 2 a.m. in a dense residential setting. Another member said the best way to address alcohol-related neighborhood harm may be through comments to the Liquor Commission when licenses come up for renewal. There was also renewed criticism of the growing disorder around the McDonald’s area and a now-popular nearby hike, with heavy visitor traffic, mud, unauthorized parking, photo shoots, and impacts spilling into shopping center property and nearby roads. A board member asked for management contacts for the shopping center so those concerns can be discussed directly at a future meeting.
Community Reporting, Right-of-Way Concerns, and Highway Width
One resident added that where rock walls line Kamehameha Highway, their setbacks indicate existing right-of-way that could potentially allow the road to be widened in places. He argued that dirt and debris accumulating on slopes and shoulders are obstructing the highway right-of-way and that those areas should be examined by the city or state. This linked back to earlier discussion about ownership, maintenance, runoff, and roadway capacity along the corridor.
Renewable Energy Zones and Federal Document Replacement Assistance
In closing announcements, the board shared information from Hawaiian Electric about its Renewable Energy Zones Initiative, describing REZ as part of the utility’s integrated grid planning process to streamline transmission planning and utility-scale renewable energy development across the state. Residents were directed to an online map and comment portal at hawaiipowered.com/rez/cycle2. The board also reminded residents that Congresswoman Tokuda’s office can help replace lost or damaged federal documents, including passports, as part of disaster casework support, and repeated the Honolulu office number, 808-746-6220.
Next Meeting
The next regular meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Key Project.