No 31 Kailua Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting March 2026
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31 Kailua Neighborhood Board Meeting – March 6, 2026
Opening Announcements and Agenda
Neighborhood Board Chair Bill Hicks called the meeting to order and welcomed attendees, noting the significant community interest in long-standing concerns about traffic, safety, and development. He announced that some items would be moved up in the agenda to accommodate the community’s focus on the Lanikai Transportation Management Plan. The Chair also acknowledged the extensive written testimony received on various issues and explained that the meeting would include opportunities for public comment and official updates from government agencies.
Lanikai Traffic and Parking Challenges
Board members and residents discussed the complex history of traffic and parking congestion in Lanikai, where a single loop road and narrow cross streets face overwhelming demand from beachgoers and hikers. Speakers described illegal parking on unimproved sidewalks, blocked driveways, and gridlock that can delay emergency responders. Residents noted repeated close calls, including a severe bicycle accident caused by a driver veering into the bike lane. The board explained that the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) had developed a comprehensive plan to address safety, enforcement, and improved access, but there was a question about whether to install new “no parking anytime” signage on the loop immediately or wait to coordinate all measures—such as widened cross streets, marked stalls, loading zones, bike racks, and increased bus frequency—together. Residents in favor of immediate signage cited urgent safety needs, while others worried about pushing more cars onto smaller streets and into neighboring areas before cross-street improvements are complete.
Motion on Early Installation of No Parking Signs in Lanikai
A motion was introduced to request DTS install “no parking anytime” signs on Alapapa and Mokulua Drives without further delay. Supporters stressed the likelihood of saving lives by reducing daily hazards. Opponents argued that placing new restrictions on the loop alone would merely transfer congestion to narrower side streets before they have marked parking or one-way traffic. After extensive testimony, the board voted, resulting in ten “no” votes and seven “yes” votes. The motion did not carry, meaning the board will not formally request immediate signage and instead leans toward implementing plans once the cross-street work and other elements are ready.
Tribute to Corral Tresnick Jr.
Board member Evan Weber shared news of the recent passing of Corral Tresnick Jr., a well-known figure in the Kailua Waterman community and Lanikai Canoe Club. He recounted Tresnick’s many championships in paddling events and praised his spirit of togetherness and excellence in the sport. The board observed a moment of silence, and condolences were expressed to Tresnick’s family and friends.
Announcements on Community Runs and Events
Community members announced two upcoming fundraising runs benefiting Kailua High School and the Epilepsy Foundation. Routes will include Keolu neighborhoods and Enchanted Lake, with start times in the early morning. Organizers explained that neighborhood board notification is part of the permitting process, and they presented maps of the runs. Residents were encouraged to register in advance and consider volunteering.
Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Prevention
A representative from the state legislature discussed a free distribution event at Enchanted Lake Elementary providing traps and netting to combat the coconut rhinoceros beetle, which has damaged local palm trees. The University of Hawaiʻi researchers working on a biocontrol solution were on hand to offer guidance and educational materials. Additional distribution was also scheduled for Waimānalo Library, and residents were urged to protect their palms until a long-term solution is developed.
Police, Fire, and Ocean Safety Reports
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) presented February 2026 crime statistics: five motor vehicle thefts, five burglaries, 21 thefts, zero car break-ins, and one robbery. Officers fielded questions on chronic noise disturbances, clarifying that decibel monitoring devices are not currently employed by HPD and that enforcement relies on reasonableness standards. They also answered concerns about a houseless individual occupying a Kailua District Park dugout, pledging to conduct outreach and address potential trespassing or disruptions. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) reported local incident statistics, including structure and brush fires, activated false alarms, medical calls, vehicle collisions, and mountain rescues. Their monthly safety tip emphasized the importance of smoke alarms. Ocean Safety briefed the community on notable February rescues around Kailua, including assisting stranded paddleboarders in the Mokulua Islands area and handling a seizure at Kalama Beach. Lifeguards performed thousands of preventative actions, first aids, and rescues during a busy month.
Kailua Triangle “Mini” Park and Construction Staging
Residents near Kalapawai Roundabout raised concerns about a fenced-off “Triangle Park” area that contractors have used as a long-term staging site for the roundabout and roadwork. Questions focused on the timeline for removing trailers, fences, boulders, and rock shards, replanting grass, and mitigating any potential contaminants. DTS reported that the plan calls for removing the mobile office by late March, then allowing about three additional months for regrading, removing large rocks, and reseeding grass before the fence is taken down. Residents expressed frustration with the multi-year disruption and asked that the area be restored comprehensively and promptly.
North Kalaheo Stream Bridge Repair
Representatives from Kaikor Construction, the company contracted to repair the North Kalaheo Stream Bridge, outlined the project schedule from late March to October 2026. Work includes repairing delaminated or cracked concrete, reconstructions of retaining walls, and replacing guardrails. Traffic will be condensed to one lane on weekdays for part of the construction, but lanes will reopen on weekends and holidays. The city will post warnings in advance, including large message boards on both approaches, to prepare motorists for potential congestion.
Board of Water Supply Updates
A Board of Water Supply representative shared main-break statistics for January 2026, mentioning two breaks in Kailua, both on eight-inch mains installed in 1959. The board is also highlighting World Water Day on March 22nd to promote global awareness of water access. Questions arose about the number of nonfunctioning fire hydrants in Kailua and the Kapaa water tank schedules. The representative committed to researching information and reporting back.
Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi
Commanding Officer Colonel Jeremy Bevan discussed the completion of a fifteen-acre invasive mangrove removal project at Nuupia Pond, aimed at improving water flow and preserving the wetland. He detailed volunteer workdays, which are open to the community for pulling weeds and helping restore the ecosystem. The base is also hosting monthly runs open to the public. Colonel Bevan announced he will be leaving his post in May and outlined plans to ensure a seamless transition for the next commanding officer.
Kailua Public Library Modernization Proposal
A motion was introduced to support legislative funding that would kick-start planning and design to modernize Kailua Public Library, address its outdated infrastructure, and consider combining libraries with broader resilience resources in the event of emergencies. The idea included a potential emergency shelter and energy backups alongside the library upgrade. Despite the urgency for state budget inclusion this session, board members mostly abstained due to concerns about the scope, lack of detail on expansion, and uncertainty over timelines. The motion failed, but the board decided to continue studying the matter at its Public Safety Committee.
Bill 7 Housing Projects and Other Legislative Updates
Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina reported that several Bill 7 housing projects have recently been proposed in Kailua, in addition to the known 330 Kūle project. Her bill, which would have restricted developments to the underlying height limit rather than a blanket 60 feet, faced resistance in city hearings. The broader issue drew attention to a growing citywide debate on affordable housing and apartment projects in residential areas. At the state level, legislators relayed progress on bills addressing SNAP eligibility, environmental protections, data privacy, and consumer protection against ticket scalping. A measure to restrict possible new landfills in Kailua, intended to protect water supplies, did not advance this session.
Final Motions and Adjournment
The board passed a measure to participate in the “I Love Kailua” town party, a popular local event, and approved routine minutes and administrative items. They postponed several remaining agenda points due to time. As the meeting drew to a close around 10:29 p.m., participants recognized the wide range of issues debated—particularly the Lanikai no parking motion, the Triangle Park restoration, and the library proposal—and committed to continue these discussions in upcoming committee sessions and future board meetings.