No 04 Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting October 2025
Kaimukī Neighborhood Board No. 4 Meeting – October 15, 2025
Call to Order, Roll Call, and Quorum
The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m. in the Kaimukī Public Library with an online option. Eight of the board’s members were confirmed present, establishing quorum. Absent members were also listed to document attendance. The board briefly noted the absence of the Honolulu Fire Department’s representative and proceeded with other agenda items.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Report
A lieutenant from HPD District 7 presented crime statistics for September 2025: 11 motor vehicle thefts, 5 burglaries, 29 general thefts, and 6 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles. Overall, HPD responded to 5,874 calls for service last month. The officer shared a series of home security tips, emphasizing the importance of locking doors, trimming shrubbery to reduce hiding spots for burglars, and never leaving valuables in plain sight. The possibility of installing a safe and bolting it down was also recommended. The board and community had no pressing questions, so HPD’s segment concluded with an invitation to visit the department’s website for further safety information.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) Update
A BWS representative reported two water main breaks in the area during September—one on Kaimukī Avenue and another on Sierra Drive—both promptly addressed on September 16th and 12th, respectively. The representative requested the community’s cooperation in reducing water usage by 20% due to lower-than-normal rainfall and high water demands. Suggestions included turning off the tap when brushing teeth, keeping showers brief, and watering gardens early in the morning. The board had no follow-up questions, and residents were encouraged to visit the BWS website for additional water conservation tips.
Kapiʻolani Community College Forum Announcement
A Kapiʻolani Community College representative invited the board and community to an open forum introducing the finalist for Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services. This key position oversees facilities, campus security, and grounds. The forum would be held onsite in the ʻIliahi (NIO) building on October 29th from 11 a.m. to noon, allowing attendees to meet the finalist, learn about their qualifications, and offer input. More information was provided on the college’s official website.
Kaimukī Nature Park Kyūdōjō Presentation
A detailed update was given by a representative of the Honolulu Kyūdō Foundation regarding the planned construction of a kyūdō (traditional Japanese archery) facility at Maunai Nature Park. The presenter reviewed site layouts, explaining that the design underwent adjustments to address drainage issues. Once built, the facility will feature a shooting gallery, a classroom, changing rooms, restrooms, and a target house. Its footprint will be approximately half an acre within the park’s lower section, leaving the majority of the park intact. Kyūdō, which uses a longbow and emphasizes both spirituality and discipline, is commonly practiced in Japan and has a historic local presence lacking a proper public venue. Discussion covered the construction timeline—hoping for permits by November and a mid-2026 completion—as well as plans for barriers and supervision to ensure safety. The building’s overall cost is estimated around $850,000 to $1 million, largely through donated labor and materials. The classroom space will be open to community groups, and the floor plan may accommodate hula or other barefoot activities. Following the presentation, the board unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the partnership with the city to construct, operate, and maintain this kyūdō facility.
Mayor’s Representative Report
A staff member representing Mayor Rick Blangiardi discussed highlights from across the city, including a large concert in honor of the local musician Fiji, an expansion of the Skyline rail service to include Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and the airport, and the launch of the city’s Ocean Safety Commission. The representative also noted that Honolulu won a Bloomberg Harvard City Hall Fellowship, bringing a new staff member to assist with government efficiency. A community question regarding a promised joint meeting with the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) about Bus Route 200 was raised; the mayor’s representative agreed to follow up. Another concern about speeding along Mauna Loa Avenue and requests for speed limit signage was also taken under advisement.
Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters’ Report
Council Chair Waters highlighted several legislative efforts. He spotlighted new homeowner exemption increases in Bill 49 and Bill 50, which will appear on property tax bills soon. He discussed Bill 54’s proposal to raise bus and TheHandi-Van fares, noting an ongoing debate about charging higher rates to nonresidents and whether to reduce fares for low-income groups. This led into concerns over how those adjustments might affect overall revenue, bus driver contracts, or further city needs. Chair Waters also explained two property-related bills: Bill 46, an “empty homes tax,” and Bill 63, an exemption to encourage property owners to rent out vacant structures at affordable rates instead of leaving them empty. While Bill 46 has not yet secured enough votes, Bill 63 aims to lift heavier taxes on second homes over a million dollars if they are used as rentals. Another bill, introduced by Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina, could raise Residential A property thresholds from $1 million to at least $1.3 million, addressing concerns about owners whose rising property assessments push them into higher tax brackets. Finally, Chair Waters highlighted ongoing questions about lapsed city funds—approximately $1.2 billion each year—and his legislative push to ensure accurate reporting so that unspent funds might address urgent expenses or infrastructure needs.
Governor Josh Green’s Representative Report
The governor’s liaison provided updates on state agencies’ activities and mentioned that Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clinics remain open despite recent federal uncertainties. A specific inquiry about the functionality of emergency civil defense sirens around 11th and 22nd Avenues was addressed; both appeared operational during monthly testing. One attendee asked about reopening the trail to Kalaupapa, and the liaison agreed to seek more details from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Other Legislative Reports
Representatives Tina Grandinetti and Jackson Sayama joined virtually, each describing outreach efforts in their districts. Representative Grandinetti recounted a successful town hall where House leadership fielded questions on water conservation, climate policy, and tax reform. She acknowledged a mailing delay for the event’s invitations and asked interested residents to consider subscribing to her electronic newsletter. Representative Sayama, meanwhile, discussed scheduled park cleanups and ongoing attempts to mitigate feral chicken issues on public property, noting the costliness of professional animal control services.
Community Concerns and Announcements
A few residents raised issues not on the agenda. Potential improvements to property tax fairness and suggestions for capitalizing on unoccupied homes were mentioned. Organizers of the Kaimukī Christmas Parade reminded the public of the November 1st deadline to sign up. Another resident announced a cleanup day at Maunai Nature Park on October 25th from 9 to 11 a.m.
Board Participation in Kaimukī Christmas Parade
The board voted unanimously to march in the annual Kaimukī Christmas Parade, tentatively scheduled for early December, confirming the use of board funds to support signage and related costs. Members expressed enthusiasm for continuing a longstanding community tradition.
Approval of Meeting Summary and Schedule
The board approved the written summary of the September 17th, 2025 meeting without amendments. Reports from two recent public meetings were shared by board members. They included the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation’s traffic safety summit—examining increasing accident rates statewide—and a resilience symposium focused on East Oʻahu’s climate-related concerns. The next regular board meeting is set for Wednesday, November 19th, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Kaimukī Public Library. There will be no December meeting, with the board reconvening in January 2026. Adjournment followed a closing reminder that board sessions are televised on ʻŌlelo Channel 49 at 9:00 p.m.