No 04 Kaimukī Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting November 2025
Kaimukī Neighborhood Board November Meeting
Introduction and Roll Call
The November meeting of the Kaimukī Neighborhood Board was called to order on November 19, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Quorum was confirmed with seven members in attendance, while several others were noted as absent. The neighborhood assistant read the roll, and the board moved swiftly to proceed with department reports and scheduled presentations. Establishing quorum ensured that official business and voting on the meeting’s agenda items could proceed.
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Report
A Honolulu Fire Department representative presented monthly incident statistics, including one wildland or brush fire, three activated alarms, 49 medical calls, and three motor vehicle collisions. The firefighter also shared cooking safety tips, emphasizing that cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and injuries. He advised residents to stay alert while using stoves or stovetops, to avoid cooking under the influence of alcohol or when feeling fatigued, and to keep flammable items away from heat sources. The board and attendees asked follow-up questions, such as the specific location of the brush fire, reflecting community interest in local safety concerns and prevention efforts.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Report
A District 7 lieutenant provided the monthly crime statistics: 10 motor vehicle thefts, 10 burglaries, 26 thefts, and 2 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV), totaling 5,987 calls for service. Given the approach of the holiday season and Black Friday, the officer underlined best practices for locking doors and windows, securing parked vehicles, and practicing caution with online shopping. One board member asked how these tips are distributed beyond the meeting, to which HPD recommended referring residents to honolulupd.org and the board’s online resources. The discussion highlighted the community’s desire to share safety tips widely and ensure residents remain prepared as seasonal shopping increases foot and vehicle traffic.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) Report
A BWS representative informed attendees of a single main break in October, which took place on the 18th at Noea Street. During repairs, the board and community learned that the BWS crews respond promptly to leaks in order to minimize disruption and maintain water quality. The representative directed residents to the BWS website for details on main breaks larger than four inches, including repair timelines and updates. A resident living on Noea Street commended the quick repair work but noted that brightly colored markings remain on the road. The BWS responder explained that the markings typically fade over time but offered to investigate further if the markings are unusually prominent. This exchange underscored the role of quick infrastructure repair and maintenance for everyday convenience and safety.
Kyōdojo Project at Mauma‘e Nature Park
A community organizer provided an update on plans to construct a Japanese archery (kyūdō) dojo after Honolulu’s mayor held a press conference that prompted additional neighborhood questions. The speaker clarified that the site would be enclosed by a chain link fence, with side curtains and a “skynet” overhead to prevent arrows from leaving the enclosed practice area. A board member raised questions about blunt tip practice arrows and overall public safety, referencing a past incident involving a dog struck by an arrow in Japan. Project representatives assured attendees that the dojo will employ qualified range masters, use traditional bows with limited range, and carefully manage operations to prevent accidents. Construction timelines depend on permitting from the Department of Planning and Permitting, potentially moving forward in the first quarter of 2026.
Kaimukī Vision Zero: Road Rights and Safety Initiatives
A guest speaker discussed the broader Vision Zero program, showing that as of mid-November, Hawai‘i has recorded 117 traffic fatalities statewide, up from 88 the previous year. Within Kaimukī’s boundaries, there has been at least one fatal incident in 2025, reinforcing the need to reduce road dangers. The presentation showcased new technologies that may help, including pedestrian counters that use body heat to measure foot traffic, custom-fitted bicycle seats, and e-bikes equipped with brake lights and turn signals. The speaker also highlighted ongoing developments in driver assistance, such as drowsiness detection systems, alcohol detection in steering wheels, speed limiters, door exit warnings, and wide-scale data network integration (V2X). These updates aimed to show how emerging technology could improve roadway conditions for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. Board members and attendees expressed continued interest in legislative proposals that define e-bike regulations and expand protective measures for road users.
Elected Officials’ Reports
A representative from Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s office announced the opening of Skyline’s Segment 2, adding four new rail stations including those at Pearl Harbor and the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. The city’s early education center has relocated while the municipal building undergoes major repairs. Sewer rate adjustments will begin on January 1, 2026, and the Royal Hawaiian Band will hold a free holiday concert at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center on November 28, accompanied by the Public Workers Electric Light Parade the following evening. The mayor’s representative reported on speed enforcement checks along Mauna Loa Avenue. Despite local complaints, recent HPD checks recorded no violations. Concerns persist regarding whether the signage and checks truly capture the reality of frequent speeding. The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will also finalize a speed study of the same area.
Additional remarks from Council Chair Tommy Waters’ office addressed speeding hazards at 16th Avenue and Kualdean Street. DTS reported that steep grades, lack of curb ramps, and other logistical limits hinder the installation of raised crosswalks or a roundabout, so alternative measures are under review. Senator and representative offices largely gave updates on community events or were not present. Representative Jackson Sayama confirmed that legislative drafting is ongoing, with an emphasis on labor and healthcare preceptor incentives, and that the popular Kaimukī Christmas events, including the annual Keep It Kaimukī festival on November 29 and the Christmas Parade on December 4, are quickly approaching.
Community Concerns
A resident voiced worries about potential impacts of telecommunications infrastructure on tree health, particularly leaf loss in areas surrounding cell towers. She also noted concerns regarding human health challenges, including headaches and hair loss, that she suspects may correlate with increased electromagnetic frequency exposure from power lines and small cells. The board acknowledged the comment but had limited information on active radiation testing in urban Honolulu, underlining the need for ongoing discussion and possible follow-up with state and city agencies.
Board Business and Announcements
The board unanimously approved the summary of its previous meeting record from October 15, 2025. Members reminded attendees that there would be no December meeting, as the board recesses during that month. The next meeting is slated for January 21, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., held both in person at the Kaimukī Library and online via WebEx. Board members and residents plan to take part in the Kaimukī Christmas Parade on December 4, demonstrating active community engagement in local holiday traditions. The meeting officially adjourned after these announcements, closing another session of neighborhood business aimed at improving daily life in Kaimukī.