No 04 Kaimukī Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting January 2026
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4 Kaimukī Neighborhood Board Meeting – January 23, 2026
Call to Order and Roll Call
Chair Kang opened the meeting by apologizing for a delayed start due to a scheduling conflict at the library and noted the meeting must conclude by 9:00 PM. Neighborhood Assistant Curtis Hayashi called the roll, confirming quorum. Several members were absent, and Chair Kang asked everyone to remain focused to respect the room’s time constraints.
Honolulu Police Department Report
A lieutenant from District 7 presented December 2025 crime statistics, indicating seven motor vehicle thefts, eight burglaries, 22 thefts, and 17 unauthorized vehicle entries. The total calls for service amounted to 5,968. The lieutenant stressed driving safely and urged drivers to remain alert, wear seatbelts, proceed at safe speeds near schools, and drive sober. Pedestrians were advised to use crosswalks, avoid distractions, and wear reflective clothing at night. Motorcyclists were also reminded to wear protective gear and helmets. A question arose regarding a pedestrian accident on December 23, 2025, at Waialae Avenue and 11th Avenue, which the report suggested may have been caused by sun glare. Another question concerned possible policy changes for allowing vehicles to cross Kilauea at 22nd Avenue during Honolulu Marathon breaks; the officer indicated decisions are officer-specific based on immediate safety. Concerns were also raised about federal ICE activity in Waikīkī, though no increase had been noted by HPD. In closing, residents expressed frustration about illegal parking up to intersections, which impairs visibility. The lieutenant encouraged continued calls to the police for parking violations.
Board of Water Supply Rebate Program
A Board of Water Supply representative announced a partnership with the Department of Environmental Services to double many of its existing rebates for water- and energy-saving appliances. Qualified customers can now earn higher rebates for items such as Energy Star clothes washers and WaterSense toilets. Commercial customers and interested families may access further details, including a QR code and online resources, to maximize these incentives and reduce water consumption.
Department of Transportation’s Kōkoa Head Avenue Off-Ramp
A state DOT Highways spokesperson reported on safety and traffic improvements at the Kōkoa Head Avenue off-ramp (Exit 26A). Frequent collisions there have led to a $4 million awarded contract to modernize traffic signals at intersections connecting the off-ramp, Pūhō Avenue, and Harding Avenue. The scope includes new signal systems and restriping to create an exclusive right-turn lane and left-turn lane, eliminating a second left turn that may contribute to crashes. A dedicated traffic light upgrade will coordinate signals to limit congestion. The DOT also proposes placing yellow safety barrels on the raised medians to protect residences from vehicles that lose control. Residents expressed concerns about potential backup from new lane configurations, but DOT officials are confident improved signal coordination and physical barriers will enhance safety for both drivers and pedestrians.
Cell Tower Concerns
A community member, Liz, highlighted perceived health and environmental risks associated with new and denser cell tower installations. She cited studies suggesting possible links to headaches, memory changes, fatigue, and even cancer in areas with higher radiofrequency exposure. Concerns extended to wildlife and plant life, such as leaf loss in trees near transmitters, and the increased electrical load reportedly demanded by 5G infrastructure. She urged the Neighborhood Board and public officials to consider tighter regulation, careful study of safety impacts, and possible local limits on tower placement—similar to some measures enacted on the Big Island and in mainland jurisdictions.
Exceptional Tree Program
A volunteer with the Mayor’s Arborist Advisory Committee explained the 50-year-old Exceptional Tree Program and encouraged residents to nominate significant trees in Kaimukī, especially since there are none currently designated in the immediate area. Eligible trees must present historic, cultural, or scenic value, among other criteria. If approved, owners may qualify for a $3,000 state tax deduction every three years to offset maintenance. The speaker emphasized the program’s role in preserving the island’s unique tree canopy and highlighted the possibility of designating rows or groves of trees rather than single specimens.
Proposed Resolution on FAA Flight Paths
The Board discussed a resolution aligning with a similar measure passed by the Diamond Head Neighborhood Board. Citing ongoing FAA reviews of flight path and airspace modernization, supporters argued noise pollution, frequent overnight flyovers, and public safety merited direct community feedback to the FAA. Analysis showed extensive inbound and outbound routes converge over Kaimukī, causing concerns about increasing air traffic. The Board highlighted the need for public comments during the FAA’s comment period and adopted the resolution after noting flight noise has steadily grown with rising tourism and trade operations.
Elected Official Reports
Representatives from the Mayor, City Council Chair, and legislators provided updates on municipal and legislative matters. The Mayor’s representative announced improvements to HNL 311 for reporting city issues and noted new police station construction in Wai‘anae. The Council Chair’s office discussed progress on consumer transparency measures, such as posting a searchable online database of city revenues and expenditures. At the state level, Senator Les Ihara described the legislature’s new session opening and his continued work on conference committee coordination, while Representative Tina Grandinetti reaffirmed her interest in protecting renters from abrupt displacement, advancing housing measures, and improving consumer rights. Representative Jackson Sayama, who continues to chair the House Labor Committee, outlined proposals to strengthen apprenticeships, improve Hawai‘i’s healthcare workforce, and address speed and feral chicken problems in Kaimukī neighborhoods.
Community Concern About Kyūdō at Maunalani (Maumai) Nature Park
Several residents voiced worries over the process and transparency of approving a planned Japanese archery (kyūdō) facility on a portion of Maumai Nature Park. Residents stated they first learned of the plan only after major steps had been taken and worried about potential safety hazards, impacts on dog-walking areas, and encroachment on a well-used green space. A representative of the Hawai‘i Kyūdō Foundation responded that the group had attempted community outreach through neighborhood board presentations and an environmental assessment but acknowledged outreach gaps and invited further input. He described the design’s safety features, the proposal to remove invasive species in favor of native plants, and the construction of a city-owned facility to be open for public use. Residents emphasized their desire for thorough notification of future developments at the park.
Next Meeting
Due to library scheduling conflicts, the next Kaimukī Neighborhood Board meeting will shift to Thursday, February 5, 2026. Meetings in March and April will also be held on the first Thursday, ensuring continued opportunities for public participation. The Board encouraged the community to stay informed about these schedule adjustments, remain engaged with neighborhood concerns, and submit formal comments on emerging infrastructure and safety issues through the appropriate channels. The meeting adjourned with reminders on timely input for the FAA flight path review and draft environmental assessment for the planned kyūdō range.