No 04 Kaimukī Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting March 2026
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4 Kaimukī Neighborhood Board Meeting – March 20, 2026
Roll Call and Opening
Chair Kang convened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and welcomed attendees both in person and online. The neighborhood assistant conducted a roll call, confirming nine members present, which established quorum. Following the roll call, the chair announced the first items on the agenda, beginning with public safety reports.
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Report
Firefighter Sean Ferguson presented last month’s HFD statistics: five activated alarms, 32 medical emergencies, one motor vehicle crash, and one hazardous materials incident. He emphasized that working smoke alarms save lives by providing early warning for evacuation. Occupants were reminded to install smoke alarms in all bedrooms, outside each sleeping area, and on each home level, test them monthly, and replace units older than 10 years. There were no questions from the board or the audience, and HFD concluded its report.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Report
Lieutenant Thompson from HPD District 7 shared February crime statistics: eight motor vehicle thefts, six burglaries, 27 thefts, and four unauthorized entries into motor vehicles, for a total of 5,229 calls. His safety tip focused on driving cautiously in rainy or wet conditions, particularly following dry spells that create slippery roads. He recommended allowing extra travel time, braking gently to avoid hydroplaning, and checking vehicle maintenance such as tire tread depth, brakes, and windshield wipers. Board member Becky expressed support for House Bill 1768, which would prohibit local law enforcement from entering agreements with federal immigration authorities. The lieutenant acknowledged her comment before concluding.
Sub-District 1 Vacancy
Chair Kang announced a vacancy for Sub-District 1 and invited volunteers to step forward. Neither in-person nor online attendees offered to fill the seat. Because no one came forward, the board deferred this item for future consideration. Later in the meeting, members voted to request that the Neighborhood Commission convert Sub-District 1’s vacant seat into an at-large seat for the remainder of the term.
Kamaki Vision Zero Presentation
Eric McCutcheon delivered a presentation on improving road safety through telematics, a technology that tracks driving behavior via phone apps and potentially rewards safe driving. He revisited a previous introduction to this concept from November 2025 and showed examples of insurance-based apps, such as USAA’s SafePilot and Allstate’s DriveWise, highlighting how they monitor behaviors like sudden acceleration, hard braking, speeding, and phone use while driving. He revealed that his own telematics participation saved him nearly $420 on insurance premiums so far. Eric also mentioned the State of Hawaiʻi’s ongoing Safe Roads Challenge, which lasts until December 31, 2026, as a means to cut down on road fatalities. There were no questions from the board, and Eric concluded his topic.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) Report
BWS representative Lorna Heller reported no major water main breaks in the Kaimukī area for the previous month. She highlighted that World Water Day would occur on March 22, bringing attention to the 2.2 billion people worldwide lacking safe drinking water. The theme this year, she said, was “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.” Lorna encouraged following the BWS website and social media for educational videos and resources on water conservation. Board members asked about sewer fee increases, which Lorna explained is a matter for the City’s Department of Environmental Services (ENV), though she offered to pass questions along. A resident inquired about a BWS property on Claudine Street, seeking its history and purpose. Lorna promised to research this matter and provide a response.
Elected Official Reports
Due to the Mayor’s State of the City address taking place the same evening, the mayor’s representative was absent, but a written report highlighted an updated 311 system, updates on a local coffee shop’s sign permit, and the City’s decision to postpone any route modifications for TheBus in Kaimukī. Council Chair Tommy Waters’ representative, Adam Du, provided updates on 3615 Sierra Drive, explaining that Council Chair Waters requested Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) Director Apuna attend the next neighborhood board meeting. He also noted that the council is reviewing the board’s resolution on bus routes and promised to speak with the Department of Transportation Services. Governor Josh Green’s representative, David Patterson, explained the state’s cautionary steps for potential storms, reminded the public of upcoming tax deadlines, and announced a gun buyback event at Aloha Stadium. Senator Stanley Chang’s representative discussed active bills crossing from the House to Senate, housing initiatives, and the Public Access Room’s resources for legislative participation. Senator Les Ihara spoke about the legislature’s current session timeline, noting this period as critical for alignment between House and Senate proposals, especially regarding housing. Representative Grandinetti reported on six bills she introduced to strengthen renters’ protections and consumer safeguards, plus two bills from the Working Families Caucus that are advancing. She also urged residents to sign up for her e-newsletter, which includes resources for storm-related claims. Representative Jackson Sayama recapped his town hall for Maunalani Heights and Palolo residents, focusing on the Kūdōjō proposal at Maumai Park and how future discussions will be coordinated with the Department of Parks and Recreation. He noted that certain zoning bills are effectively dead this session and reiterated his readiness to help answer or clarify legislative questions.
Neighborhood Commission Update
Patrick Smith, Chair of the Neighborhood Commission, described the commission’s role in setting policy and reviewing board issues, boundaries, and complaints. He noted that the commission is actively revising the neighborhood plan, particularly Chapter 14, to improve board operations. He also explained that boards can request boundary changes or convert sub-district seats to at-large. After hearing suggestions from board members, he reiterated the commission’s desire to expand public awareness about neighborhood boards and strengthen communication among them.
Neighborhood Board Boundaries Discussion
Chair Kang introduced the ongoing conversation about realigning neighborhood board boundaries or temporarily converting vacant seats to at-large. Members agreed to request the Neighborhood Commission convert the vacant Sub-District 1 seat to an at-large position for the remainder of the current term, believing that might encourage broader participation and fill the vacancy sooner.
Senate Bill 2423 Discussion
Board members noted that Senate Bill 2423, dealing with certain zoning and housing topics, is effectively dead for the 2026 legislative session. However, they discussed the importance of remaining informed on similar bills introduced in the future and encouraged elected officials to notify the board about legislation that could significantly affect local housing regulations.
3615 Sierra Drive Permits Update
The chair explained that DPP had previously responded to concerns about potential floor area ratio violations on a residential project at 3615 Sierra Drive, stating that the property owner corrected any noncompliance by decreasing the square footage. Council Chair Waters’ office further noted that DPP’s Director Apuna has committed to attending the next board meeting to address unresolved questions.
Community Concerns
During the open forum, many residents spoke about the Kūdōjō proposed for Maumai Nature Park. Several expressed anxiety over preservation zoning, environmental effects on the watershed, potential traffic congestion, and limited green space in an urban area. Others cited confusion about the design, building scale, and community access. A representative of the Kūdō Foundation, Bob DeWitt, responded that the organization has tried actively to engage residents, including spending a week on site to meet with neighbors in person, and emphasized that the final design adheres to safety and zoning requirements. Yet residents remain worried about private development on public parkland, preferring alternative uses for open space. Board members urged the community to continue voicing their concerns and noted that the Department of Parks and Recreation would be invited in April to address questions.
Treasurer Election
With former Treasurer Logue departing, the board needed to elect a new treasurer. Member Kelsey was nominated and formally approved to fill the position. The role is largely symbolic, especially since this board does not manage its own budget, but the election keeps the board compliant with neighborhood plan requirements.
Transportation Committee Update
Committee Chair Audrey Abe recapped progress on their resolution opposing changes to TheBus routes in Kaimukī. She played a short local news feature covering how Route 200 replaced the long-standing Route 9 and effectively bypassed central Kaimukī, affecting ridership as well as resident privacy and safety on narrow streets. She noted that companion resolutions were passed by neighboring boards in Diamond Head and Pālolo. Members welcomed updates from the Council Chair’s office on discussions with the Department of Transportation Services.
Approval of Minutes
The board accepted the written summaries from the previous month’s meeting with one correction on helmet requirements for bicyclists and e-scooter riders. No other modifications were proposed.
Announcements
Chair Kang reminded everyone the board’s next meeting would be on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Kaimukī Library. He also mentioned a community park cleanup planned by the Kaimukī Business & Professional Association, set for May 9, and directed interested residents to flyers available in the meeting room.
Adjournment
Having covered all listed agenda items and community concerns, Chair Kang adjourned the meeting shortly before the library closed at 8:30 p.m. The board thanked guests and speakers for their participation and reminded residents to stay engaged with neighborhood affairs.