No 04 Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting April 2026
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4 Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting – April 17, 2026
Call to Order and Roll Call
The meeting convened at 6:31 p.m. with Chair Kang welcoming attendees both in person and online. Neighborhood Assistant Curtis Hayashi conducted roll call, confirming 10 members present and establishing quorum. Chair Kang reminded everyone that the room was available until 8:30 p.m. and that comments, reports, and questions should be kept under three minutes to accommodate all agenda items. He also noted that any written testimony submitted to the board would be posted online, and he asked those providing oral testimony to avoid reading verbatim from written remarks.
Public Safety Reports
The Honolulu Police Department, represented by Lieutenant Thompson, reported 5,697 total calls for service this month, highlighting an increase in motor vehicle incidents and burglaries. Lt. Thompson reiterated that April is National Distracted Driver Awareness Month, referencing 3,208 national fatalities and 350,000 injuries in 2024 due to distracted driving; he stressed the importance of safe driving practices such as designating a texter or pulling over to use a phone. The Honolulu Fire Department was unavailable at the time of its scheduled report, and the board moved forward in the agenda when HFD did not appear.
Board of Water Supply Update
Board of Water Supply representative Lorna Heller announced no main breaks in the Kaimuki area for the previous month. She noted that Detective Leak Week, April 12–18, is intended to encourage residents to find and fix household leaks to conserve water and avoid higher bills. Running toilets, often caused by worn flappers, remain one of the most common and easily fixable leaks. Heller invited the community to an outreach event at Kahala Mall on April 18, where dye tablets to detect leaks would be provided. She also referenced a previously raised question about a Claudine Street facility and offered to provide details by email.
Mayor’s Representative’s Report
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s representative, Brian McKee, delivered highlights from recent city initiatives. He spoke about the new EMS training center set up in Waianae, which enabled the recruitment of 10 West Side community members, all of whom helped during the severe storms that hit O‘ahu. McKee touched on a city food drive effort for the Hawai‘i Food Bank, a forthcoming city recycling program, and the continuing surge in ridership for the Skyline rail system following the opening of the airport segment. Several board members and residents raised concerns regarding recent flood damage in portions of the neighborhood. McKee noted that FEMA assistance would likely become available due to a federal disaster declaration and that a citywide effort was in place to learn from recent storms, upgrade drainage, and bolster preparedness.
City Council Chair’s Report
City Council Chair Tommy Waters briefed the board on multiple issues. He thanked the board for opposing Senate Bill 2423, which would have allowed property to be subdivided into smaller lots and potentially increased the number of dwellings in older neighborhoods prone to so-called monster homes. Waters cautioned that the bill was killed this session, but he urged vigilance since similar legislation may appear again. He shared news that the owner of the Queen Theater intends to sell the property, which Waters felt was an opportunity for a public-private partnership to preserve the historic site. He also noted that the city continues to wrestle with the 3615 Sierra Drive monster home situation, acknowledging concerns from neighbors who observed resumed construction after earlier revocation of permits. He promised more explanation from the Department of Planning and Permitting later in the meeting. Waters then presented survey results regarding a proposed Kyo Dojo archery range at Maumai Nature Park, with a significant majority of respondents in the immediate area indicating opposition.
3615 Sierra Drive Permit Discussion
Department of Planning and Permitting Director Dawn Apuna clarified the status of construction at 3615 Sierra Drive. She recounted that the original permit was revoked after appeals and a Building Board of Appeals review. However, the property owners applied for and obtained a new permit by altering the design to remain under a 0.6 floor area ratio and reclassifying certain areas as garage space. Director Apuna stated that DPP inspectors are closely monitoring the site. The temporary certificate of occupancy will be held open for two years, allowing continued inspections to detect any unpermitted enclosure of garage areas or other violations. Residents questioned why a repeat violator could still secure permits, and Apuna explained that her department now systematically denies permits to those whose properties face unresolved violations, though a more complex scenario arises when an individual owns multiple properties.
Maumai Nature Park Kyo Dojo Discussion
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the city’s proposal for a Kyo Dojo archery facility at Maumai Nature Park. Neighboring residents wearing red shirts voiced strong reservations about the project, citing traffic, parking, flooding, and environmental concerns. They argued that the park should remain a space for passive recreation, nature trails, and green space. Others recognized the community’s desire for improved park maintenance but questioned whether an archery range was the most appropriate solution. Department of Parks and Recreation Director Laura Thielen attended to clarify that conversations should continue, especially since the draft environmental assessment remains open for discussion. Thielen emphasized that no final decision had been made and that this was an ideal time for community involvement to ensure any outcome benefits the park, respects local concerns, and conforms to legal obligations.
Board Actions and Permitted Interaction Group
A resolution opposing the archery facility and seeking alternate sites did not pass when put to a vote by the board. Since many community concerns remained unresolved, the board unanimously approved the formation of a permitted interaction group (PIG) to investigate and gather factual information about the Kyo Dojo proposal at Maumai Nature Park. Four board members volunteered to participate, with the plan of reaching out to relevant stakeholders, including city departments, cultural groups, and concerned residents. The PIG’s goal is to gather accurate data, hold site visits if necessary, and report findings at a future meeting to guide the neighborhood board’s recommendations.
Community Concerns and Closing
Additional community concerns surfaced toward the end of the meeting, including continued complaints about stormwater drainage, possible future development impacts, and updates from local candidates running for office. Attendees were reminded that volunteers, partnerships, and constructive dialogue remain essential to maintaining vital public amenities such as parks, historic theaters, and shared infrastructure. The board stressed that future outcomes require further collaboration among elected officials, city agencies, and grassroots community members. The meeting adjourned with a reminder that the next Kaimuki Neighborhood Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the same location.