No 30 Kāne‘ohe Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting November 2025
Kaneohe Neighborhood Board Meeting
Call to Order and Meeting Procedures
Vice Chair David “Keoni” Shizuma opened the meeting by confirming quorum and calling members to order. He reviewed the guidelines for community participation, including how to request speaking time via the Zoom “raise hand” function or by pressing star-three if calling in by phone. He asked speakers to identify themselves and limit official reports, comments, and concerns to three minutes. He also noted that agenda items not listed could only be voted on if two-thirds of the board voted to add them.
Filling of Board Vacancies
Four sub-district vacancies—2, 8, 13, and 14—were announced. A map of these sub-districts was referenced. No volunteers or nominations came forward, so the board moved on. Quorum was confirmed, and members were reminded that only items on the agenda could be voted upon.
Monthly Reports: Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH)
A representative from MCBH provided updates on upcoming events and projects. They confirmed the Marine Forces Pacific (MarForPac) Band would participate in the Kaneohe Christmas Parade and noted recent restoration efforts at Nu‘upia Pond. A grant was awarded in partnership with a local organization to improve water quality and support restoration work, particularly near the first culvert close to the H-3 freeway. Questions were raised about the 250th Marine Corps anniversary celebrations, which proceeded under limited community participation due to earlier federal budget concerns. The representative also mentioned the Toys for Tots program would be followed up on separately.
Monthly Reports: Honolulu Police Department (HPD)
Lieutenant Sanford Yu and Corporal Tanita presented crime statistics for October, indicating slight changes in burglaries, thefts, and motor vehicle break-ins. Follow-up was requested on specific speeding and illegal racing calls made on the H-3 near Kamehameha Highway, with HPD noting they would look into enforcement. A board member asked about a new 30-minute driver safety awareness program, and HPD explained that officers conduct a “take 30” daily traffic enforcement initiative each shift to address collisions and speeding. No major updates were provided beyond these statistics and reminders about proactive approaches to reduce crime.
Kina‘ole Estate Senior Care Consolidation
Representatives from G70 and Kina‘ole Estate described their proposed conditional use permit (CUP) major application to unify four existing senior care dwellings on William Henry Road under one consolidated license. The property has been in operation since 2003, serving 22 residents across four buildings with separate permits. Under the new proposal, the physical structures and licensed capacities would remain the same, but the driveway entrance would be slightly widened to accommodate vehicle safety, especially for ambulances. The board asked about ambulance access, the timeline for the CUP, and whether consolidation would affect care quality or future property uses. Public testimonies from two callers expressed strong support for the facility, noting the compassionate service provided to their family members.
Proposed AT&T Telecommunications Facility at Castle High School (Bayview Golf Course Site)
A consultant explained that AT&T is proposing a 100-foot monopole near Bayview Golf Course to address overloaded cellular capacity around Castle High School and surrounding areas. The design includes space for co-location by other carriers. Board members requested more detailed information on emission levels and the cumulative effect if multiple carriers lease space. The consultant agreed to provide an EME (electromagnetic energy) compliance report and revisit the board, potentially in January, with comparisons to similar cell towers in the region.
2026 Sewer Fee Changes and CARES Program (No Presentation)
The board noted that the presenters for the anticipated briefing on the 2026 sewer fee changes and Community Assistance and Retention Effort Services (CARES) program were not informed of their placement on the agenda. As a result, no report was given.
Community Concern: Feasibility Study for Crosswalk at Luluku and Apapane
A resident who previously raised concerns about pedestrian safety clarified that the crosswalk request pertains to the ‘Ewa side of the roundabout on Apapane. Several near-accidents were reported. The board’s Transportation Committee committed to contacting the relevant city agency (normally the Department of Transportation Services) to request an official safety survey.
Community Concern: Rotting Mangrove Vegetation and Mitigation
A community member described strong odors and potential health impacts from decaying mangrove following removal work near Kaneohe Bay. He outlined symptoms, including respiratory irritation and reported elevated hydrogen sulfide measurements. Residents have contacted the Department of Health (DOH) and Marine Corps Base officials but seek a halt to the mangrove extraction until proper soil removal, aeration, or chemical interventions can reduce the foul odor and any perceived health risks. The speaker also noted reported heavy metal concerns and tarnishing metals in nearby homes.
Congressional Reports: Representative Jill Tokuda’s Office
A representative from Congresswoman Tokuda’s team noted that, now that federal appropriations have restarted, the congresswoman continues focusing on rural health, Medicaid cuts, and local food distributions. They asked for clarification on whether the mangrove issue sits within federal jurisdiction, offering to provide support if it does. The office encouraged constituents to check online for press releases regarding ongoing legislative efforts.
Governor’s Representative
Governor Green’s liaison shared the link to the governor’s monthly newsletter, Ke Ala Ho, highlighting climate-focused art installations at the State Capitol and an upcoming free outdoor event featuring arts and entertainment. A compost reimbursement program was also announced, offering producers partial reimbursement for compost purchases through the Department of Agriculture, with a deadline of May 1, 2026.
Mayor’s Representative
Director of Budget and Fiscal Services, Andy Kawano, summarized the mayor’s newsletter, inviting the public to the November 28th Royal Hawaiian Band Kalikimaka Ho Mau Concert at the Blaisdell Center. He reminded everyone that Honolulu City Lights would launch on November 29th. He then addressed follow-up issues from the previous meeting, including short-term rental enforcement, phone outages affecting TheHandi-Van, and safety measures for Haiku Road and Kahuhipa Street. Among the details provided:
• Short-term Rental Enforcement: Only three full-time employees currently manage investigations and planning for DPP’s short-term rental branch.
• TAT Revenue: Approximately 2,000 legal short-term rental properties are registered, but illegal activity is not reflected in these tax figures, and the city is working to refine data matching.
• Kahuhipa and Haiku Road Speed Mitigation: Some adjustments will be implemented through the Kaneohe Complete Streets Plan, narrowing travel lanes to encourage safer speeds.
• Raised Crosswalks: DTS does not favor raised crosswalks near signalized intersections due to potential operational and driver attention issues.
• TheHandi-Van Backup Phone Line: The city has designated a permanent line (808-650-3021) to address phone outages like the service interruption in October.
Council Member Esther Kia‘āina’s Office
A representative shared that Council Member Kia‘āina continues to work with constituents on concerns about speeding on Kahuhipa. She also wants to expedite road project timelines, including Keahala Road, and will meet with board members who have transportation issues. In addition, the council member submitted a proposal to the Honolulu Charter Commission to expand the permissible uses of the Clean Water and Natural Lands Fund to include historic preservation. Approximately $37 million remains in the fund to cover environmental acquisition and, if approved, historical resources as well.
State Legislative Reports: Senator Brenton Awa
Staff for Senator Awa offered updates on the Haleiwa Food Tree Project’s anniversary event on November 29th and shared they had recently helped place “Genki Balls” in Kahalu‘u streams to improve water quality. The senator’s office is also decorating the Kahalu‘u Food Tree Project area with solar holiday lights. They look forward to participating in the Kaneohe Christmas Parade on December 6th.
Board Business: Approval of October Meeting Minutes
Board members reviewed corrections to the October minutes, particularly referencing the phone outage dates for TheHandi-Van. The board voted to approve the minutes, as amended, with one abstention.
Committee Reports and Assignments
No formal committee reports were given from all committees, but individual members summarized recent attendance at external meetings. Updates included a recap of a Charter Commission meeting, feedback on an O‘ahu Metropolitan Planning Organization discussion at Windward Community College, and concerns about ongoing accessibility challenges for TheHandi-Van phone system. The board clarified memberships within its committees, with specific committees on community engagement, emergency preparedness, transportation, and military affairs receiving updated assignments.
Announcements: NCO Toys for Tots Drive, Parade Participation, and Next Meeting
Attendees were reminded that the board or the Neighborhood Commission Office would collect new, unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots campaign. The board confirmed participation in the December 6th Kaneohe Christmas Parade, coordinating a narrative to be read by parade announcers and finalizing the use of two vehicles. The next regular board meeting will be on December 18th at Windward Community College, Hale ‘Āo. Members plan a brief formal session followed by a potluck gathering.
Closing
Chair Shizuma thanked everyone for attending, noting the meeting ended at approximately 8:12 p.m. with no other items requiring a vote. The meeting then adjourned.