No 30 Kāne‘ohe Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting March 2026
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30 Kaneohe Neighborhood Board Meeting – March 20, 2026
Filling of Board Vacancies
The meeting was called to order with an immediate focus on the board’s four current vacancies from Crown Terrace, Kapunahala, Kokokahi, and Yacht Club Terrace. Officials announced that any interested residents could be verified with proof of address and then be sworn in. One candidate, a lifelong Kaneohe resident named Zachary, explained his longstanding commitment to community and environmental work. A motion to add him to the board passed unanimously. The board stressed that additional candidates from all four vacancies are still welcome and encouraged them to contact the Neighborhood Board. They noted that appointees typically experience an easy confirmation, making public service accessible to those interested.
Castle High School Student Participation
Representatives from Castle High School’s Student Council introduced themselves and shared a list of campus events. They highlighted an upcoming craft fair on April 11, an auto show on April 25 featuring classic cars and vendor stalls, and a Ho‘ike celebration on May 1–3. The Ho‘ike’s location may shift due to ongoing auditorium construction, with backup plans to hold it in the gym or a courtyard. The students emphasized their enthusiasm for engaging with the Neighborhood Board and participating in local policy discussions, with the hope of encouraging more youth involvement in community governance.
Neighborhood Commission Office Sub-District Discussion
The board reported that the Neighborhood Commission Office is requesting input on sub-district configurations and the overall composition of the board. Currently, Kaneohe Neighborhood Board No. 30 has 14 sub-districts plus at-large seats for a total of 17 members. Some sub-districts repeatedly go unfilled, prompting the commission to explore possible adjustments such as converting certain vacant sub-districts into at-large seats. The board debated preserving the existing sub-district structure to maintain localized representation against the practicality of consolidating seats to ensure quorum and sustained participation. No final decisions were made, but there was consideration of forming a permitted interaction group to gather ideas before the commission’s April deadline.
Proposed Private Dock Environmental Assessment
A member displayed details from a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) regarding a new private dock on the bay. The documentation provided by the developers claimed alignment with the O‘ahu General Plan, Ko‘olaupoko Sustainable Communities Plan, and the Kāne‘ohe Bay Master Plan. However, board members argued that those plans focus on public access and generally do not promote new private moorings. The EA’s references were deemed flawed or incomplete. After noting that private docks may not be allowable exceptions unless already existing or meeting strict plan guidelines, the board voted to return the EA to its authors with requests for corrections, emphasizing their collective disapproval based on the environment and access inconsistencies.
Proposed Crosswalk at Kaneohe Bay Yacht Club
A Kaneohe Bay Yacht Club representative requested board support for installing a crosswalk and speed bump between the Yacht Club and the Yacht Club Terrace condominiums. He explained that sidewalks exist only on the condo side, forcing Yacht Club members, visiting families, and neighbors to cross in unsafe conditions near two bus stops. Children’s sailing programs compound foot traffic, increasing risks for young pedestrians. The board expressed sympathy, recalled similar past requests for crosswalks, and voted in favor of writing a statement of support for crosswalk infrastructure to enhance safety. That position will be included in official minutes and relayed to city traffic authorities.
Kulali Street Sidewalk Concern
A request was made for the city to construct a proper sidewalk along Kulali Street in front of Pūhala Elementary School, where students currently walk on an overgrown shoulder. While some of the vegetation has been trimmed intermittently, it continually encroaches, forcing children into the street. Advocates argued that a permanent sidewalk on the school side of the road would ensure safe passage, avert repeated maintenance issues, and address Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) considerations. Board members voted to show support for installing a dedicated sidewalk, hoping to reduce hazards for students and other pedestrians.
Renewable Energy Zones (Hawaiian Electric)
Representatives from Hawaiian Electric outlined their plan to identify two priority Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) on O‘ahu by June 2026. Although originally eight zones were proposed, the Public Utilities Commission instructed Hawaiian Electric to narrow it to two. The purpose is to plan ahead for large-scale renewable projects, reducing uncertainty and interconnection delays. Hawaiian Electric emphasized community input, inviting residents to provide location-by-location comments through an online map or at an open house scheduled for April 9 at Windward Community College. They clarified that future projects might encompass solar, battery storage, or emerging technologies, with an eye toward reliability, cost, and community acceptance.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii
A Marine Corps Base Hawaii representative announced that 2026 is a Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) year, meaning additional military personnel will arrive late June and depart in early August. The base commander will undergo a change of command in May, with the current commander shifting to another role on-island. Technical problems disrupted the base’s usual online noise complaint system, but they reported that it is back online, soon to include a QR code for easier noise incident reporting. The representative also reminded the public that the base’s 5K races occur monthly at various locations on base and are open to anyone wishing to register. Lastly, Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is hiring—especially for childcare and other essential staff positions—due to a 41% staffing shortage across some departments.
Windward Community College
Windward Community College showcased upcoming events, including a major career expo on March 31 that aims to connect prospective employees with higher-wage jobs. At least 47 employers have confirmed attendance, with a requirement that starting positions offer a minimum package equating to $40,000 annually, although many exceed that threshold. A complimentary lunch will be offered for all registered job seekers. The expo hopes to promote job stability and opportunities for local residents and underscores the college’s commitment to supporting economic growth in Kaneohe.
Residents’ Community Concerns
During the open forum, a primary question arose about the reopening date for the Kaneohe Public Library, as the community has been awaiting improvements after two years of renovations. Another concern involved a graffiti paint-out and community cleanup event scheduled for April 11, where volunteers can earn four hours of community service while enhancing neighborhood aesthetics. Residents were encouraged to register by April 8.
Elected Officials’ Reports
Representatives from federal, state, and county offices, including staff for U.S. Congresswoman Jill Tokuda, Governor Josh Green, Mayor Rick Blangiardi, and City Councilmember Esther Kia‘āina, provided updates on current initiatives and responded to community concerns. They outlined efforts to tackle potholes, prepare budget proposals, address childcare shortages, and better coordinate storm damage assessments. The mayor’s staff noted upcoming budget hearings and a planned town hall in Waimānalo. Councilmember Kia‘āina’s office discussed crosswalk funding challenges, the need for emergency preparedness, and potential quick-build improvements for Pahia Road to ensure pedestrian safety. State legislators covered a variety of bills related to social media, AI regulation, paid family leave, and local infrastructure projects affecting roads, schools, and essential services. They answered questions about the progress of specific legislative proposals, underscored the tight budget climate, and reminded the community of upcoming deadlines to submit testimonies.
Board Business and Committee Updates
Board members approved the previous month’s minutes without changes. They voted to disestablish a permitted interaction group focused on Kaneohe Canoe Club issues, as no progress had occurred for over a year. Discussions about unfilled committee chair positions—such as Education, Environmental, and Ha‘ikū Stairs—continued, with requests for volunteers to step up and help address these important topics. The board also clarified that a community-wide Emergency Preparedness Fair is set for May 2 at Windward Mall. The next regular board meeting was announced for April 16 at Windward Community College, affirming the board’s ongoing commitment to safe, inclusive, and productive community engagement.