No 02 Kuli'ou'ou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting February 2026
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2 Kuliouou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board Meeting – February 5, 2026
Call to Order and Opening Remarks
Chair welcomed everyone, thanked first responders, and noted that public participation contributes to stronger community engagement. The meeting began with expressions of appreciation for the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) and Honolulu Police Department (HPD) personnel who regularly attend and provide updates on neighborhood safety concerns.
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Report
HFD representative Captain Alejandro Cisternas from the Wailupe Fire Station shared statistics for January, reporting responses to one broken hydrant, one ocean rescue, four motor vehicle collisions, one auto extrication, three smoke sightings, 15 activated alarms, four structure fires, and 70 medical emergencies. He reminded everyone to call 911 rather than drive to a fire station, as crews may be out on calls or training. They also advised callers to provide the address of the emergency as precisely as possible and noted that texting 911 is an option in areas with poor reception. In response to a resident’s inquiry, HFD noted they had no official position on possibly acquiring the neighboring Coast Guard property at Wailupe but encouraged the public to send detailed questions to HFDNHB@honolulu.gov. Attendees were reminded that public comments on the Coast Guard’s Wailupe family housing property remain open until February 28.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Report
Lieutenant Nishimura presented HPD’s January statistics, citing three motor vehicle thefts, three burglaries, six thefts, and one unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle (UEMV), plus 5,804 calls for service. He cautioned residents about scams involving demands for money or personal information from supposed government agencies or sweepstake offers. HPD recommended verifying suspicious messages with local law enforcement and cautioned against providing personal or financial data to unverified contacts. Lieutenant Nishimura also recounted an incident on January 10 at Aina Haina Library, where a homeless individual was asked to leave and became disorderly. He was arrested, and HPD emphasized that the library is a public space serving families and kupuna. The community discussed the possibility of reinstating a security guard, and HPD reminded everyone to call 911 for any disorderly or threatening behavior.
Aina Haina Library Security Concerns
Residents and library supporters described how the recent incident raised worries about safety near the library, which children and elders frequently use. The library once had security services, and many attendees hoped that funding could be restored. HPD explained that trespass warnings, clear identification of offenders, and a willingness to meet responding officers in person would help combat troublemakers. Concerns also arose about a repeat offender exposing himself in New Valley and about a cluster of reported sex assaults classified at different degrees, prompting reassurance from HPD that investigations are active and that no known serial offender is at large.
Neighborhood Board Vacancies and Meeting Minutes
The board announced vacancies in sub-districts 1, 2, 5, 7, and 8, noting that more resident participation improves representation of all areas. The December 3 meeting minutes were approved without corrections. The chair reminded everyone about speaking rules: speakers must be recognized before presenting comments, have two minutes for questions or concerns, and are asked to clearly state their names for official records.
New Resolution: LGBTQ+ Commission
A draft resolution supporting a City Charter amendment that would create a permanent LGBTQ+ commission was introduced. The resolution aimed to back proposal 239, which addresses forming a body to advocate for issues pertaining to the LGBTQ+ community. The board voted in favor, with no opposition among those present, formalizing support for the new commission.
Wailupe Coast Guard Housing Facility
The meeting revisited the Coast Guard’s Wailupe Family Housing plan. Attendees reiterated that the public comment period is extended until February 28, and some suggested the property could provide space for an expanded fire station. Though HFD representatives at the meeting were unable to offer an official stance, residents were encouraged to submit comments or ideas regarding possible public uses.
Public Announcements and Next Meeting
The board reminded attendees that any items not on the agenda could be raised for future meetings. A community member running for a local House of Representatives seat introduced himself, promising accessibility and dialogue on neighborhood issues. Another individual warned of rental scams online, where false advertisements use stolen identities of legitimate realtors. Others expressed concern over rising housing costs and homeless individuals they encounter at local businesses. The next board meeting was set for March 4, with instructions to contact board members to add agenda items.
Mayor’s Representative Update
Director of Enterprise Services, Dita Holifield, spoke on behalf of Mayor Rick Blangiardi and shared information about city events and developments, including upcoming concerts and the plan to improve the city’s 8NL 311 system for reporting issues. She acknowledged the restoration of streetlights in certain areas and took note of complaints about utility workers accessing private property without knocking, promising to coordinate with Hawaiian Electric to address the matter.
Governor’s Representative Update
Dave Day from Governor Josh Green’s office followed up on previous queries regarding management of Paiko Lagoon Fishpond Bird Sanctuary. He explained that DOCARE officers patrol the area, respond to complaints of trespass and fishing violations, and collaborate with local stewards. He noted the large number of bills under legislative review and recognized community interest in measures to protect vulnerable populations amid federal immigration enforcement.
City Council Report
Council Chair Tommy Waters discussed the successful conservation of Paiko Ridge and ongoing efforts to safeguard an additional parcel, Puu Oniao o Wailupe. He explained proposed Bill 12, designed to expedite reviews for land transfers and gifts, hoping to tighten the structure of the Department of Land Management’s procedures. Updates on the burned structure on Lawe Lawe Street indicated that demolition permits were expedited, although complications persist with the occupant. He also noted potential city interest in the Coast Guard’s Wailupe property for a fire station expansion, introduced Bill 11 to track developers’ incentives for affordable housing, and alerted residents that residential tax structures may be revisited.
Legislative Reports: Senate and House
A representative from Senator Stanley Chang’s office mentioned that the housing committee is handling multiple bills aimed at streamlining housing initiatives. They encouraged community members to follow legislation and offer testimony. A staff member for Representative Mark Hashem described the completion of phase one of improvements at Maunalua Bay Beach Park and a request for funds to upgrade the parking lot, launch areas, and potentially install a floating dock. They emphasized the committee on Water and Land’s broad responsibilities and welcomed community calls regarding issues like flooding or land use.
Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) Update
HDOT’s Casey Abe presented data on traffic accidents along Kalanianaole Highway between Paiko Drive and Kuliouou Road, noting a total of 72 accidents between 2015 and 2024. Some incidents involved drivers who lost consciousness or were speeding. HDOT concluded current alignment and signage comply with standards and attributed most crashes to human error, although the department offered to investigate installing new chevron signs to warn of curves or possibly adding a speed table if the board so requests. The board plans to revisit this issue at a future meeting, potentially passing a resolution to proceed with either solution.
Kupuna Care Services
Kendra Oshiro from the City and County’s Elderly Affairs Division explained the Kupuna Care Program, which provides meals, transportation, in-home support, and other assistance to adults 60 and older, helping them age in place. She clarified the program is funded through a mix of federal, state, and county money and is designed to supplement, not replace, an individual’s existing resources. Attendees were encouraged to call the Kupuna helpline at 768-7700 to learn about eligibility and available services.
Ko‘olau Mountains Watershed Partnership Fence Project
A representative of the Ko‘olau Mountains Watershed Partnership outlined a proposal to construct an ungulate-proof fence across a 522-acre section of upper Pia Valley. Supported by DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the fence aims to control hooved animals and protect the watershed’s native forest ecosystem. This effort also includes installing step-over gates to maintain hiker and hunter access. The project team plans to draft a statement for the neighborhood board to consider, describing the goals, project scope, and impact on wildlife and public trails.
Adjournment
With most board business and community updates addressed, the chair reiterated the importance of public input, reminded attendees to propose any new agenda items well before the next meeting date, and closed the regular session. The meeting adjourned after final acknowledgments to all presenters and participants.