No 34 Makakilo Kapolei Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting December 2025
Kapolei Neighborhood Board Meeting
Chair Transition and Opening Remarks
The meeting opened with a temporary presiding officer welcoming those in attendance and subsequently yielding chairmanship to the arriving Board Chair. The Chair expressed gratitude for the First Vice Chair managing initial proceedings and acknowledged a minor delay caused by gathering gifts intended for support staff. After establishing quorum and confirming meeting protocols, the Board moved into official matters, inviting various government representatives, community members, and partner organizations to present and discuss initiatives affecting Kapolei and Makakilo.
Dying Trees Along Makakilo Drive
Several Board members, led by Dr. Dudley, raised concerns about trees along Makakilo Drive showing significant signs of distress. They noted that many of these older trees had lost up to three-quarters of their leaves, indicating potential irrigation or disease issues. Dr. Dudley insisted that the City should investigate the root cause more thoroughly, as these trees have been present for decades and are crucial to Makakilo’s character. A request was made for a detailed follow-up by the responsible City department, with a report due at the next meeting.
Housing Moratorium and Development Pressures
Concerns intensified regarding the pace of new residential developments and the perceived lack of sufficient infrastructure. A Board member referenced an article announcing a new housing project and criticized broader City attempts to rush such ventures without consulting adjacent communities. She emphasized the need for additional schools, a hospital, and more thorough traffic studies before approving further development. The Board highlighted the resolution previously adopted calling for a temporary moratorium on new projects until wildfire mitigation, road capacity, and other infrastructural needs are met.
ADA, Traffic, and Safety Concerns
Multiple attendees spoke about accessibility issues, particularly on Makakilo Drive, where four light poles sit directly in the middle of sidewalks. One resident using a wheelchair nearly had an accident when forced onto the roadway. The Board urged immediate corrective steps and recommended the City review all vertical obstructions on sidewalks. High-speed traffic and missing crosswalks along Palahia Road and Makakilo Drive were also raised, with tragic incidents cited as evidence that more crosswalks, flashing lights, or speed humps are needed. Illegal dirt biking near residential ridges was identified as another persistent problem, affecting neighbors’ peace and damaging native vegetation. The Board requested stronger enforcement and consideration of environmental protections.
PGB Gold Star and Wounded Warrior 5K Run
A representative of the PGB Gold Star and Wounded Warrior organization proposed hosting a 5K run in Kapolei by December 2026. The event’s primary goals include raising funds to support veterans, Gold Star families, and wounded warriors, particularly through holiday gatherings, family camps, and support to VA clinics serving thousands of veterans. The Board supported the event concept, noting the potential for healthy community engagement, fundraising for military households, and increased public awareness of veterans’ challenges.
Aloha Carbon’s Sustainable Materials Recycling and Fertilizer Project
A local startup presented updates on a pilot facility intended to minimize construction and demolition debris sent to landfills. They explained their process of converting suitable materials into renewable fuels, composting invasive species for biochar, and producing carbon-negative fertilizer. Results from emission tests and life-cycle studies showed the fertilizer’s significantly lower greenhouse gas impact compared to conventional imports. The Board unanimously supported the continuation of the pilot project, recognizing potential benefits in wildfire mitigation, reduced landfill reliance, and expanded local fertilizer production.
Plus Power’s Kapolei Energy Storage (KES) Project Expansion
Representatives from Plus Power described the success of their initial Kapolei Energy Storage facility (KES-1), which stores energy to stabilize O‘ahu’s grid and prevent blackouts. They proposed a similar but expanded KES-2 station on adjacent land. The facility would employ state-of-the-art battery technology to regulate unpredictable energy swings, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and ensure rapid power restoration during outages. The Board unanimously supported the KES-2 expansion, highlighting the importance of grid reliability, especially as renewable energy sources increase on the island.
Proposed 800-Unit Affordable Rental Project (Kobayashi and Ahe Group)
A partnership of local developers brought forward preliminary plans to create 800 affordable rental units on City-owned land near Kapolei Parkway. Despite the apartments being restricted to 60% area median income or below, various Board members and residents expressed strong reservations due to recurring strains on roads, schools, and healthcare services. Nearby residents described existing negative impacts from an adjacent affordable project, including trespassing, noise, and conflicts over sidewalk usage. The Board requested the development team return with solutions addressing safety design, dedicated play areas, disaster shelters, and stronger community oversight before further endorsements would be considered.
Amazon Fulfillment Center Proposal
In closing, Amazon and its development partners presented an early-stage plan to build a multi-level fulfillment center on approximately 49 acres of industrially zoned land in Kapolei Harborside. The structure would exceed current height limits, prompting a planned zone change request. Representatives spoke of economic benefits, including over 1,000 permanent jobs with full benefits, large-scale construction work, and possible small-business partnerships. Some Board members and residents praised the project for potentially creating jobs and spurring regional investment, while others questioned the broader consequences of global corporate expansion, environmental impact, labor practices, and infrastructural pressures. Amazon’s team pledged ongoing community discussions, local hiring partnerships, and adherence to required reviews and permitting, with potential groundbreaking not anticipated until 2027.
Adjournment
The meeting concluded past the typical end time, reflecting the numerous discussions and community concerns requiring extended debate. Board members and attendees agreed to continue tracking these issues—particularly new developments, safety, and infrastructure—through subsequent meetings and regular dialogues with city officials, developers, and concerned residents.