No 36 Nānākuli-Māʻili Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting October 2025
Nanakuli Maʻili Neighborhood Board Meeting – October 21
Meeting Opening and Speaking Protocol
Chair Malia Gustin called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. at the Nanakuli Public Library with an option to participate virtually via WebEx. She explained that Neighborhood Board meetings serve as an open forum for government officials and community members. Attendees were asked to keep remarks concise—residents under two minutes, officials under three, and presenters under ten. The meeting began with a pule offered by Vice Chair Manoa, emphasizing guidance and safety for everyone involved. The chair reminded participants to treat all with respect, line up at the microphone if attending in person, or raise a virtual hand if online, and to state names clearly so the minutes would accurately reflect testimonies and questions.
Roll Call and Monthly Reports from HPD and Ocean Safety
Neighborhood Commission Office staff completed a roll call confirming Board members present. The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 8 representative reported September crime statistics, including 14 motor vehicle thefts (3 in the immediate area), 12 burglaries (2 in area), 103 thefts (13 in area), and 13 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (6 in area). Officers issued 648 citations for the month, with 65 involving speeding and 424 constituting other moving violations. Discussion centered on local traffic accidents and the possibility of opening the Waianae Coast Emergency Access Roads, specifically the Paʻakea bridge, to alleviate severe traffic during accidents. HPD indicated that opening the bridge requires specific criteria and staffing, prompting board members to request more clarity on its use. The Honolulu Ocean Safety Department reported 132,891 beach attendees in September, 15,689 preventatives, and eight rescues. They noted Kahe Point, Kalaeʻo and Depot’s Beach Park as areas that could see higher winter surf and advised the public to exercise caution.
City and Council Updates
No representative was present from the Mayor’s office. Council Member Andria Tupola provided updates on multiple topics. She highlighted the recent opening of Paʻakea Road as an emergency access route, recognized local progress in establishing Firewise communities, and mentioned continued coordination with city departments regarding homelessness and the potential renewal of the Waianae Coast Emergency Access Roads Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). She also described work on a police vacancy task force, aimed at recommending solutions for recruitment and retention within the Honolulu Police Department. In response to board questions, she acknowledged community frustrations about bridge openings during major traffic incidents, clarifying that while HPD has discretion, there are requirements and staffing considerations that can delay the process. She also discussed the importance of persons educated in mental and behavioral health to address homeless encampments on the Waianae Coast.
Board of Water Supply and Infrastructure Concerns
Board of Water Supply (BWS) representative Kathleen Pahinui joined virtually to report no main breaks in the district. She reiterated ongoing island-wide requests for a 20% reduction in water usage and said high-use households in the ʻAiea-Halawa area are currently being contacted. She confirmed that BWS is updating its water master plan to factor in areas of high wildfire risk and to locate sites without adequate fire hydrant coverage. Questions arose regarding how BWS prioritizes main replacements along Farrington Highway, as well as concerns about water pressure and hydrants in Nanakuli, Kaukamana Road, and other locations where recent brushfires prompted heightened attention to fire prevention.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and Education
Angela Hoppy-Cruz presented on the McKinney-Vento Act, a federal law aimed at ensuring uninterrupted school enrollment and access to services for homeless youth. She noted that local liaisons help families secure transportation support, bus passes, and document replacement to maintain school attendance. She outlined the categories (sheltered, unsheltered, doubled up, and unaccompanied minors) and explained that over 500 students in the Nanakuli-Waianae Complex are being assisted under this program. Attendees learned the system supports access to assessment for early childhood programs, higher education pathways, and obtaining free school meals. The board voted to formally support McKinney-Vento services, recognizing the significance of stable educational opportunities for students experiencing housing instability.
Cove Redevelopment Project at Koʻolina
Developers from James Campbell Company, in partnership with DTL Hawaiʻi, provided an overview of plans for redeveloping the current Paradise Cove Lūʻau site. The project seeks to create a modern gathering place with cultural exhibits, open spaces, and an amphitheater. Plans include three restaurants, retail offerings centered on local products, a canoe hale, and a dedicated cultural pavilion. The redevelopment will provide roughly 500 permanent jobs, open beach access to the public, and preserve large areas for landscaping. The board voted to support the effort, with questions regarding local hiring, cultural sensitivity, bus access, and how the site would accommodate community events. Developers indicated a 2028 opening date after construction, confirmed that existing staff might transition to new roles, and promised quarterly updates on progress.
City Park Tree Planting Initiative
Representatives from the Division of Urban Forestry (DUF) explained the city’s plans to replant shade trees in parks where coconut palms, infested with coconut rhinoceros beetles, had been removed. They are coordinating Arbor Day efforts on November 7, planting 15 trees at Puʻu o Hulu with local school support and planning to install up to 65 shade trees at Maʻili Beach Park in phases. Community members were encouraged to share input on species selection and assist with stewardship, although the city will install irrigation to ensure proper maintenance. The board emphasized using local and canoe plants to address both cultural practices and fire prevention strategies.
Resident and Community Concerns
Residents raised issues regarding sewer connections and potential city mandates that may place financial strain on homeowners with large lots who have modern septic systems. They also expressed concern over rising crime and demanded closer oversight from representatives for housing, mental health support, and upkeep of preservation-zoned lands along the coastline. Another concern involved continuity of benefits like SNAP and Medicaid if the federal government proceeds with a lengthy shutdown, prompting a call for urgent state measures to protect low-income and elderly households in Nanakuli and Maʻili.
Governor’s Representative
State Department of Agriculture Chair Sharon Hurd appeared on behalf of Governor Josh Green. She reported an additional case of avian influenza in domestic fowl, reminding community members to be vigilant around dead birds while noting that the transmission risk to humans is minimal. She warned of rat lungworm and advised those who pick fruit to wash thoroughly. On economic matters, the potential federal government shutdown continues to create uncertainty, especially for SNAP and other federally funded programs. The state has set aside reserve funds, but clarity on how long benefits can be sustained depends on decisions made in Washington, D.C.
Legislative Updates
State Senator Samantha DeCourt confirmed that area sirens are operable, including one near Līpoa that needed repair, and noted upcoming tests. She discussed the potential implications of a federal government shutdown on state programs but reported no immediate plan for an emergency legislative session. Representative Darius Kila shared developments such as new CIP funds released for Nanakuli Elementary, the successful partial opening of Paʻakea Road, and broad coordination efforts with law enforcement to reduce accidents involving e-bikes among underage riders. He summarized recent town hall meetings addressing DHHL issues and state legislators’ continuing work on infrastructure, education, and economic opportunities.
Board Business and Adjournment
Board members agreed to schedule a site visit to PVT Landfill on October 24 to understand ongoing operations and to confirm next steps on local waste-management plans. They also agreed to participate in decorating a Christmas tree for the 2025 Kapolei City Lights event, underscoring community engagement in regional festivities. With no substantial new motions from committee reports, the chair adjourned the meeting, reminding attendees of upcoming events and urging respectful dialogue. The meeting concluded with a note on shared responsibility in properly closing the venue and gratitude extended to those aiding with post-meeting cleanup.