No 36 Nānākuli-Māʻili Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting November 2025
Nanakuli Ma‘ili Neighborhood Board Meeting
Opening and Call to Order
Chair Malia Augustin convened the meeting on Tuesday, November 18, at 7:00 p.m., held both in person at the Nanakuli Public Library and virtually via WebEx. She briefly explained the role of neighborhood board meetings as a place for government representatives, elected officials, and community members to address local issues. She outlined speaking rules, specifying the time limits for community comments, officials’ monthly reports, and formal presentations. A Sergeant at Arms was present to help keep testimony within the allotted times. Prior to regular business, the board acknowledged several community members who had recently passed, including a former neighborhood board member and several young residents, and observed a moment of silence. Roll call attendance confirmed that a quorum of board members was present.
City Emergency and First Responder Monthly Reports
Representatives from the Honolulu Fire Department offered statistics for October, reporting several types of fires, medical responses, and crash incidents. They emphasized safe cooking practices over the holiday season, noting that cooking fires are a leading cause of home fires and injuries. Questions from the community focused on protocols for sharing names after serious vehicle collisions and overall confidentiality measures.
The Honolulu Police Department provided statistics on thefts, burglaries, auto-related crimes, and the total number of citations issued in the area. They noted that names of accident victims or drivers are not released by HPD, emphasizing that social media postings cannot be controlled. Community members asked about any conflicts during a recent beach cleanup and ongoing efforts to curtail unsafe driving, especially in school zones.
Representatives from Honolulu Ocean Safety shared counts of preventive actions, minor first aid responses, and rescues along Nanakuli and Ma‘ili beaches. They also discussed possible installations of rescue throw rings at various remote shoreline locations. Ocean Safety urged the community to stay vigilant around potential hazards, particularly during the holiday season and winter swells.
Military Official Monthly Reports
A representative of the U.S. Army Garrison Hawai‘i spoke about a recent annual training exercise and thanked the community for its patience regarding noise and disruptions. He announced upcoming Army hiring fairs for positions in recreation, youth services, and other areas. Additionally, he highlighted military participation in holiday parades, including the Waikīkī Holiday Parade commemorating Pearl Harbor.
The Navy representative was called but did not provide a report. The meeting proceeded with no additional military updates.
Waianae Coast Emergency Access Roads Discussion
Board Member Jermaine Myers, Chair of the Transportation Committee, provided a detailed review of the existing Waianae Coast Emergency Access Roads, each located in Nanakuli and Ma‘ili. He explained that the roads were created to help residents bypass Farrington Highway in emergencies, such as major accidents or infrastructure failures. Several community members voiced concerns about narrow passages, lack of signage, missing infrastructure like striping and lighting, as well as ongoing obstacles to promptly opening gates during crises. Questions arose over partial ownership along certain routes, the need for strict protocols on who holds gate keys, and the potential for a more comprehensive road system behind residential areas. Myers mentioned plans to meet with the Department of Emergency Management, the Honolulu Police Department, and city leaders to formalize processes for opening these roads and ensuring safety.
Resident and Community Concerns
Multiple individuals raised the likelihood of continued homeless encampment sweeps and the challenge of providing safe, temporary shelter. Some expressed frustration that a new sweep is planned for Thanksgiving, which they believe leaves many displaced people without adequate resources. It was shared that a member of the community had taken in over twenty homeless individuals, focusing on kupuna and those with mental health needs. Others requested coordination with local government to bring more compassionate solutions. Additional concerns addressed unauthorized distribution of food and rummaging, as well as property misuse. Some residents pointed to difficulties in finding suitable land for transitional housing and indicated that existing programs often lack space or specialized services to address mental health. Several calls were made for audits of nonprofits claiming to serve the homeless, as community members wanted clarity on how funds are spent.
A mother addressed the board about her late daughter, who was recently struck and killed on Farrington Highway while heading to work in the early morning. She urged greater enforcement, more visible crosswalks, and stricter speed control near school zones. She described the vital need for better measures and shared that her daughter’s accident happened when traffic was light but dangerously fast in Nanakuli. She asked board members and government officials to support reforms that would prevent further tragedies.
Reports from Elected Officials and Agencies
Governor’s Representative
A representative from the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture gave an update on the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle project in Nanakuli and Ma‘ili. Trees that appear to be infested are either treated or removed to prevent spread. The Department is finalizing contracts for fumigation and highlighting the importance of vigilant green waste management. Community members voiced a desire to know more about overall priorities from the Governor’s Office beyond beetle eradication and requested broader statewide updates at future meetings.
State Senator Samantha DeCourt
Staff from Senator DeCourt’s office responded to inquiries about the status of statewide projects and audits, including an attempt to investigate the Department of Transportation. They reiterated that the senator would reintroduce certain measures in the next legislative session. The senator’s team encouraged the public to forward legislative proposals. There was also discussion regarding better traffic safety initiatives, particularly as they pertained to fatal accidents on Farrington Highway involving pedestrians.
Representative Kila
Although Representative Kila was not present, his written report covered ongoing efforts to adjust traffic signal timing on Farrington Highway and to organize a community town hall meeting on electric bikes and related safety concerns. He also mentioned ongoing plans to address severe crowding and potential hazards on major roads.
Mayor’s Office
In the Mayor’s written newsletter, it was noted that Skyline’s second segment had opened for service near the airport, new sewer rates will start in January 2026, and the Royal Hawaiian Band was staging a free concert at the Blaisdell. The city also advertised its upcoming Honolulu City Lights festivities. Community reminders included electronic press release signups to stay aware of local advisories. Residents asked that the Mayor’s representative attend future meetings in person for direct dialogue.
Council Member Andrea Tupola
Council staff reviewed previous concerns about integrated homelessness outreach and the recent sweeps along Ulehava. They confirmed that residents and truckloads of debris were cleared from areas long occupied by homeless encampments, stating that advanced notice and outreach were provided. Although community members sometimes feel upset over misunderstanding who is responsible, staff explained that they live locally and empathize with the difficulties of balancing property rights and humanitarian needs. Questions about conflicts of interest, nonprofit housing support, and specific remarks made on social media were also raised. Staff emphasized they would continue compiling data on how many people have been offered housing or family reunification and how many have refused services.
Board of Water Supply
A representative from the Board of Water Supply reported there were no recent main breaks in the Nanakuli or Ma‘ili area. The representative encouraged residents to sign up for HNL Alerts for real-time notifications of any water main issues. No further water infrastructure problems were noted.
Board Business and Community Projects
The board moved to table approval of September and October meeting minutes to allow more time for record finalization. Members shared their attendance at various district and committee meetings throughout October. Plans for upcoming holiday events were outlined, including Christmas on the Avenue in Nanakuli and volunteer sign-ups to assist with shuttle service for the parade. The board also decided to decorate a tree at Kapolei Hale for the “Season of Stars” theme. The tree will display QR codes that link to verified online fundraising campaigns benefiting local families who have recently experienced tragedy, extended illness, or loss of property.
Committee Reports
Transportation Chair reported continued follow-up on the Waianae Coast Emergency Access Roads, as well as general calls for more driver enforcement on Farrington Highway. Housing and Zoning Chair noted ongoing discussions about transitional housing needs and posted an invitation for city officials to attend the next committee meeting. Education Chair highlighted the importance of School Community Councils, urging parents to attend and collaborate on school plans and budgeting. Water and Land Chair spoke about restrictions on pesticide use, especially around schools, and the continuing dialogue with businesses that operate in coastal waters, such as fiber-optic cable companies. The Hawaiian Affairs Chair said sessions resume in December to address concerns about Hawaiian Homelands and OHA services. Parks and Recreation Chair offered a reminder about the next committee meeting schedule. Public Health and Safety Chair discussed an interest in improved traffic lights and possible illuminated crosswalks at critical points on Farrington Highway, as well as the need for timely emergency responses.
Announcements and Adjournment
The board announced a series of upcoming holiday dates and parades in Kapolei and Waianae. They also noted that the Neighborhood Commission Office is accepting toy donations for the “Toys for Tots” campaign. The session concluded with board members reiterating the importance of safe driving during the holiday season and inviting the community to participate at the next regular board meeting on December 16, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Nanakuli Public Library. The meeting adjourned shortly before 9:45 p.m.