No 27 North Shore Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting November 2025
27th North Shore Neighborhood Board Meeting
Opening and Board Logistics
The meeting began with reminders about upcoming events and confirmation that printed flyers would be distributed for public awareness. Attendees were asked to settle in, and a quick roll call established that several new participants had arrived. A brief conflict disclosure was made by a board member affiliated with Malama Pupukea Waimea, although it was clarified that this represented no financial conflict. After ensuring there were no other potential conflicts, the board proceeded with standard agenda items, confirming that the schedule would accommodate presentations from city agencies, discussions on neighborhood safety, and updates on various community projects.
Honolulu Fire Department Monthly Update
A representative from the Wailua Fire Station provided incident statistics covering the month of October. Zero structure fires were reported, along with three brush fires, one nuisance fire, no cooking fires, and three activated alarms. Emergency calls totaled 58 medical incidents, one motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian, 10 motor vehicle crashes, two mountain rescues, and three ocean rescues. The department shared a safety tip focusing on cooking fires, especially relevant during holiday seasons when kitchen activities increase. Recommendations included never leaving a stovetop unattended, staying alert while cooking, and keeping flammable items away from heat sources. It was also suggested that children and pets remain a safe distance from the cooking area. Officers encouraged residents to ask further questions and wished the community a safe holiday season.
Honolulu Police Department Report and Community Safety Concerns
A lieutenant from District Two, covering Mililani, Wahiawa, and the North Shore, presented crime statistics for October 23, 2025, to November 23, 2025. Four assaults, no robberies, four burglaries, two unauthorized entries into motor vehicles, and 39 motor vehicle collisions were recorded. The department issued 17 criminal citations, 124 parking citations, and 256 traffic citations. Guidance was provided on holiday travel safety, suggesting that residents share itineraries, research destinations, remain alert in crowded areas, and carefully store valuables while away. Compliments were offered to a responding officer for effectiveness in handling non-emergency complaints through the City’s 311 system. Residents asked for more information about traffic accidents on certain roads and about how to address ongoing issues with speeding motorbikes and noisy street behavior. Additionally, it was noted that crossing-guard vacancies make some school crosswalks less safe during morning and afternoon commutes, prompting the department to consider ways to attract more applicants. A resident expressed concern about trespassing incidents and the difficulty of seeking convictions after crimes occur. The officer agreed to investigate conviction rates and share updates once more detailed data was available.
Ocean Safety Department and Lifeguard Services
A captain for the North Shore Lifeguards shared attendance and rescue statistics for October. Sunset Beach saw around 31,000 beachgoers, while Ehukai Beach drew nearly 50,000 people. Ali‘i Beach was recorded at about 21,000 visitors. A total of 53 rescues took place across multiple sites, with Chun’s Reef frequently requiring lifeguard intervention due to surfing-related incidents and inexperienced swimmers. Long-term data for 2025 showed that Waimea Bay and Sharks Cove continue to see high visitor numbers, each exceeding 600,000 people since January. Plans for a permanent lifeguard tower at Sharks Cove are advancing, with the target date possibly set for January. Eight operational towers in the district are supplemented by roving patrols and three rescue jet skis, covering from Ka‘ena Point to the Hale‘iwa Boat Ramp. Lifeguards reported that they now carry Narcan to address opioid overdoses, adding an additional life-saving measure during medical emergencies. Questions centered on operational hours for lifeguards, extended services during high surf, and data about beach usage during seasonal changes.
Hale‘iwa Christmas Parade and Community Events
A representative from the North Shore Chamber of Commerce spoke about the annual Hale‘iwa Christmas Parade, scheduled for December 12, 2025. Around 40 parade entries had been confirmed, including three horse units, marching bands, and color guard groups. Safety meetings and the final entry deadline were announced, along with a request for volunteer support. Attention was brought to the costs of hosting the parade, defined by expenses such as hiring police officers, insurance, portable toilets, and lighting. Organizers plan fundraising efforts at a surf sample sale immediately after the parade. The community was invited to attend, and local officials were encouraged to help spread the word.
Hawai‘i Youth Transportation Council and Student Updates
A youth council representative introduced himself, describing his role in the Hawai‘i Youth Transportation Council and noting that the group approves legislative proposals tied to youth transit, rebates, and other mobility initiatives. He encouraged attendees to read about the council’s 2026 legislative package and welcomed feedback on related bills. Board members expressed interest in future collaboration, especially regarding a new transportation subcommittee forming in the neighborhood.
Wailua High Activities and School Announcements
The student activities coordinator from Wailua High and Intermediate School reported that the November fall craft and food fair had been successful in raising funds and engaging local families. She also described the school’s upcoming craft events, treats fair, and Thanksgiving basket deliveries organized for families in need. Donations from students, faculty, and community members had exceeded expectations, leading to emotional responses from recipients. December plans include elementary school visits by Santa and student volunteers who arrange ornament-making and other holiday-themed activities. The coordinator noted that top-level education officials would visit the campus to gather student input on school improvement.
Public Comments and Civic Engagement
Various residents used open-microphone time to emphasize the importance of supporting local initiatives and guarding against overdevelopment. One resident thanked the neighborhood board for its large role in monitoring and challenging projects that could alter the community’s character. Updates were shared about an upcoming community meeting concerning the proposed gondola project at Kaukonohua Ranch, where discussions would cover conditional use permit processes and land reclassification issues. Attendees were encouraged to remain involved, submit written comments, and stay informed until final decisions are made.
Senator and Representative Reports
A staff member from Senator Brenton Awā’s office reminded the public of the one-year anniversary celebration for the Hale‘iwa Food Tree Project on November 29. The event would feature official sign unveilings, distribution of fruit tree seedlings while supplies last, and outreach by other agencies. The senator’s office also received questions about controlling invasive insects that threaten breadfruit crops. A staff member from Representative Perruso’s office provided updates on proposed bills related to agriculture parcels and enforcement. The office also noted the Department of Education’s six-year capital improvement plan includes a budget entry of $20 million for Wailua High’s future band room. They are recruiting high school interns through the Keiki Caucus to amplify student voices. The city’s ongoing efforts to relocate homeless encampments was briefly mentioned, and it was acknowledged that board members should be prepared for homeless individuals relocating closer to Hale‘iwa town.
Mayor’s Representative and City Administration Updates
A spokesperson from the Mayor’s Office detailed the city’s newly improved press release distribution system, which allows residents to sign up for updates on all city-related announcements. She shared information about holiday festivities, including a free Royal Hawaiian Band concert at the Blaisdell, the tree lighting ceremony at Thomas Square, and the Honolulu City Lights event at Honolulu Hale. Reference was made to a monthly mayor’s newsletter and efforts to coordinate invasive species reporting. She also followed up on local topics raised in previous meetings, such as the installation of a stop sign at Wailua Beach Road and Goodale Avenue, explaining that the Department of Transportation Services replaced the yield sign to address frequent pedestrian-safety concerns at the nearby elementary school. Another follow-up concerned the potential creation of a first responder center at Sharks Cove. The Honolulu Fire Department confirmed that relocating the Sunset Beach Fire Station to the new center would not be recommended, as it would not improve tsunami safety or meet their operational needs. Instead, the department plans to expand the Waialua Fire Station separately.
City Council Office and District Projects
A staffer from Councilmember Matt Weyer’s office thanked community members for supporting a resolution urging the city to revoke a conditional use permit related to a controversial agri-business and gondola project near Mount Ka‘ala. Mention was made of ongoing progress installing new guardrails along Pupukea Road, expected to take nine months. Another update covered progress on roof replacements and major restroom repairs at Waimea Beach Park, which recently reopened for public use. The councilmember’s office also highlighted a Department of Customer Service pilot program whose kiosks at select grocery stores allow residents to renew vehicle registration quickly. Staff addressed questions about the Hale‘iwa Distillery, confirming they would investigate nuisance complaints and communicate findings to the board.
Proposed Kapoo Pathway at Pupukea Beach Park
Representatives from Malama Pupukea Waimea and the North Shore Community Land Trust outlined a proposal to add a dedicated bicycle and pedestrian path through the northern parking area of Pupukea Beach Park. The project seeks to eliminate traffic conflicts and random parking that endanger pedestrians and cyclists, particularly where the existing bike path network currently breaks off. The presenters described how community charrettes found strong support for creating a safer space for both local residents and visitors passing through. Visual mock-ups showed a paved corridor on the makai side, paired with organized parking stalls that would reduce unsafe vehicle maneuvers. Although the design reduces parking by approximately 20% in that specific lot, the team argued that stricter parking management, coupled with potential environmental benefits, could improve overall safety. Organizers plan next to seek Department of Parks and Recreation approval and partner with the Department of Transportation Services to finalize design and funding.
Kayaka Beach Park Tree Planting Initiative
A city arborist introduced a plan to add shade trees at Kayaka Beach Park as part of an effort to bolster local tree canopies. The arborist expressed a preference for native species, such as milo, hau, lonomea, and kou, which require less irrigation and generally hold up better in coastal environments. Hala and coconut were discussed, though concern over the coconut rhinoceros beetle spurred caution in planting new palms at present. The discussion included necessary irrigation guidelines so that new plantings remain water-efficient. Residents praised the idea of restoring more native plants. The city representative concluded that a community tree-planting day would be scheduled and that volunteers could help put the trees in the ground.
Waialua Skateboard Park Proposal
A neighborhood advocate proposed building a small skateboard park at Waialua District Park to give local youth a safer place to skate. The idea has been considered for over a year and aims to remove skateboard traffic from nearby neighborhood streets while expanding recreational activities on the existing park premises. The suggestion favors a long-and-narrow layout, possibly along the fence line bordering the intersection of Goodale Avenue and Waialua Beach Road. Board members supported moving ahead with a preliminary design, as it would not displace baseball or large-scale activities. Proponents agreed to report back with updates and designs that take into account current field usage, restroom proximity, and any underlying infrastructure constraints.
Moratorium on New Development Until Sustainable Communities Plan Adoption
The board revived consideration of a moratorium on new development, advocated originally in late 2024, calling for a freeze on zone changes, certain major land use permits, and new commercial beach activities until the updated North Shore Sustainable Communities Plan is officially integrated into the city’s land use ordinance. Speakers underscored the mounting pressure of large projects, including questionable agricultural subdivisions and potential resort-like expansions. An immediate pause would allow the city and community to stabilize enforcement, evaluate existing farmland, and better inform any long-term infrastructure needs. The board discussed water usage concerns and the threat of overpumping local aquifers. The resolution was amended to clarify that single-family remodeling was exempt, that the freeze would apply only to new commercial beach operations, and that protecting water resources was paramount. It passed unanimously, with members underscoring that the action, while not legally binding, sends a strong message to decision-making bodies.
Closing Remarks and Next Steps
After approving meeting minutes from October, the board announced that its next session will take place on January 27, 2026. Committee leaders confirmed plans for future gatherings, including a Health and Disaster Preparedness Committee meeting in early December. Members hinted that the updated North Shore Sustainable Communities Plan would likely be a major focus at the February neighborhood board session, where city planners are expected to field public questions. The meeting then officially adjourned, leaving participants mindful of the many upcoming holiday events and the evolving landscape of significant local proposals.