No 27 North Shore Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting February 2026
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27 North Shore Neighborhood Board Meeting – February 25, 2026
Call to Order and Agenda
Chair convened the meeting, confirmed no board member conflicts with agenda items, and announced a vacant sub-district seat in Kauailoa (sub-district 4). No community members stepped forward to fill this vacancy. Following a brief acknowledgment of attendees, the board proceeded with city agency reports and resident concerns. Members emphasized the importance of accurate public information on issues affecting the community and urged all participants to share updates that would foster transparency.
Honolulu Fire Department Report
A representative from the Wailua Fire Station provided fire incident statistics for January 2026, highlighting two nuisance fires, one activated alarm, 50 medical emergencies, and three motor vehicle collisions. The firefighter also delivered a February safety tip reminding the public to call 911 before attempting to drive to a station, since fire crews may be out on other emergencies. Emphasis was placed on giving dispatch an accurate location. The public was informed that 911 text messaging is available if voice service fails, particularly in remote settings such as hiking trails. The board congratulated a local firefighter, recognized for his recent promotion, and thanked all personnel for their service.
Honolulu Police Department Report
A lieutenant from the Wahiawa Station presented HPD’s monthly statistics, which included four assaults, two robberies, no burglaries, seven unauthorized entries into motor vehicles, and 37 motor vehicle collisions. Six criminal citations were issued, along with 57 parking citations, and officers responded to a total of 809 service calls in January. Teen dating violence awareness and prevention was spotlighted as an ongoing campaign, with cautionary signs of violence or controlling behavior outlined. The public was advised to visit the Honolulu Police Department website or contact the Domestic Violence Action Center for further guidance. A community member noted that local teachers are preparing to include lessons on sexual violence prevention in K-12 curricula.
Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Updates
Ocean Safety personnel reported that local guarded beaches saw about 238,000 visitors in the past month, with 66 violations issued and over 87,000 preventative actions taken. They administered nearly 1,841 minor first aid treatments, 31 rescues, and confirmed zero drownings. Officials emphasized that the winter surf season brought volatile conditions and urged everyone to visit lifeguarded beaches. They also updated the board about plans for constructing a new lifeguard tower at Sharks Cove, explaining that the job contract needed re-writing, causing a delay. The city expects the new tower to be installed within five weeks after trimming more trees for access and completing coordination with park management.
Board of Water Supply Communication
A representative acknowledged community frustration regarding a water main break on Tutu Place and apologized for the inconvenience. Crews were working at night to locate valves and determine whether an eight-inch or a sixteen-inch main was leaking. Officials noted that road paving performed by the Department of Transportation can complicate valve access in emergencies. January 2026 saw three main breaks, all of which were on four-inch lines. The Board of Water Supply is continuing its decades-old poster and poetry contests to promote water conservation and awareness. A board member recalled prior roadwork issues and encouraged coordination between agencies to prevent repeated excavation of recently paved roads.
Community Concerns and Announcements
A community member reported dying Norfolk Pines along Kamehameha Highway and expressed worry regarding potential hazards if the trees fell. Another individual from the Hawaii Bicycling League announced the Haleiwa Metric Century on April 26 and a new Mother’s Day bike event on May 10, with proceeds benefiting bicycle education and family-focused activities. A forthcoming march from Ala Moana Beach Park to Kapi‘olani Beach Park to celebrate World Water Day was noted, and Wailua High School updated the board on upcoming prom activities, faculty-student sporting competitions, and spring break events. Several community members raised the issue of restricted-use pesticides near local schools and along the North Shore, pointing to newly introduced state bills addressing buffer zones and the ban of certain chemicals. A representative of a local horse rescue organization introduced himself and took questions about volunteer needs. Another concerned resident discussed spotting turtles with physical deformities, believing pesticide usage could be a contributing factor, and encouraged the board to review the matter through its Water and Land Committee. A teacher asked the board to support better bike path maintenance, noting that city officials had not acted on repeated requests, and suggested a formal board letter asking for repairs.
Verizon Cell Tower Upgrade
Representatives from Crown Castle, Verizon, and the community debated a proposal to raise an existing cell tower in Haleiwa by fifteen feet. Verizon plans to co-locate on the structure to improve coverage and reduce service gaps. Community members asked whether previous tower owners had abandoned the site and why the tower, decommissioned by another carrier, had not been removed. Some expressed concerns about visual impacts, possible health risks, and future co-locations, while others highlighted the dire need for more reliable cellular service. Verizon addressed engineering requirements, structural upgrades, and wind-load analyses that would ensure tower integrity during extreme weather. The board took note of homeowner and environmental concerns, emphasizing that safety, noise levels, and scenic impacts must be taken into account before proceeding.
Haleiwa Bottle Shop License Change
A local business owner explained plans to convert the Haleiwa Bottle Shop from a retail-only establishment into a hybrid location allowing on-premises beer and wine consumption. The board discussed similarities to the owner’s other site in Kahuku, which has operated for several years with no citations, minimal noise, and a family-friendly atmosphere. The proprietor stressed that there would be no loud music, no trivia nights or late-night business hours, and a continued invitation for patrons to bring their own food. The board voted unanimously to send a letter to the Liquor Commission in support of the license modification, emphasizing respect for youth activity hours, community character, and traffic considerations.
Wai-Home Cesspool Conversion Innovation
Representatives from Wai-Home highlighted a new above-ground wastewater treatment system, known as MATA, designed to separate and dehydrate household waste, thereby dramatically reducing what flows into leach fields or former cesspools. They stated that Department of Health approval is still pending and that the system shows promising initial data, with around ninety percent of suspended solids removed. The dehydration process might allow for easy disposal or reuse of byproduct if properly regulated. Board engineers and local experts expressed excitement over the potential affordability and suitability for post-and-pier homes that lack space or proper soil conditions for conventional septic work. The board voted to send a letter urging the Department of Health to review and consider the technology’s approval.
Proposed Changes to Conditional Use Permits
The board reviewed proposed amendments under City Council Resolution 26-17, which seeks to reform the city’s land use ordinance regarding minor and major conditional use permits. Members discussed the difficulty of large, tourism-centered projects—such as potential gondolas or agritourism operations—being approved with minimal public notice. While acknowledging that legitimate farmers must not be overburdened, the board supported the intent to require public input on CUP applications that currently bypass community review. The board resolved to notify the Director of Planning and Permitting that it supports the resolution’s goals and will submit further recommendations as the legislative process continues.
City and County Reports
Dr. Kālai Fox of the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency emphasized using the modernized 311 system for city service requests, noting better follow-up processes. She mentioned the city’s ongoing efforts to assess flood responses, particularly regarding stream maintenance and stormwater management, after recent severe rains on the North Shore. She also referenced the city’s plan for an after-action review to address future flooding risks and to better coordinate warnings, shelter availability, and overall emergency response. The board asked for transparency and timely updates on drainage ditch cleaning schedules, structural safety measures, and potential collaboration between government and local residents.
Legislative Updates
A staff member for Councilmember Weyer announced plans to expand safer school zones by reducing speed limits to twenty miles per hour around multiple area schools. Members were alerted to property-specific concerns, including a request for a different crosswalk near Haleiwa Road. Board members learned that the next pool manager hire for Wailua District Park was pending new applicants. Representatives from Legislators Quinlan and Peruso’s offices offered updates on bills addressing pesticide regulations, gondola bans in mountainous agricultural areas, enhanced traffic-law penalties for unlicensed drivers, conveyance tax reforms, and more accountability for development projects. Both offices stressed community engagement on the buffer-zone issue, citing ongoing legislative hearings that would benefit from resident testimony.
Meeting Minutes Approval and Closing
The board approved the previous month’s minutes and revisited final acknowledgments, including an apology from the Board of Water Supply for the water main break near recently paved thoroughfares. Members thanked city officials, legislators, and community attendees for their support and diligence on a wide range of topics related to neighborhood well-being. The meeting adjourned with a reminder that collaboration among residents, government, and industry remains essential for managing the North Shore’s evolving needs.