No 03 Waiʻalae-Kāhala Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting January 2026
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3 Waialae-Kahala Neighborhood Board Meeting – January 20, 2026
Opening Remarks and Honolulu Fire Department Report
Chair Christian De Quevedo welcomed attendees, noting the reappearance of regular board members and anticipation of others en route. The Honolulu Fire Department (HFD), represented by Firefighter 3 Daryl Asato from the Kaimukī Fire Station, provided December 2025 incident statistics: 10 activated alarms, 54 medical emergencies, 1 motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian, and 1 hazardous materials incident. The hazardous spill occurred near Kilauea Avenue and Apupai Place, where a contractor’s container of malathion leaked in a dumpster; HFD responded with its hazardous materials unit and used a Simple Green spray to control the fumes. Questions from attendees focused on reporting the spill to other agencies and HFD’s potential cost recovery. HFD also shared home electrical safety tips, emphasizing correct use of appliances, extension cords, and licensed electricians.
Honolulu Police Department and Distracted Driving Concerns
Lieutenant Taro Okamura of the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) presented December statistics for the district: 2 motor vehicle thefts (compared to 1 the previous month), 7 burglaries (compared to 6), 15 general thefts (compared to 13), and 6 thefts from vehicles (compared to 4). These were part of 5,968 overall calls for service. HPD offered safety tips for driving in the rain, highlighting the heightened slickness at the start of rainfall and recommending caution with tire pressure, headlights, and braking. Residents asked about possible increases in gun-related incidents and ghost guns, with HPD agreeing to look into more specific data. Attendees also raised distracted-driving worries, including laws banning cell phone use while operating a vehicle. HPD acknowledged that enforcement can be difficult but emphasized citations are issued when drivers are clearly using phones in their hands. Community members expressed frustration that drivers increasingly watch phone screens mounted in windshields. HPD indicated it would continue enforcement and suggested education and personal responsibility are also key strategies.
Board of Water Supply Updates
Board of Water Supply (BWS) representative Lorna reported a single main break in December (on a 2-inch line at 4721 Kahala Avenue) and shared news on expanded rebates jointly offered with the Department of Environmental Services. Residents can receive:
• $150 for Energy Star clothes washers
• $200 for WaterSense label toilets
• Up to $400 for a smart water monitor
Businesses may also qualify for increased rebates on plumbing and kitchen equipment. Residents asked BWS to monitor how these programs affect multi-family complexes. One board member requested data on water usage by single-family residences, multi-family homes, commercial users, and government customers. Lorna agreed to investigate those figures for a future meeting. Another resident described a 167,000-gallon water bill at a vacant home and asked about alert systems; BWS suggested contacting customer care for assistance with high-bill investigations and potential leak detection follow-up.
Department of Transportation and Graffiti Abatement
Casey Abe from the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) cited progress removing graffiti and trash along state roadways. Maintenance crews responded quickly at various locations, but homeless encampments and new graffiti frequently reappear. A joint HDOT and city cleanup under the Waialae Nui Stream Bridge took place on January 13, targeting a known homeless encampment. There were questions about curbing graffiti, including whether HDOT uses anti-graffiti coatings. A community member from a contracting firm offered to share product information with HDOT. Residents also mentioned speeding issues and desired traffic calming, including future red light and speed cameras. Casey reiterated that prioritizing camera locations requires studies, and a follow-up on Waialae underpass construction schedules was promised.
Subdistrict Vacancies and Board Membership
Subdistrict 1 remains vacant. Meanwhile, Sylvia’s resignation created an opening in Subdistrict 4, leading to John White’s nomination and unanimous vote for that seat. John White was then sworn in, affirming support for city and state laws as a new board member. He is known for his active involvement in neighborhood watch efforts and will continue regular safety updates.
Reports from City and State Officials
• Mayor’s Representative: No Mayor’s office representative attended.
• Councilmember Tommy Waters’ Office: Staff member Adam Dū announced that the traffic sensors at Kilauea and Pahoa Avenues were checked and found to be operating correctly, although residents remain concerned about continued speeding. HPD conducted speed enforcement along Kilauea Avenue over several days, issuing one citation. Adam also mentioned progress on 4041 Waialae Avenue, a property that has long attracted homelessness and complaints. While the city cleared debris, squatters have reoccupied the site. He encouraged the public to report trespassers immediately. Adam confirmed additional concerns about trash washing into Kahala waters, including shopping carts abandoned in streams, and said the city would coordinate more frequent cleanups.
• Representative Mark Hashem’s Office: Legislative aide Jane Taylor noted the 2026 session’s upcoming opening day, with Representative Hashem again chairing the House Water and Land Committee. She referenced projects to improve boat access in Moanalua Bay and said the office would respond to a Kahala Hotel easement inquiry.
• Representative Tina Grandinetti: She is vice chair of the Consumer Protection Committee and also sits on Housing and Transportation. She reported working on bills related to foreclosure protections, renter displacement, and cost of prescription drugs. She highlighted a continuing concern about how to enforce distracted driving laws effectively.
• Senator Stanley Chang’s Office: No representative appeared to give a report.
Resident Community Concerns: DOE Property and Other Neighborhood Issues
Two residents, including Randy Port, described success in having the Department of Education (DOE) clean up overgrown foliage along a fence line on 22nd Avenue. This clearing resolved dangerous sidewalk obstructions, though new weeds and erosion threaten to recur. Phase one of the cleanup concluded, and stump grinding is scheduled for January 20–21. Residents hope DOE will proceed with permanent landscaping or other remediation to prevent the property from reverting to an impassable state. They intend to remain in contact with DOE and local officials for long-term solutions.
Another resident, speaking on behalf of neighbors in ʻĀina Koa, reported feral pig activity damaging yards and posing safety risks. A suggestion was to contact the Pig Hunters Association of Oʻahu or private contractors for trapping. The board noted recent success on nearby ʻAliʻi Koa Street, where free trapping services reduced local pig populations. Additionally, a board member pointed out a malfunctioning streetlight near the Kaimukī YMCA (pole #2471) that has gone unrepaired for nearly a year, prompting a renewed call for city action.
Additional Board Business and Closing
The board briefly discussed a letter alleging potential complications with Kahala Beach Apartments’ ground lease renewal, noting it will examine the issue further. The Hawaiʻi Pacific Health Women’s Tennis Games were announced for the upcoming season. The board approved the November 20, 2025, meeting minutes. With no further items needing immediate votes, the meeting adjourned, and the next regular session was scheduled for Thursday, November 19, 2026, at the Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse, maintaining options for in-person or virtual attendance.