No 24 Wai'anae Coast Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting January 2026
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Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board No. 24 Meeting
Meeting Opening and Protocols
The meeting began with a call to order and a review of house rules on speaking time limits, respectful conduct, and methods for community participation both in person and online. Attendees were reminded to queue at the microphone when offering comments and to raise virtual hands when participating online. It was restated that comments must be within two minutes, monthly official reports within three minutes, and presentations under ten minutes. The board also briefly discussed quorum requirements and reminded everyone to maintain decorum. An oli, Eho Mai, was led to ask for guidance and vision for the community, followed by a Pule (prayer) asking blessings on first responders, families who lost loved ones, and solidarity for those rebuilding after recent difficulties.
Conflict Declarations
Board members were given the opportunity to declare any potential conflicts of interest before proceeding with official business. None were declared.
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Report
A Captain from the Waianae Fire Station presented December 2025 statistics, including two structure fires, seven nuisance fires, four activated alarms, 164 medical emergencies, one motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian, five additional collisions, two ocean rescues, and no hazardous materials or mountain rescue incidents. HFD highlighted home electrical safety tips, emphasizing safe use of appliances and extension cords, as well as the importance of using licensed electricians. Questions arose about whether firework permit information is shared with Honolulu Police Department, to which the captain indicated he would bring the concern back to HFD leaders. Residents also inquired about fires on Mount Lahi Lahi and which areas are hardest to access during active fires, prompting HFD to reiterate the importance of keeping driveways clear and avoiding illegal parking on narrow streets.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Report
A sergeant shared that Waianae recorded five motor vehicle thefts, two burglaries, 32 thefts, and two vehicle break-ins in December. Speeding citations in the area numbered 34, with 791 moving violations issued and 20 parking citations, for a total of 1,232 citations over 2,479 calls for service. HPD announced participation in a first responders career fair, partnering with Waianae High School. Community members raised concerns about trespassing on abandoned properties in homestead areas, the issue of shots fired in neighborhoods, and the prevalence of illegal parking on sidewalks, especially near schools. Questions were also posed about HPD’s off-road training in cultural areas near Kuʻilioloa, with HPD noting it would modify training routes to respect sacred grounds. The department encouraged residents to gather specific information—timing, location, and license plates—when reporting illegal parking and other violations so that patrols can be effectively dispatched.
Honolulu Ocean Safety Department Report
A Captain of Leeward Operations reported on December ocean safety incidents, including monk seal harassment, stranded boat relocations during high surf, a medical rescue of hikers short on water, and multiple preventions and minor rescues at Makaha Beach and Pokai Bay. Additional highlights involved assisting passengers on kayaks swept out to sea and towing stranded vessels near Waianae Harbor. Ocean Safety personnel also announced their participation in the first responders career fair in partnership with Waianae High School. A question arose regarding an incident at sea involving a tourist who had medical complications on a boat, to which Ocean Safety noted it had occurred in November and EMS had pronounced the individual at the scene.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) Report
A representative detailed two December water main breaks along Old Government Road and Farrington Highway. BWS reminded the public about expanded water conservation rebates, where residents and commercial customers could receive higher rebates for Energy Star appliances and water-efficient equipment. The department provided its website link for more information and is distributing flyers with further details. A question was asked about how to best respond if squatters and trespassers appear on BWS properties, particularly in Makau. BWS indicated it is still discussing signage and awareness strategies with staff. Residents also inquired about water as a public trust and whether certain populations have the right to access water, with BWS saying it would seek guidance from its higher offices.
U.S. Army Report
A lieutenant colonel from Schofield Barracks announced plans for artillery, mortar, and demolition training in mid-January, which may generate noise between early morning and midnight. He also noted aviation movements between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. during specific days in January. Prescribed, controlled burns are planned for April 13 to 19 at Schofield Barracks to reduce vegetation that could catch fire during upcoming training. Questions centered on potential nighttime flight routes over Waianae Valley, concerns about leftover ordnance after regular artillery use, and adherence to treaties requiring timely land restoration. The Army shared a community line at 808-787-1528 for emergent questions and reported that further details on environmental clearances or artifact returns can be requested and will be followed up at future meetings.
Approval of Meeting Minutes
The board approved the minutes for November 4 and December 2, 2025, with minor corrections regarding details of certain incidents, references to locations, and question attribution. One correction was to note Kaena Point as the site of specific ocean safety incidents. Both sets of minutes were cleared with corrections recorded.
Proposed Meeting Procedure Changes (Oli, Pule, Pledge of Allegiance)
The board discussed whether to incorporate a monthly Pledge of Allegiance alongside the customary oli and pule. Some members favored adding the pledge, while others noted historical trauma and preferred to retain only the oli and pule. The board voted separately on each component. The oli and pule received unanimous support to remain standing items on the agenda. A motion to include the Pledge of Allegiance did not pass, with a majority supporting the decision not to include it.
Presentation on Prince Kūhiō Mural at Kaupuni Park
A Department of Parks and Recreation representative and homestead association members discussed a recently completed mural of Prince Kūhiō on the Kaupuni Park restroom building. The artwork was initially painted without formal approval, but the city is willing to support and retroactively permit the mural if the community is in favor. Neighborhood members praised the tribute to Prince Kūhiō and noted that the image could use additional color adjustments to reflect his true appearance. The board voted to support keeping the artwork and to work with city officials on paperwork to finalize its presence.
Presentation on Proposed Kupuna Housing in Nanakuli
A community kōkua initiative led by a Waimanalo-based shelter representative was introduced, focusing on creating a site in Nanakuli designed for senior residents experiencing houselessness. The proposal involves placing prefabricated sleeping pods on a vacant lot across from Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. Organizers said they plan a community-based operation similar to an existing shelter in Waimanalo, emphasizing Hawaiian cultural values. Various attendees commented on coordinating with local homestead leaders, the city, and legislative offices. Some supported the effort for immediate relief, while others expressed concerns about potential flood zones, construction costs, and whether local operators in Waianae should take the lead. The project remains in early stages with final approvals still pending.
Community Concerns and Resident Comments
Attendees raised issues of animal cruelty and the difficulty in having cases addressed quickly by the Hawaiian Humane Society. One resident shared the challenge of reporting neighbor abuse of a dog and called for clearer protocols and better response times. Another expressed concern about moving traffic plates that have long been present inside the H3 Tunnel in Kaneohe, describing them as potential hazards. Additional remarks questioned how the region’s infrastructure accommodates tourism but offers only limited solutions for people facing homelessness. Some asked to unify local nonprofits, encourage broader state or city funding, and protect the environment from real estate developments that do not align with community priorities.
Elected Officials and Agency Updates
A representative for Councilmember Andria Tupola announced leftover statistics on homelessness outreach and a cleanup initiative slated for February 7 at Lahi Lahi Beach Park, with a focus on clearing the beach area and slopes of Mount Lahi Lahi. The mayor’s representative did not provide a formal report. Governor Josh Green’s liaison shared that carryover questions were brought to the governor’s office and reminded the public of upcoming Hawaiian Homes Commission meetings and legislative budget hearings. Senator Samantha DeCourt joined remotely and spoke about starting monthly newsletters on opening day of the legislative session, January 21, and invited visitors to the Capitol. State Representative Chris Moro-Oka discussed his support for local-led solutions to homelessness, urged unity across the district, and reaffirmed a plan to gather community input before endorsing new housing initiatives. Other elected officials were not present or did not provide additional remarks.
Committee Reports
Committee chairs provided meeting schedules. The Business and Economic Development Committee highlighted a past discussion about supporting local entrepreneurs and job opportunities and noted a fourth Tuesday monthly meeting, typically at 7:30 p.m. Transportation, Education, Health and Public Safety, and Housing and Homelessness Committees also announced meeting dates at various times and locations, noting the ongoing difficulty of arranging suitable public facilities for sessions.
Closing Announcements and Next Steps
Final announcements reminded everyone of the next regular neighborhood board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the Waianae Public Library. Legislative session at the State Capitol commences on January 21. A Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) public hearing on January 12 will consider a conditional use permit for the Kamananui Project, sometimes referred to as the gondola development. The board remained in opposition to this project and planned to submit written testimony reflecting earlier decisions. The meeting then adjourned with reminders for community members to stay engaged in future discussions and to reach out to committees for further input.